Approaches to process monitoring in small modular reactors

One of the advantages of small modular reactors (SMRs) is their possible deployment in remote locations and continued long-term operation with minimum downtime. In order to achieve this operational goal, the SMRs may require remote and continuous monitoring of process parameters. This feature is also important in monitoring critical parameters during severe accidents and for post-accident recovery. Small integral light water reactors have in-vessel space constraints and many of the traditional instrumentation are not practical in actual implementation. In order to resolve this issue, experiments were carried out on a flow test loop to characterize the relationship among process variables (flow rate, pressure, water level) and pump motor signatures. The paper presents the findings of this research with implications in relating electrical signatures to pump parameters.