Features and Benefits

Our Reuter Stokes gamma and neutron TIP sensors are movable DC ion chambers that measure gamma and neutron flux, respectively, at the elevation of each LPRM sensor. The sensor operates in a neutron flux range from 1.5 E13 nv to 1.5 E14 nv, or from about 10 to 100 percent of the rated reactor power. Both styles of TIP sensors are driven in or out of the calibration tube by a drive mechanism that engages a helical drive cable that forms the outer sheath of the sensor signal cable. Between calibrations, the TIP sensor is withdrawn to a storage location outside primary containment. Several LPRMs can be calibrated with a single TIP sensor that is guided to the LPRM calibration tubes with an indexing mechanism.

Capabilities

Gamma TIP calibration offers an advantage over neutron TIP calibration. The gamma TIP, which senses gamma radiation, is less sensitive to water gap and LPRM positioning variables than a neutron-measuring probe. Investigations of boiling water reactor core power levels have shown that neutron TIP readings often indicate greater than actual radial power asymmetries. In some cases, these indicated asymmetries have led to unnecessarily conservative operating margins, reducing reactor-operating flexibility, and in many plants, power output potential. The gamma TIP addresses the need for more accurate readings to calibrate the reactor's LPRMs.

Our gamma TIP sensors can help:

• Improve fuel utilization with further fuel depletion
• Reduce startup time by improving peaking factor calculations
• Simplify inventory storage and extend sensor life through the elimination of fissile material
• Improve accuracy of TIP calibration with less asymmetry variance and correction to nodal powers
• Extend time intervals between LPRM calibrations as a result of improved accuracy
• Increase operating margins with more accurate readings

Related Offerings

• Source & Intermediate Range Detectors
• Startup/Wide Range Detectors (SRNM/WRNM)
• Power Range Detectors (LPRM)
• Dry Tube Assemblies
• TIP/SRM/IRM Mechanical Drive Equipment
• Undervessel Equipment
• Gamma Thermometers
• CRD Position Indicator Probes
• Moveable In-Core Detectors

For More Information

Contact one of these resources:

Commercial Operations
Call: Fred Askins at:
+1 330-963-2314
Send email to: frederick.askins@ge.com

Call: William Stringer at:
+1 330-963-2292
Send email to: william.stringer@ge.com

Global Sales
Call: Warren Phelan at:
+1 330-963-2458
Send email to: warren.phelan@ge.com

Product Line Leader
Call: Dan Waltermire at:
+1 330-963-2311
Send email to: dan.waltermire@ge.com

Call: Garrick Joseph at:
+1 330-486-0545
Send email to: garrick.joseph@ge.com

For existing order and shipment status
Call: Dianah McDonald at:
+1 330-963-2465
Send email to: dianah.mcdonald@ge.com