THE ACCEPTANCE TESTING OF THE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE FOR MODERNIZATION OF AKNP-IF

In June 2022, at the site of the SRPA "Impulse" in Kyiv, by a commission consisting of representatives of South-Ukraine NPP, Khmelnitsky NPP, State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, carried out acceptance testing of software and hardware for the modernization of the neutron flux monitoring system AKNP-I.

The purpose of the modernization is to improve the safety of reactor facilities by replacing individual devices in the AKNP-I, the life of which has been completed, with modern devices with improved characteristics from the AKNP-IF. Moreover, the new components make it possible to carry out a unstressed replacement of obsolete AKNP-I components in any configuration.

One of the main innovative products for the modernization of AKNP-I is UDPN-3 - a device for detecting a neutron flux in the ranges of SKP-DI (fuel and source reload monitoring system) based on a boron-lined proportional counter with high sensitivity from Photonis (France). UDPN-3, in comparison with the detection device in the SKP range based on helium corona counters used in AKNP-I, has a much higher resistance to gamma-radiation and steers away from the mechanisms for moving the SKP detection units.

Based on the results of the acceptance testing, conducted in according to the programme and the method agreed upon in the established manner, the commission confirmed that the software and hardware for the modernization of AKNP-I is in full compliance with the requirements of the terms of reference, a set of documentation (design, technological, operational, programme) and are ready for delivery to Ukrainian NPPs.