Continuous Neutron Flux Measurement by prompt Incore Detectors
A0707
The thermal neutron flux of the reactor is a direct measure for the instantaneous nuclear power. The continuous measurement of the neutron flux directly inside the reactor core provides information about local core conditions and can identify local power fluctuations, risk of nucleate boiling and identification of local radial and axial imbalances. A fast measurement of the local core conditions allows monitoring of dynamic processes inside the reactor core, such as Xenon oscillations in real-time. Thus, a continuous, prompt neutron flux monitoring inside the reactor core enables highly efficient plant operation, close to the operational limits, and supports homogeneous fuel burnup.