Do you step control rods to the end-of-travel to verify rod position
for a Rod Position Indication outside of limits? If not, what method is used
to verify rod position prior to adjusting indication?
Background:
Point Beach has two
control rods that exhibit unusual rod position indication variations. We have
shown rod position indication takes step change swings (+/- 20 steps) following
control rod shroud fan temperature changes. We have moved the control rod
drive shaft of these two rods from bank D control banks to shutdown banks, and
the problem has followed the drive shaft. Most other rod position indications
vary by +/- 5 steps, with no large "swings." Research into why these
two drive shafts exhibit different properties has not been successful. It is
believed that these drive shafts have some residual magnetism causing the Rod Position Detectors to indicate
erroneously. These jack shafts were replaced in 1998.