Simulator training for nuclear reactor plant operators

British Nuclear Fuels plc operate two nuclear power generating stations in the UK, each comprising four Magnox type reactors. The reactors at both stations are fully protected by automatic shutdown systems which become effective upon irregularities in plant operating conditions. In addition to the provision of fully automated protection it is considered necessary to train operators to recognise potential plant problems. A decision was taken to upgrade the resource for operator training. In particular a simulator or emulator was required to enable operators to practice fault diagnosis and rectification procedures which might be experienced during `once in a lifetime´ fault scenarios. Two were required one for each station which would take account of any minor differences in plants and operating strategies. Potential solutions were examined and a requirement specification was used to assess them. The result was that Marconi Simulation was asked to provide a compact simulation training solution