What is BS IEC 60515 - Radiation detectors in nuclear power plants about?
BS IEC 60515 is an International Standard that discusses instrumentation important to safety of nuclear power plants. The main purpose of BS IEC 60515 is to ensure radiation detectors are fit for purpose and contribute to the overall safety of nuclear power plants.
BS IEC 60515 applies to the radiation detectors which are installed external to the core of nuclear reactors, and which provide electrical input signals to the reactor’s control and instrumentation system. These detectors are usually gas-filled neutron detectors, and this standard applies only to that type although many of its principles could be used for others, for example, gas-filled gamma radiation detectors. BS IEC 60515, therefore, describes characteristics and tests methods for gas-filled radiation detectors used for the protection of nuclear reactors.
The detectors subject to BS IEC 60515 are:
- Boron d.c. ionization chambers
- fission d.c. ionization chambers or fission pulse ionization chambers (fission counters)
- Boron trifluoride proportional pulse counter tubes
- Helium-3 proportional pulse counter tubes
BS IEC 60515 may be used for d.c. ionization chambers for gamma radiation but the detectors discussed here are not used for personnel dosimetry. In-core radiation detectors are specifically addressed by IEC 60568 and IEC 61468.
Note: This list is not restrictive, and it is hoped that all types of radiation detectors used in reactor installations will benefit from the present standard. The standard for tests also applies to connecting cables and connectors when they form an integral part of the detector.
Who is BS IEC 60515 - Radiation detectors in nuclear power plants for?
BS IEC 60515 on radiation detectors in 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 60515 - Radiation detectors in nuclear power plants?
BS IEC 60515 addresses the issues specific to neutron detectors used mainly for ex-core instrumentation systems. describing the principles, the characteristics, and the test methods for neutron detectors including proportional counters, Ionization chambers (compensated and non-compensated), and fission chambers or fission counters.
BS IEC 60515 provides guidance on the different types of neutron detectors, covers analysis of the factors of influence and recommends the appropriate operational conditions for detectors.
BS IEC 60515 also includes the factory tests and qualification tests to be conducted to demonstrate the performance, efficiency and reliability of radiation detectors.
As a result, you can ensure that the radiation detectors when in operation contribute to the safety and integrity of nuclear power plants
