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Advanced Techniques for On-Line Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics of Digital Rod Position Indication Systems for Existing and Next Generation Nuclear Power Plants

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85269
Agency Tracking Number: 91609
Amount: $99,978.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 66 a
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000350
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
9111 Cross Park Drive Building A
Knoxville, TN 37923
United States
DUNS: 021567144
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Greg Morton
 Mr.
 (865) 691-1756
 gmorton@ams-corp.com
Business Contact
 Darrell Mitchell
Title: Mr.
Phone: (865) 692-1756
Email: mitchell@ams-corp.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The designs of many existing Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) incorporate a Digital Rod Position Indication (DRPI) system to monitor the positions of the control and shutdown rods within the reactor. These DRPI systems have been in service for over 30 years in nuclear power stations worldwide, and are currently being used as the basis for the rod position indication systems in new designs. In recent years, however, aging and obsolescence issues have led to an increase in problems with the DRPI systems. These problems include analog card failures and coil cable connection issues. These problems, along with plans for plant life extension, have prompted the industry to actively seek viable options to monitor the health and accuracy of these DRPI systems, in order to ensure reliable plant operations for decades to come. As such, this project will establish the feasibility of an advanced DRPI diagnostic system for existing and new PWR reactors. In Phase II, a complete system will be developed for deployment in an existing PWR. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardeeThe technology should provide the enhanced diagnostic capabilities needed to monitor DRPI system components in nuclear power plants.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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