BS IEC 60568:2006

What is BS IEC 60568 - In-core instrumentation in power reactors about? 

BS IEC 60568 is a European standard that discusses instrumentation important to safety of nuclear power plants (NPPs). BS IEC 60568 provides guidance for the design of in-core instrumentation for neutron fluence rate measurements in thermal neutron reactors designed for power production. 

BS IEC 60568 applies to on-line in-core neutron detectors, together with associated components and instrumentation, designed for purposes important to reactor safety: protection, information, or control. The detector types usually used are direct current ionization chambers, fission ion chambers, and self-powered neutron detectors. 

The major emphasis in BS IEC 60568 is on the general design aspects of on-line systems. For the principles of overall system design and for the purpose of neutron flux measurements, reference should be made to IEC 61513. 

Who is BS IEC 60568 - In-core instrumentation in power reactors for? 

BS IEC 60568 on in-core instrumentation for nuclear power plants is useful for: 

• Nuclear power stations 
• Atomic energy agencies 
• Atomic research organizations 
• Nuclear power plants electrical systems and equipment manufacturers 
• Operators of NPP, systems evaluators and licensors 
• Nuclear safety authorities 
• Regulatory authorities 

Why should you use BS IEC 60568 - In-core instrumentation in power reactors? 

BS IEC 60568 focusses on the issues specific to in-core instrumentation systems. A system is understood as a measurement system producing the signals from the detectors. 

BS IEC 60568 gives the principles of power distribution measurements based on several types of 

detectors: Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPND), fission chambers or calorimeters. It is organized into the following major sections providing: 

• The general requirements for systems 
• The general requirements for on-line in-core detectors including mechanical, electrical, and nuclear characteristics and the range of operation 
• The requirements for testing of detectors (prototype, serial production) 
• The requirements for testing the system 
• Recommendations for maintenance of the detectors after operation 

Thus, compliance with BS IEC 60568 can help maintain the functional and operation integrity of on-line in-core neutron detectors such that they play a positive role in efficient power production.