The use of microprocessors in gas-cooled nuclear reactors

On examination of the Generating Boards´ design safety requirements, a set of rules constraining the reliability of reactor post-trip cooling systems can be identified. The cooling systems have been designed to satisfy these criteria and also keep control requirements at a simple level. However, although microprocessor technology is well suited to the duty of sequencing this plant, post trip, the risk of common-mode failures limits the extent to which it can be employed