Power level determination from induced gamma activity in nuclear reactor coolants.

Abstract

The operation of a nuclear power plant Involves a variety of instrumentation, most of which is of a conventional character. However, for control purposes, conventional instrumentation for power level determination is not adequate since it does not respond instantaneously either to overall or to local changes in reactor power. The reactor power level is proportional to the neutron flux, and instruments that measure flux can be located at many points throughout the reactor system. Such devices have an essentially instantaneous response and are suitable for indicating power levels and for operating automatic control and safety mechanisms.