Computer based data acquisition for on-line reactivity computation and reactivity balance for FBTR [Paper No.:E1]

Reactivity calculations are important for fast reactors. With the availability of low cost industrial personal computers, on-line reactivity computation and reactivity balance can be effectively carried out by computer based systems. In Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), on-line reactivity computation is carried out by industrial PC based system. It derives reactivity by solving point kinetic equations. Software can be tuned very easily to incorporate the changes in the values of decay constants and delay neutron fraction, when the core configuration changes. It has features like on-line color graphic display of reactivity, history storage for post mortem analysis and hard copy. On-line calculation of reactivity balance is very useful to identify any anomalous reactivity. The software calculates negative reactivity contribution due to rise in coolant temperature, coolant flow, reactor power and burn up. It calculates the positive reactivity contribution due to withdrawal of control rods. Any anomalous reactivity can be identified from reactivity balance table and corrective action can be taken. (author). 3 refs.,1 tab