In-situ Condition Monitoring of Components in Small Modular Reactors Using Process and Electrical Signature Analysis. Final report, volume 1. Development of experimental flow control loop, data analysis and plant monitoring

For reliable and economic long-term operation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), it is imperative that continuous in-situ monitoring of critical equipment must be developed and incorporated in the reactor design phase. This capability is attractive for remote deployment of SMRs with longer fuel cycle duration and for minimizing forced outages, thus enhancing the utilization of these power generating systems in small electric grid environments. These issues were highlighted in a report on Instrumentation, Controls, and Human-Machine Interface Technology Development Roadmap for Grid Appropriate Reactors (ORNL). The DOE Workshops on On-Line Monitoring and Small Modular Reactors (held in June 2010) further emphasized the need for the development of continuous non-invasive approach for reactor surveillance. These technologies contribute to smart condition-based maintenance, reduced human resources, and remote monitoring of reactor components. In integral primary system reactors (IPSR) and other designs of SMRs, the pressure vessel incorporates most of the critical equipment used for power generation. Examples of such plant components include: motors, coolant circulation pumps, motor-operated valves, solenoid-operated valves, compressors, control rod drives, incore instrumentation, and reactor internal structures.