The replacement of nuclear monitoring equipment

The safe and efficient operation of the reactor within nuclear power stations is determined largely by the measurement and control of neutron flux and core temperature. These parameters are measured using complex sophisticated electronics, located throughout the station, which has to be replaced due to component obsolescence and more onerous operating requirements. The author discusses the problems associated with the replacement of these equipments against a background of the dual requirements of satisfying the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) on safety matters while achieving successful installation during the very limited reactor shut down periods