What is BS IEC 61468 about?
BS IEC 61468 applies to in-core neutron detectors, viz. self-powered neutron detectors (SPNDs), which are intended for application in systems important for nuclear reactor safety: protection, instrumentation and control.
BS IEC 61468 contains SPND characteristics and test methods and the main sources of errors, and the possibilities for their minimization are also considered.
Self-powered neutron detectors can be used for measurement of neutron fluence rate and associated parameters in nuclear reactors. Most popular for the indicated applications are detectors with rhodium emitters.BS IEC 61468 considers dynamic characteristics, emitter burn-up, identity and other factors influencing operational characteristics of detectors.
Who is BS IEC 61468 for?
BS IEC 61468 on nuclear power plants instrumentation systems is used in:
- Electricity generation company authorities
- Companies dealing with nuclear power plants
- Electrical / mechanical/ structural engineers
- Nuclear power plant equipment manufacturers and suppliers
Why should you use BS IEC 61468?
A nuclear power plant (NPP) is a thermal power plant station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor. That heat is used to generate steam that drives a steam turbine connected to a generator which helps in producing electricity.
BS IEC 61468 provides you the general requirements for electrical power systems, it covers power supply systems including the supply systems of the I&C systems. It establishes a complete framework for instrumentation, control and electrical systems for nuclear power plants.
Thus, as a user of BS IEC 61468, it provides you the advantage for self-powered neutron detectors of no need of power supply, simple and robust construction, small mechanical “size” well suited for in-core installation, good stability under temperature, pressure, radiation and other conditions, which all helps in manufacturing nuclear power plants.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS IEC 61468:2021 supersedes BS IEC 61468:2000, which is withdrawn.
BS IEC 61468:2021 includes:
- Title modified
- Justify the requirements for SPND characteristics in terms of influencing factors.
- Align the terminology with the current state of the regulatory framework