PALM Overview

Question 1

What are the major components of the PALM system?

Answer 1

Storage Stand
Servo Drive Units (SDUs)
Measurement Control and Processor Unit (MCPU)
Boom
PALM Drive Units (PDUs)
Operator Station
Loop Control Area
PALM Data Acquisition System (PDAS)

Question 2

What is the function of the PDU button?

Answer 2

Places PALM in Manual
Allows operator to control PALM unit from the reactor top via pendant controller. PALM moves up and down as long as the button is held.

Question 3

What four operations are performed with the PALM?

Answer 3

Flux Probe Checks
Power Variation Checks
Fast Cycles
Power Demand Cycles

Question 4

What is the purpose of Flux Probe Checks?

Answer 4

Used to predict test temperatures at various positions and power levels.
Performed at low reactor power levels by slowly inserting the test in small increments.

Question 5

What is the purpose of Power Variation Checks?

Answer 5

Used to ensure the reactor regulating rod can compensate for reactivity associated with test movement and that reactor power variations remain within acceptable limits. Performed at low reactor power levels.

Question 6

What is the purpose of Fast(Accident) Cycles?

Answer 6

Used to subject the test to accident type conditions. Higher than normal reactor lobe powers. Can perform up to 4 Fast Cycles.

Question 7

What is the purpose of Power Demand Cycles?

Answer 7

Used to subject the test to normal transient operation. Performed at full power to achieve desired rates of temp change. Perform 1000 Power Demand Cycles

Question 8

Describe Rx power/Cycles/Purpose of Flux Probes.

Answer 8

3 MW <50% / 1 cycles / Flux Map

Question 9

Describe Rx power/Cycles/Purpose of Power Variation Checks.

Answer 9

3 MW <50% / 1/Reg Rod / Reg Rod Compensation

Question 10

Describe Rx power/Cycles/Purpose of Fast Cycles.

Answer 10

Nf(lobe at higher than normal power)/up to 4 cycles/ subject test to accident conditions

Question 11

Describe Rx power/Cycles/Purpose of Power Variations.

Answer 11

Nf / 1000 cycles / normal transients

Question 12

What is the servo drive precaution associated with PALMs?

Answer 12

Servo drive must be de-energized with power supply breakers open prior to connecting or disconnecting PDU. Prevent electrical shock.

Question 13

What is the home switch precaution associated with PALMs?

Answer 13

During ops of the PALM Drive Unit from reactor top with pendant, servo drive unit cabinet must be closed and locked. Home switch on the servo drive unit cabinet, if accidentally tripped, could result in injury to personnel installing the unit.