On-line monitoring of process instrumentation sensors and cables

摘要

Years of research, testing, and experience in the field of sensor diagnostics have yielded many technologies that offer financial as well as operational and safety benefits to the nuclear industry [1, 2]. Among these technologies are on-line monitoring (OLM) of the calibration of process sensors such as resistance temperature detectors (RTD), thermocouples, and pressure, level, and flow transmitters. The remote access and calibration verification of these sensors have been shown to reduce maintenance costs and limit the exposure of maintenance personnel to harsh environments, while at the same time effectively and efficiently diagnosing the health and performance of the sensors and improving plant safety, reliability, and availability. In addition to sensors, technologies exist for determining the health of instrumentation and control (I&C) cabling that carries the signals from these sensors. These cable testing techniques can also help in the surveillance and diagnostics of end devices such as sensors, motors, and valves.