PLENTIFUL ENERGY

In the final step, the pins are arranged in subassemblies for return to the reactor.
In the air cell, the magazine is unloaded and the pins are inspected in an automated
inspection system. The pins are then installed in the subassembly hardware on the
assembler/dismantler. An existing machine that has been extensively refurbished
assembles the newly fabricated fuel pins into assembly hardware for transfer to
EBR-II.
A process control and accountability system gives the desired process
information. It consists of logic controllers, operator control stations, central data
logging, and mass tracking. An overview of the information which will be shared
among the different areas and the general system configuration is shown in Figure
8-9. The logic controllers provide the interface between the process equipment and
the control system. Operating technicians control and monitor all important process
parameters through the operator control station (OCS).
Figure 8-9. Process control and accountability system layout
The mass-tracking computer system tracks the movement, location, and
elemental and isotopic composition of all nuclear material inside the air and argon
cells in near real time. In addition, process materials such as chemical reagents and
fission products can be tracked. Tracking is by discrete item, such as pin, assembly,
storage container, crucible, or piece of processing equipment. The data comes from
the programmable logic controllers, operator control stations, and analytical
laboratory measurements.
The mass-tracking system assists operation and operations support personnel
with materials control and accountability, compliance with criticality safety
specifications, compliance with facility operating limits, assistance in process
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