Method for continuous functional monitoring of nuclear reaction measuring channels

Ionization chambers are used for continuous functional checks on nuclear radiation measuring channels, especially between the fuel subassemblies in the core of a nuclear reactor. The DC and AC fractions of the measuring signal are converted into voltage signals of equal magnitudes which are proportional to the radiation. They are fed to a comparator unit by separate amplifiers and, e.g., an integrator and a squaring unit, respectively. If there is a voltage differential at the comparator unit, this indicates a leakage current in the insulated transmission cable of the ionization chamber or faulty behavior of the ionization chamber proper. (DG)