Use this portion of the case and perform an action cycle analysis. (8 marks).

 

“To increase pressure and temperature in the steam separator, the operators removed more manual control rods from the reactor, bringing down the number of control rods to 8.  It was 1:22 am and indications to the operator suggested that the reactor was stable.  In reality though, the cooling water in the reactor was being converted to steam as the reactivity of reactor increased.”

 

Identify two variables that the operators need to bridge the gulf of evaluation. (2 marks)

 

Goal: Test whether the turbines can spin long enough to generate electricity until the diesel generators come online

Intention: Increase pressure and temperature in the steam separator.

Sequence of Actions: Remove manual control rods from the reactor, the procedure to do so.

Actions: the operators performed the actions to remove the control rods

World: the control rods are removed, reactivity increases and the cooling water is converted to steam.

Perception: Operators see the indications in the control room.

Interpretation: Indications suggest the reactor is stable.

Evaluation: The test is continuing ok.