Advanced design enhances protection against premature failure modes
Designed to meet the harsh requirements surrounding a nuclear reactor, specialized Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are utilized in containment primary loops to monitor and provide critical primary hot and cold leg coolant temperature input critical to safe plant operations. Such a crucial component requires exceptional, consistent performance to ensure accurate and immediate readings. These RTDs were designed to address industry failures due to vibration failures while still meeting operational characteristics critical to safe plant operations.
Westinghouse is currently developing a next-generation RTD to further enhance protection against premature RTD failure modes. The robust design will be a like-for-like replacement that can be installed into existing thermowells and utilizes a new design to mitigate installed vibration failures.
The prototype units are currently undergoing rigorous qualification testing to ensure the RTDs meet operational requirements while providing improved component performance.
Key Benefits
- Mitigates premature failures due to system vibration parameters
- Can be installed into existing thermowells, minimizing schedule impact
