High-Temperature Fiber Optic Sensors for Nuclear Power Applications II

75442S Emerging designs for nuclear energy reactors will require reliable, high-temperature physical sensors that are not currently available. These sensors will need to operate at temperatures of at least 800¿C and pressures up to 1000 psi while undergoing heavy irradiation. This project will develop high-temperature, radiation-hardened fiber optic pressure and temperature sensors for existing and emerging nuclear reactor plants. During Phase I, a pressure sensor design, previously demonstrated at 800 ¿C, was optimized for reactor environments by adding same-point temperature measurement and by reducing thermal induced errors in the pressure measurement. Three prototypes were calibrated from 0-400 psi and from 0-172 ¿C, and then subjected to 16 hours of radiation testing. Less that 1% drift was demonstrated in the sensor during the radiation testing. A breadboard instrument was assembled, and software was developed, to measure both temperature and pressure in a single sensor at the same location on a single fiber. During Phase II, the sensor design will be optimized with respect to yield, cost, and ease of construction. Prototype sensor performance and endurance will be characterized at temperatures up to 1000¿C. Long term endurance testing (400 hours) will be conducted in a high radiation environment with elevated temperature excursions. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The high-temperature, radiation-hardened sensors should allow for more accurate control, increased safety, and reduced overall costs for nuclear power plants ¿ not only for Gen-IV fission reactors, but for commercial nuclear and conventional power plants as well.