System-related periodic tests

The main periodic tests associated with the use of the RIC are as follows.

A functional requalification test is carried out after disassembly and reassembly of the thermowells to enable fuel element unloading/reloading operations. The aim is simply to check that the pockets have been reassembled correctly and that mechanical operation complies with specifications. This test is carried out once per cycle before each restart.

Another test is to check the electrical isolation of the thermocouple lines; this test is carried out each time the unit is restarted. It may be accompanied, if necessary, by isothermal recalibration of the thermocouples. Once nominal temperature and pressure conditions have been reached, but before the first divergence, the thermocouples are reset. In the absence of neutron power, and therefore of the power distribution...