Enhancing signal integrity and reactor power measurement in BTRR using line driver

Abstract

The performance of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) TRIGA Research Reactor (BTRR) was significantly improved by addressing signal integrity issues related to the NLW-1000 logarithmic power channel. The PA-1000 signal, which suffered from strength loss due to the unavoidable transmission line distance, was restored by installing a line driver between the PA-1000 and NLW-1000. Therefore, reactor power and period are visualized in the console in logarithmic scale from the well-acquisition of both pulse count and current signals. By addressing another wiring anomaly, the in activeness of the optocouplers in the FC-ISO-D and FC-ISO-C was resolved, a prestart checklist was performed, and it was found that the apparent “count rate low” failure arose from a mis-specified HMI message condition while the core logic correctly passed the test so further corrective action is needed for the HMI message. Presently, the BTRR functions up to 3MW_th and the power is displayed in the CSC monitor. According to the user demand, the signal integrity is sufficiently enhanced and there is no error within the DACS & CSC. Intermediate circuitry between the PA-1000 and logarithmic module can be omitted in the upcoming advanced logarithmic power monitoring channel to get better performance. The present study underscores the efficacy of signal enhancement methodologies in elevating reactor functionality and delineates a trajectory for sustained progress in nuclear research infrastructure.