Application of noise analysis for response time testing of pressure sensors in nuclear power plants

This paper presents the key results of a research project conducted to verify the potential of noise analysis technique for on-line measurement of response times of pressure sensors and sensing systems in nuclear power plants. The research consisted of laboratory tests with typical nuclear grade pressure sensors and in-plant demonstration tests in four nuclear power plants. The results of these tests have proven that noise analysis is an effective method for quantitative testing of response times of pressure sensors and sensing line systems while the plant is at normal operating conditions. This offers a significant improvement over the conventional test which requires physical access to each sensor and can only be performed when the plant is at cold shutdown