Abstract
Nuclear power plants require continuous processing of various process parameters for their proper functioning, of which temperature and pressure levels are of prime importance. This is where transmitters or sensors are used and therefore it is important to measure the reliability and conduct failure testing of the components of the smart pressure transmitter. With the advent of technology ‘smart’ transmitters are increasingly in use in the recent years. A transmitter is described as ‘smart’ if it incorporates signal conditioning and processing functions, carried out by embedded microprocessors. As for the term ‘intelligent’, for transmitters this concept may refer to the faculty for knowing (with the use of sensors), adapting to situations (with the use of processing units), and communicating. These characteristics form the bases for intelligent transmitter architecture. In this paper, Functional testing analysis of the smart pressure transmitters is carried out according to IEC-60770, and also to perform failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) of a smart pressure transmitters was carried out by MIL-STD-1629A and analyzing which failure modes will affect the transmitter performance and which failure modes will cause safe failure.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bayart M, Conrard B, Chovin A, Robert M, CIAME (2005) Intelligent sensors and actuators. Tech Ing S7520
Brignell JE (1996) The future of intelligent sensors: a problem of technology or ethics? Sensors Actuators A 56(1–2):11–15
CIAME (1987) White book, intelligent sensors: users’ thoughts. Paris: AFCET
IEC 60770-1 (edition 2) (2014) Transmitters for use in industrial-process control systems—part 1: methods for performance evaluation
IEC 60770-2 (edition 2) (2014) Transmitters for use in industrial-process control systems—part 2: methods for inspection and routine testing
IEC 60770-3 (edition 2) (2014) Transmitters for use in industrial-process control systems—part 3: methods for performance evaluation of intelligent transmitters
International Electro-technical Commission (2006) IEC 60770-3, Transmitters for use in industrial-process control systems, part 3: methods for performance evaluation of intelligent transmitters, 1st edn. International Electro-technical Commission, Geneva
Meijer GCM (1994) Concepts and focus point for intelligent sensor systems. Sens Actuators A 41(1–3):183–191
MIL-HDBK-338B (1998) Electronic reliability design handbook, 1 October 1998. Department of Defense, USA
MIL-STD-1629A, Procedures for Performing a Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis, 24 NOVEMBER 1980
Mitchel G (2001) Use sensors Intelligently. In: Control Engineering
Robert M, Marchandiaux M, Porte M (1993) Intelligent sensors and methodology of evaluation. Hermes, Paris
Smith G, Bowen M (1995) Considerations for the utilization of smart sensors. Sens Actuators A 47(1–3):521–524
Taner AH, Brignell JE (1995) Aspects of intelligent sensor reconfiguration. Sensors Actuators a 47(1–3):525–529
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. We thank our guides from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre who provided insight and expertise that greatly assisted the research.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Satheesh Kumar Reddy, Y., Prasad, K.V.R.B., Vinod, G. et al. Functional testing and performance assessment of smart pressure transmitters used in NPPs. Int J Syst Assur Eng Manag 8 (Suppl 2), 765–772 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13198-016-0519-y
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13198-016-0519-y