Programming 
patch panel 
Recording and 
monitoring 
panel 
1000 input | 25 
—— 
variables 
Scram 
monitor 
1BM 
704 
computer 
X-Y | Summary 
plotter | punch 
FIG. 2. Block diagram of data-reduc- 
tion system in operation. Computer is 
not inventoried as part of system 
check the results of their transient 
maneuvers on the strip recorders. 
Recorders should have solenoid- 
actuated time-pulse markers operated 
from a single button at a console. 
Markers that type the time on charts 
are inconvenient, for this equipment 
hides about 20% of the chart. Another 
feature the recorders should have is a 
range-suppression switch to allow full- 
scale pen travel for about four equal 
segments of the input. This is gener- 
ally easy if the full-scale input was 
initially 4-5 millivolts or more. 
Scales marked 0-100 are preferred, 
for exact ranges are known only late in 
the project’s design. Moreover range 
suppression makes impossible the use 
of an exact scale marking. 
Fast Reducer 
A typical high-speed 
shown in Fig. 4. 
Final design of the transient-data 
recorder for a test facility is a com- 
promise. In a plant maneuver, 100— 
150 points are of interest. Requests 
are common to scan al] of them in 149 
sec—requiring a speed of 2,000—3,000 
points per sec. The transient lasts 
about 2!9 min, the length of a flow- 
decay period. Another use for the fast 
reducer is to obtain “instantaneous” 
readings of its 100-150 points at 1-min 
or 5-min intervals in ordinary oper- 
reducer is 
48 
ation. It soon becomes impractical to 
record and store so many data. For 
reasons of handling, storage, economy, 
and reliability the scanning speed must 
be reduced to a reasonable value. De- 
pendability of systems with rates above 
600 points/secis a moot question among 
manufacturers of such equipment. 
Computers that are comparable with 
the IBM 650 are usually required at nu- 
clear testing facilities. Thus the data 
should be recorded in a form compatible 
with the computer. Magnetic tape 
that can be fed to an IBM 704 is ad- 
visable. A tape-to-card converter can 
be used with an IBM 650. 
Linearization of inputs from thermo- 
couples should be done in the computer 
instead of making the data reducer 
capable of handling both linear and 
nonlinear signals. 
Other features recommended for the 
data reducer are (1) time markers every 
0.01, 0.1, or 1 see as desired, (2) a cali- 
bration signal to check system accu- 
racy, (3) variable scanning speed, (4) 
plug-in relay circuits, (5) plug-in signal- 
check points, and (6) coding to prevent 
data mixup. 
Slow Reducer 
The main value of the low-speed data 
reducer is to make unnecessary hand 
logging of data and to provide at all 
times a typed log of general-perform- 
ance data. It can also check the high- 
speed unit. Operation is continuous 
during startup and on a half-hour or 
one-hour printout basis otherwise. 
Calibration 
bench 
1 
a 
Slow data reducer- 
desk 
' 
Fast 
Amplifier cabinet—- - data 
reducer 
Scram monitor - - +] 
Terminal-board — - 4 
panel ' 
i) 
Amplifier 
=a cabinets 
! 
i) 
Multichannel 
oscillograph 
FIG. 3. Plan view of recording equipment. 
gram of Fig. 2 
Data- handling 
ial 
The design is generally easier than 
that of the high-speed unit. Scanning 
speed is about one point/sec. Readout 
on the typewritten log is directly in 
terms of the variable. As in the high- 
speed unit, such features as coding, 
time, calibration signals, variable scan- 
ning speed, and operation on demand 
are included. Point-eliminate or even 
bank-eliminate switches are convenient 
when the number of inputs begins to 
be too great. Low-speed loggers in 
these plants are sometimes burdened 
with as many as 300-500 points. 
Scram Monitor 
Scram circuits to cause reactor shut- 
down are a constant source of concern. 
After a reactor scrams, the question 
immediately arises: What circuit caused 
the scram and what happened during 
shutdown? The scram monitor an- 
swers that question. 
The instrument monitors the trip 
circuits as well as important plant vari- 
ables at a speed of about 100 points/sec. 
Data are recorded on a continuous mag- 
netic tape in analog form. The tape is 
constantly being erased. However, 
24 minutes each of printed and un- 
printed tape are on both sides of the 
recording head. If ascram occurs, the 
erasing mechanism stops, and the coast- 
down is recorded. 
Patch Panel 
A programming patch panel gives a 
high degree of flexibility to the record- 
ing facilities. It permits easy transfer 
Primary - Steam- 
coolant system 
section section 
A ‘ 
_ Mechanical 
_-” performance 
section 
Fades SIE Temperature- 
indicating and 
operations 
console desk 
~~ Health-physics 
section 
ae 
Reactor 
section 
Legends key cabinets to block dia- 
