Quality in nuclear design

Software in nuclear stations can and does make important contributions to safety. The software comparators (programmable digital comparators) in CANDU 600 MW units are more reliable than the older relay units, with both higher reliability to act on demand and lower spurious activation rates. More intelligent interpretation of plant conditions is expected, in the future, to provide even greater safety and lower spurious trip rates in special safety systems. Much of the routine, repetitive work of the control room operator can be taken over by control computers, as has been demonstrated successfully during hundreds of thousands of nuclear plant operating hours. The operator's mind therefore can be freed to test, inspect, and maintain plant systems - operations which are difficult if not impossible to do properly with machines