The test section and boundary conditions to the test section are of primary interest for the thermal-hydraulic limit determination. Inlet and outlet water temperature are measured by platinum RTD's. Inlet pressure and differential pressure across the test section are measured by transmitters for process control and steady state measurements. Test section volumetric flow and bypass volumetric flow are measured using turbine flowmeters. The low pressure system is instrumented to measure water quality in the letdown flow.
Temperature is measured downstream of the pressure control valve.
Conductivity and pH of this letdown stream is measured before the water flows through the ion exchange column. Sampling ports are available for off-line measurements. A Programmable Logic Control system is used for system control and protection. The logic is designed to ensure correct operating sequences for system components and to provide operating limits for parameters such as pressure, flow, and test channel power. The system is designed to provide removal of power to the test section and subsequent shutdown of the loop upon detection of conditions which may affect loop integrity.