Caldon ultrasonic M3P system

Monolithic electronics architecture for leading edge flow measurement (LEFM) systems

Applications

  • Nuclear power plant feedwater systems

Benefits

Enables nuclear power plant operators to

  • license for measurement uncertainty recapture (MUR) power uprate
  • recover megawatts lost because of differential pressure meter fouling or drift

Features

  • Mass flow accuracy better than ±0.3%
  • Temperature accuracy better than ±0.6 degF [±0.33 degC]
  • Meets criteria for supporting up to 1.7% increase in licensed reactor power
  • Internal tests that provide continuous online design basis verification
  • Diagnostic CPU to provide local human machine interface (HMI) and historical data storage, isolated from normal system operation
  • Intuitive touchscreen for users, with password-controlled configuration update screens
  • System data from all levels available for export through the reporting function
  • All-inclusive software for data monitoring and reporting, event logging, alarm indication, I/O calibration, and system configuration
  • Reliable, redundant plant communications interface that supports Modbus®/TCP, ASCII Serial, and ASCII/TCP protocols via the programmable logic controller (PLC) rack
  • Locked doors and keyboard tray
  • Air conditioning available for hot environments

How it improves performance

The Caldon™ ultrasonic M3P system measures feedwater mass flow for MUR applications at nuclear power plants. It can be configured to monitor up to four feedwater pipes and provides centralized system integration and data output for all lines.

Automatic setup and continuous online verification capabilities assure plant operators that the system is operating within its design basis. It leverages G3 transmitter technology and PLC-based flow integration and plant communication to vastly improve system reliability compared with previous generations.

The monolithic architecture houses all components in a single enclosure, with front and rear access to simplify diagnostics and maintenance activities. Components are organized in intuitive functional groupings, with dual redundant PLC and plant communications interface components allowing sites to access data over two parallel communication streams.

The M3P system enables operators to seamlessly upgrade from earlier models; it maintains the same cabinet footprints and cable termination elevations, minimizing the need for modifications to accommodate the new system. Users of older models may also benefit by reusing their existing cables, transducers, and meters when upgrading their electronics. Additionally, the system's plant communications protocol maintains backward compatibility with previous generations.