Development of a RCS Coolant Leak Detection System for Reactor Safety Enhancement

A 0.007 gpm real-time small-and-unidentified leak detection system has been developed. The standard environment test procedures for nuclear power plants were applied to confirm the plant applicability of the developed system. As a result of the minimum leak detection performance test, 0.007 gpm leak detection was demonstrated. If this system is applied to a pressurized light water system, it is possible to detect a local leak much faster than that of a conventional 1 gpm system. As much as the reduced leak detection time, it is possible to extend an operator-action time for the nuclear power plant safety shutdown. If a small leak from a crack can be detected much earlier, the plant can be safely remedied before the crack grows much larger. In addition, real-time leak monitoring is possible to where the LBB (Leak Before Break) design concept is applied pipes or components. This leak detection system can improve the safety of nuclear power plants.