Phone: (717) 867-2788
Fax: (717) 867-2714

Products

Profile

• Digital Oscilloscope: One channel configured as a digital time domain reflectometer and one channel configured for waveform recording
  
• LCR Meter: Measures DC resistance and impedance of the circuit
  
• DC Insulation Resistance Meter: Measures very high resistance values under voltage stress
  
• Computer Controlled Coaxial Switch Assembly: Controls connection of circuit to desired measurement function
  
• PC Notebook: Control test instruments, store and retrieve data, and perform data analysis and reporting

The CHAR System software controls testing, data storage, and analysis. The software consists of two modules; (1) the acquisition or test module and (2) the master archive, analysis and reporting module. The CHAR System is controlled using Windows NT/98/2000-based forms and tables to speed up operation, eliminate typing, and maintain consistency in data input.

The software has been designed around the needs of the power plant. The plant equipment identification number is the control link for all the data and other electronic test data can be linked through the CHAR 2000 System software. The open architecture allows for future upgrading and the Master Database is easily installed on the Network.

Control system problems that have caused an unscheduled outage can be characterized to positively identify and pinpoint the problem for a system failure. Lacking positive proof of the root cause of a problem can easily add a day or more to the outage. The quickness that the CHAR System locates system problems will significantly reduce troubleshooting time. A savings of only one unscheduled outage day can pay for the cost of a CHAR System.

Characterization of nuclear instrumentation systems made in advance of required plant operation will eliminate startup delays.

The CHAR System can be set-up in the control room to accurately identify and locate problems on all control systems that extend into high radiation, thus a reduction in radiation exposure to plant personnel is achieved.

Degradation of power and control circuits in a harsh environment (due to high temperature, a high radiation area, or moisture intrusion) can lead to a location related common mode failure where similar problems repeat on similar circuits. Characterization of a sampling of circuits will provide trending information that can be used to identify degradation and plan preventive maintenance. Accurate predictive maintenance will reduce scrams and enhance the operability of the plant.

The aging model for electrical cables has identified insulation embrittlement and cracking as an issue. A LOCA environment would breech the insulation through the cracks and fail the cables. Thermal or radiation hot spots can cause localized aging, making it important to identify both the indication of a problem and the location of the problem. The CHAR 2000 System accurately measures the electrical parameters of the cable and obtains a time domain signature to provide a trend indicator of the condition of the insulation. Characterization and trending of the interconnecting cables will identify actual problem areas and will also demonstrate integrity for most cables to provide a basis for plant life extension.

• On-site training for up to 10 students
• 24-hour hotline support
• Extended Range Insulation Resistance Meter (5kV)