ON-LINE COMPUTERS FOR POWER REACTORS

On-line digital computer systems are described that can monttor and evaluate operating data and eventually control nuclear power plants. The process- control computers that are already operating conventional steam power plants are discussed. Nuclear power plants which now use computers for some automatic operations such as montioiing i'eactor temperatures, detecting burst fuel slugs, recording and processing experimental data, controlling closed-loop functions, and advising performance control are described. Reactors for which computer systems are discussed include Hanford, EDF-1, Shippingport, Big Rock Point, and Douglas Point. (N.W.R.)