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┌───────┐ ┌─────┴─┐ │ (R) ════╡ │ O ╞═════════════════════ │ ┌────┴─╨┐ │ Association of │ │ ├──┘ Shareware └──┤ O │ Professionals ═══════╡ ║ ╞════════════════════════ └───╨───┘ MEMBER TITLE: The Oakflat Nuclear Power Plant Simulator v3.1sw AUTHOR: D. S. Gamble for GAMTECH/Gamble Technologies COPYRIGHT: (c) Copyright 1987-1993 GAMTECH/Gamble Technologies All rights reserved world wide PURPOSE: To safely run a light-water pressure fission reactor and generate electricity at a profit. A score based on amount of power generated, damage to plant, and financial figures. REQUIREMENTS: An IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible with at least 256kb RAM memory. The programs can be installed onto a floppy or hard disk, and the disk must NOT be write protected. SHAREWARE: The shareware concept has made it possible for you to obtain extremely powerful software at a price you can afford, and it gives you the opportunity to try the software before you register. The "try before you buy" concept only works when software developers release full uncut versions of their software and users register the software they use. Evaluate the program for 30 days and give copies to your friends for evaluation. If, after the 30 days, you continue to use the program, then register it by sending us the registration form included in this help file. Registered Users will receive the latest version of the software, free technical support for a minimum of 3 months by telephone or BBS E-mail (through CompuServe(tm)), and low cost upgrades to future versions of the program. OAKFLAT NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SIMULATOR is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for member's products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at: ASP Ombudsman 545 Grover Road Muskegon MI 49442 or send a Compuserve message via easyplex to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. WARRANTY: GAMTECH/Gamble Technologies offers no warranties or guaranties of the software or the media it is distributed on. GAMTECH will not be held responsible for any damages, implied or direct, from the use of, or inability to use the software. This includes damage to hardware, other software, lost wages or income, or any other unforseen expenses. GAMTECH is not responsible for any actions or inactions of individuals or corporations distributing its software. WHAT'S NEW: Version 3.1 of The Oakflat Nuclear Power Plant Simulator has several new features added to it. Each feature has been designed and carefully tested to increase the users enjoyment with the software. Here is a summary of the new changes: - Two versions of the main simulator module optimizes the simulator for PC/XTs (OAKFLAT.100) and for ATs (OAKFLAT.286) to improve simulator response and performance. - The calculation routines in the simulator used for computer automatic control have been improved for speed and increase power output when under computer control. - A 'Fast' option has been added to the Repair/Refuel options. Pressing any key during a Repair or Refuel operation will eliminate the delay after each cycle and will speed throught the routine in seconds. - 6 new commands have been added to the simulator: The EVACUATE command will remove all the personal from the power plant and shut it down. An EMERGENCY POWER command has been added to provide a limited supply of electrical power to run the pumps during a plant power outage. The FUEL command describes the type of fuel currently in the core. The RATE command calculates the rate the fuel is reacting within the core. The SHELL command allows the plant operators to exit to DOS temporarly, then return to the program. Finally the VER command returns the version and operating mode (AT computer or Not) of the system. A full description of each of these new features are documented in this file and in the help file (OAKFLAT.HLP). PROGRAMS: The following files are compressed into the self-extracting compressed file OF31SW.EXE: OAKFLAT.EXE - Boot Program OAKFLAT.100 - Main Simulator Module (PC/XTs) OAKFLAT.286 - Main Simulator Module (ATs) OAKFLAT.HLP - Command Summary Help File OAKFLAT.DOC - Instructions/Help File (THIS FILE) HYPRHELP.EXE - Document and Help file viewer OAKFLAT.ICO - MS-Windows v3.x Icon File All the above programs MUST be copied a single sub-directory. If you do not receive all of the listed programs please contact the distributor you received the software from. If the program is running the program on an AT class computer it will automatically execute OAKFLAT.286 rather than OAKFLAT.100. By running the alternate program on AT class computers the simulators performance and program code is optimized for the more power full class computer. The program will display the message "AT Version" on the main title screen. To save some disk space you may delete the version of the program your system doesn't use. If you are running on a 80286, 80386, or 80486 then you may delete OAKFLAT.100. If you are running on a PC or XT class computer then you do not need OAKFLAT.286 and can delete it. The following data files are created by the simulator when it is runs. Although these files will not be on your distibution diskette they will appear in the directory where OAKFLAT.EXE is located. OAKFLAT.DAT - Stores the Highest Score, Most Power Generated, and Highest Profit for all other simulations to be compared to. OAKFLATS.COR - High score data file (created by the system when the simulation is complete). INSTALLATION: To properly install The Oakflat Nuclear Power Plant Simulator simply use DOS to copy all of the above programs to a single sub-directory on a hard drive or to an UN-WRITE PROTECTED floppy disk with at least 734kb of free disk space. Although the program files use 456kb, another 278kb is used by the file containing the compressed files (OF31SW.EXE) which can be deleted after installation. The following data files are created by the simulator when it is runs. Although these files will not be on your distibution diskette they will appear in the directory where OAKFLAT.EXE is located. OAKFLAT.DAT - Stores the Highest Score, Most Power Generated, and Highest Profit for all other simulations to be compared to. OAKFLATS.COR - High score data file (created by the system when the simulation is complete). OBJECT: Use the CONTROL RODS, PRIMARY COOLANT PUMP (PCP), and SECONDARY COOLANT PUMP (SCP) to maintain an equilibrium reaction and generate electricity. For best results keep the PERCENT OUTPUT = 100%. Higher outputs will cause plant damage while lower settings generate less power and lower scores. START UP: To run the program, change to the program sub-directory and type "OAKFLAT" at the DOS prompt. To avoid displaying the first two title screens, start the program with a command string of "/F" for Fast Start. At the DOS prompt enter "OAKFLAT /F" for this faster way of booting up the program. COMMANDS: <F1> = Help/Command Summary <F2> = Enter Control Rod Settings (0 - 100) <F3> = Enter Primary Coolant Pump Rate (0 - 100) <F4> = Enter Secondary Coolant Pump Rates (0 - 100) <F5> = Enter Emergency coolant Pump Rates (0 - 100) <F6> = Display Main Control Panel <F7> = Enter Simulator Command <F8> = Damage Control <F9> = Change Display View <F10> = Change Help Line QUICK START: 1. Start Program with "OAKFLAT" at the DOS prompt. 2. When Main Control Panel for the Simulator is displayed, press the <F7> key. 3. Enter "DEMO" at the command prompt. The Simulator is now running in DEMO mode and will continue to do so until 1000 days have been simulated, the plant is destroyed during the simulation, or the user presses <F7> and "QUIT" at the command prompt. The displayed VIEW will change automatically every 15 seconds in order to see all of the different screens. Commands can still be entered at the <F7> command prompt while in DEMO mode. Use the DEMO or AUTO modes to observe how the plant operates, and how to use the controls. Practice entering commands by pressing <F7> and entering the command at the prompt followed by a carriage return <CR>. GETTING HELP: Press <F1> to view the on line command summary/help file. For a more detailed instruction on the simulators operation press <F7> and enter DOCS or DOCUMENTATION at the Command Prompt. In both cases the file will be displayed with the option of moving about the file. Use the cursor keys and the <PgUp>, <PgDn>, <Home>, and <End> to view different parts of the file. To return to the simulation, press <ESC>. RADIATION: There are many type of natural elements found on earth that are unstable, and break down or decay naturally. The decaying of the elements is referred to as 'Radioactive Decay' since radiation is released in the process. Elements or compounds that decay and release radiation are known to be radioactive. As these radioactive elements and compounds decay they produce different elements and compounds, many of them unstable and radioactive. The type of radiation released and the rate of release varies with the element or compound involved. Each element has a specific decay formula, and the rate of decay and by-products can be calculated. Eventually the radioactive element completely decays and contains no more reactive materials. In the case of uranium and plutonium, the time needed to completely decay can be hundreds of thousands of years! Towards the end of the 'life time' of the element, the amount of radiation released in the decay becomes very small. For this reason scientists use the amount of time it takes for half of the element to completely decay and stop reacting. This 'Half-Life' value tells us how long the material will be decaying and releasing radiation, and thus dangerous to living creatures. There are 3 major types of radioactive decay that we will be dealing with: Alpha, Beta, and Gama. Elements can decay and release more than one type of radiation, although often one type of emission is greater than all others. The real danger of radiation is the effect it has on living cells. The radiation release is in the form of low energy particles. Some of these particles can penetrate living beings and even strike and damage living cells within the bones. If the particle hits an atom within a DNA molecule, it can alter the genetic code of the cell. When the cell divides or reproduces, the next generation of cells can be defective or non-functioning. Because a fetus inside it's mother is growing very rapidly, it is at risk being near any source of radiation. Alpha radiation is released from alpha emitters atoms through alpha decay. Alpha radiation can be shielded with heavy clothing or a structure. Alpha emitters are most dangerous if they are inhaled or ingested where they come in contact with living cells for extended period of times. So long as the living cells do not come in contact directly with alpha emitters they generally are not harmed by alpha radiation. Beta radiation is much more dangerous than alpha and affects the body in different ways. Beta particles can penetrate deep into the body and strike cells within the bones. Beta particles can be stopped using concrete or steel shielding. Since beta particles penetrate the body and can strike any cell, they effect cells that reproduce quickly, such as bone marrow and blood cells. The most dangerous type of ionizing radiation is gama radiation. Gama decay produces shortwave electromagnetic radiation similar to x-rays, and capable of penetrating everything but the heaviest concrete/steel shielding. The affects of gama radiation can be very similar to beta radiation since they act on the body through similar means. As a molecule undergoes radioactive decay it produces several major by-products: heat, radiation, and neutrons. Neutrons are particles that make up the nucleus of the atom, and when released from the atom, travel at very high speeds. If a high speed neutron strikes the nucleus of another atom, it will split the atom and release heat, radiation, and 2 or 3 more neutrons. The splitting of the atom, or its fission, is the event that creates nuclear power. FISSION: Nuclear fission, or the splitting of an atom is the bases for both the early atomic bombs and atomic power plants. In both cases a neutron particle strikes the nucleus of an atom and splits the atom into two parts, releasing 2 or 3 more neutrons and a relatively large amount of energy (about 200MeV). Although this amount of energy is not very significant, it represents the byproducts of one such event. Since each fission reaction can lead to 2 or 3 more reactions like it, a chain reaction can occur if conditions are right. The key factor in starting a nuclear reaction is to get enough radio- active material concentrated in one place. The amount of the radioactive material needed to start a fission reaction is known as the 'Critical Mass'. A 'Super Critical Mass' is an amount of material in one place that starts an instant fission reaction that releases an enormous amount of energy. An atomic bomb simply creates a SUPER CRITICAL MASS inside the bomb casing, and we all know what that does. A nuclear power plant establishes a CRITICAL MASS inside the reactor, careful not to let the mass become super critical and melt the core of the reactor. This is what is known as a core meltdown or 'China Syndrome'. This balancing act is monitored by the reactors operators, and requires precise information about the reaction and its byproducts to control it safely. CONSTRUCTION: The Reactor Vessel itself is nearly 44 feet tall and 15 feet in diameter. The walls are made of high carbon steel and are 12 inches thick. The 12 foot long fuel rods lie under 10 feet of water and are situated on the outer diameter of the Reactor Vessel. In the center and in between the fuel rods are the control rods enriched with neutron absorbing boron. The control rods are attached to electrical motors from above by steel cables. There are 12 Primary Coolant Pumps that pump coolant from the reactor vessel to the Heat Exchanger (the simulator treats the 12 individual pumps as 1). The Heat Exchanger uses super heated primary coolant from the reactor to heat secondary coolant into steam. The Reactor Vessel, Primary Coolant Pump and pipes, and the Heat Exchanger are all housed in the Containment Building. This building is made of reinforced concrete and high carbon steel and helps contain the atomic reaction and its by-products from the environment. The 12 Secondary Coolant Pumps (also treated as 1 by the simulator) pump coolant into the Heat Exchanger. The fuel rods heat to incredible temperatures from the fission reaction that takes place when the control rods are withdrawn. The coolant flowing around the rods in the vessel is superheated to over 400°F. Because the Primary Coolant System is closed and void of air it can not boil and remains a liquid. The Primary Coolant Pumps move the superheated coolant water from the vessel to the Heat Exchanger. As the Secondary Coolant that flows through the Heat Exchanger is heated into steam, it rushes out and turns huge turbines connected to powerful electrical generators. As the coolant, now superheated steam, leaves the turbines it enters the Condenser Unit. Inside the Condenser it flows through pipes filled with smaller tubes filled with much cooler water. As the steam passes the cooler condenser coils it turns back into liquid. The now much cooler water is once again pumped back into the Heat Exchanger by the Secondary Coolant Pumps and completes the entire loop again. NUCLEAR FUEL: To fuel a nuclear reaction, a radioactive element such as uranium or plutonium must be used. Since not all radioactive elements are fissionable, the usable elements must be separated from the non-fissionable ones. Uranium for instance is found in nature in two major forms: fissionable Uranium 235 and non-fissionable Uranium 238. Since uranium ore contains less than .7% of Uranium 235, the ore must be refined and "enriched" to a concentration of 3% Uranium 235 for use in nuclear reactors. (Uranium used in atomic bombs is enriched to a concentration of at least 90% to create an explosive runaway chain reaction). The concentrated uranium fuel is formed into ceramic pellets and assembled end-to-end into long rods made up of over 200 of such pellets. The fuel rods are then arranged into bundles of hundreds of rods each. A typical reactor core can have over 700 such bundles containing nearly 25 million fuel pellets. MODERATORS: Neutron particles move at very high speeds (near the speed of light!), and at these speed are very unlikely to hit the nucleus of an atom and split it. If the neutrons are slowed, the chances of it striking the atom are much better. To slow these high speed neutrons a moderator is used. In most U.S. nuclear reactors this moderator is water. Water makes an excellent moderator because its mass is approximately the same as a neutron. If a heavier moderator is used, the neutrons are not slowed but stopped, and no chain reaction can occur. The water used to moderate the reaction is also used to cool the reactor core. CONTROL RODS: When the fuel rods are in the reactor core surrounded by water, control rods made of neutron absorbing cadmium are inserted into the core to stop the fission reaction from occurring. When the time comes to start the fission reactions and in-turn start the reactor, the control rods are withdrawn slowly. As the rods are removed from the core, some neutrons are allowed to react with other uranium atoms and the temperature in the core begins to rise. CHAIN REACTION: At a certain temperature (usually 600° to 700°) the reaction becomes self-sustaining. Since each fission reaction averages 2.5 neutrons released and a chain reaction needs only to release 1 neutron, the control rods must absorb 1.5 neutrons per reaction to prevent a runaway chain reaction. As more reactions occur the fuel in the rods begin to lose their concentration of fissionable material. To offset this, more of the control rods must be withdrawn to allow the unused fuel to react and maintain the chain reaction. Eventually even with all of the rods withdrawn the reaction will be unable to maintain itself and the reactor will have to be refueled with fresh uranium fuel rods. CONTROLS: The simulated power plant is controlled using the function keys on the computer keyboard. The function keys have the following defined values: <F1> = Help/Command Summary <F2> = Enter Control Rod Settings (0 - 100) <F3> = Enter Primary Coolant Pump Rate (0 - 100) <F4> = Enter Secondary Coolant Pump Rates (0 - 100) <F5> = Enter Emergency coolant Pump Rates (0 - 100) <F6> = Display Main Control Panel <F7> = Enter Simulator Command <F8> = Damage Control <F9> = Change Display View <F10> = Change Help Line The following is a list of valid commands to enter at the <F7> command prompt. Each of the commands are listed in alphabetical order just as they must be entered at the command prompt. To use any of these commands, press <F7> and enter the command at the prompt and press RETURN. Following each command is a brief explanation of the commands and uses: A = AUTO START Command. ACCIDENT = Simulates a sudden loss-of-coolant accident. ALARM TEST = Tests all of the audible alarms if SOUND is active. AUTO = Activates Automatic Control Mode. AUTO OFF = Initiates an Automatic Shutdown and then ends the simulation. AUTO SHUTDOWN = Initiates an Automatic Shutdown then repairs/refueling. COLOR = Optimizes the simulators display for a color monitor. DAMAGE = Sets the quality of PCS and SCS to POOR (results in damage). DAMAGE CONTROL ON = Activates automatic Damage Control Computer. DAMAGE CONTROL OFF = De-activates automatic Damage Control Computer. DELAY n = Activates a n second pause after each simulated hour (n = 1-60). DEMAND ON = Activates Varying Demanded Power levels option. DEMAND OFF = De-activates Varying Demanded Power Level option. DEMO = Activates the interactive Demo Mode. DOCS = View DOCUMENTATION using HYPERhelp. DOCUMENTATION = View DOCUMENTATION using HYPERhelp. EMERGENCY POWER = Supplies up to 3 days (72 hrs) of emergency pump power. EVACUATE = Initiates a plant evacuation and then shuts down the plant. EXIT = Quit the simulation immediately to DOS. FUEL = Describes the amount of fissionable material in the fuel rods. I = INSPECTION command. INSPECTION = Reports the last NRC inspection of PCS and SCS. MANUAL = De-activates Automatic adjustment of temp/power control settings. MONO = Optimizes the simulators display for a monochrome monitor. PRCP ON = Turns on the Primary Reserve Coolant Pump. PRCP OFF = Turns off the Primary Reserve Coolant Pump. PPRV OPEN = Opens the Primary Pressure Release Valve. PPRV CLOSED = Closes the Primary Pressure Release Valve. PRETEST = Tests all simulated reactor components prior to starting. QUIT = Quits the simulation displaying your final score. RATE = Describes the rate at which fuel is used up within the reactor. REFUEL = Replaces the reactors fuel rods to 100%. REPAIR = Does a complete repair job on all systems having any damage. RESTART = Restarts the simulator and resets all settings. RUN UNTIL n = Run the simulator until the n day is reached (n = 1 - 2000). SCRAM = Immediately takes the reactor off-line in an emergency. SHELL = Exits to a DOS prompt until "EXIT" is entered at a DOS prompt. SHIELD ON = Activates an anti-neutron radiation shield, lowers radiation. SHIELD OFF = Turns off the SHIELD option. SPEED n = Sets the calculate to view ratio for simulated hours (n = 1-24). SOUND ON = Activates the SOUND option. SOUND OFF = De-activates the SOUND option. SPRV OPEN = Opens the Secondary Pressure Release Valve. SPRV CLOSED = Closes the SPRV if the valve is open. SRCP ON = turns on the Secondary Reserve Coolant Pump. SRCP OFF = Turns off the Secondary Reserve Coolant Pump. TARGET = Allows for manual setting of Demanded Power level. TOWER PUMP ON = Turns on the Cooling Tower Pumps. TOWER PUMP OFF = Turns off the Cooling Tower Pumps. TURBINE TRIP = By-passes the Steam Turbines in emergency. V = Value command. VALUE = Displays the current value of the power generated by the plant. VALVE 1 OPEN = By-passes Steam Turbine Group #1 in emergency. VALVE 1 CLOSED = Closes the by-pass valves for Turbine Group #1. VALVE 2 OPEN = By-passes Steam Turbine Group #2 in emergency. VALVE 2 CLOSED = Closes the by-pass valves for Turbine Group #12. VER = Displays the simulators version and operating mode (AT or Not). VIEW ON = Activates automatically changing view screens. VIEW OFF = De-activates automatically changing view screens. OPERATIONS: In the Oakflat Nuclear Power Plant Simulator, water is used to moderate the atomic reaction. The water is also used to cool the reaction, and carry the heat generated by the reaction from the REACTOR CORE, to the HEAT EXCHANGER to create steam. The steam is carried in large turbines which are turned by the super heated steam. Generators connected to the turbines generate electrical power. the steam continues on to condenser coils to be condensed back into water. The water is then pumped into huge cooling towers to be cooled to below 100° F. Once the water has been cooled enough it is pumped back into the reactor core to begin the process all over again. Most of the control settings are entered using the function keys (referred to as <F1> to <F10>). The <F1> key brings a brief HELP file to the screen using HYPERhelp(tm). Using the curser keys will allow you to view the entire file. The CONTROL RODS are adjusted using the <F2> key. The Primary Coolant Pumps (PCP), Secondary Coolant Pumps (SCP), and Auxiliary Coolant Pumps (ACP) are controlled by the <F3>, <F4>, and <F5> keys respectively. The <F6> key will change the View to the Main Control Panel (the first screen seen in the simulation), and the <F9> key will display one of 4 different information screens: Damage, Performance, Financial, or Radiation Levels. The Damage screen will list the different plant systems and the amount of damage they currently have. The Performance screen tells of the amounts of power produced, and at what levels. The Financial screen lists the costs of plant operations, and the value of the power produced. Finally the Radiation Levels list the escaping radiation level from the different systems. Keep in mind that the Reactor and Primary Coolant Systems are enclosed in the massive containment building which shields the outside environment from the radiation. The <F7> key (described above) activates the Command Prompt from where simulator commands can be entered. The <F8> key allows on-line repairs to be started to help reduce plant system damage. Finally the <F10> key changes the Information line on line 25 to change to list all function key uses. The simulators display has the following general layout: ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ WARNING LIGHTS │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ SIMULATOR CONTROL STATUS LINE │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ MAIN CONTROL DISPLAY │ │ │ │ │ │ REACTOR │ │ DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DISPLAY │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ PERFORMANCE RECORDS DISPLAY │ │ │ │ │ │ DIAGRAM │ │ FINANCIAL RECORDS DISPLAY │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ RADIATION DETECTORS DISPLAY │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │ ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ COMMAND INPUT PROMPT LINE │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ FUNCTION KEY HELP LINE │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Each of the displays has the WARNING LIGHTS at the top of the screen, the FUNCTION KEY HELP LINE at the bottom, and the REACTOR DIAGRAM on the right side of the display. The only screens that do not show this information are the Help screens. The SIMULATOR CONTROL STATUS LINE lists the current settings of certain control parameters of the simulator: AUTO/DEMO/MANUAL modes, SINGLE or DOUBLE speed, AUTO VIEW or NO AUTO VIEW, DELAY or NO DELAY, AUTO DAMAGE CONTROL or NO AUTO DAMAGE CONTROL, VARIABLE OUTPUT DEMAND or CONSTANT 100% OUTPUT DEMAND, SOUND or NO SOUND, and RADIATION SHIELDS or NO RADIATION SHIELDS. To see how to change each of these parameters, see the previous section on Commands syntax and usage. The large window to the left of the REACTOR DIAGRAM can display any one of 5 different displays. To change the viewed display press the <F9> key. To return to the MAIN CONTROL DISPLAY (the default display) press <F6>. The following paragraphs describe each of the available displays. The MAIN CONTROL DISPLAY shows the temperatures for the reactor core (CORE TP), the heat exchanger (XCHG TP), the condenser coils (CDSR TP), and the cooling tower (TOWR TP). It also displays the current power output, control settings, remaining fuel in the reactor core, coolant levels for the three coolant systems, days and hours simulated, and current power output, demanded power, radiation exposure per hour, percentage damage, and score. This screen is the default screen the simulator displays when it is started. The DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DISPLAY shows the major plant systems and the amount of damage they currently have sustained. The damage is listed as Total Plant Damage percent and the number of days needed to repair. Each plant system then lists the amount of the total plant damage that has occurred to that system. If the damage percentage exceeds 5% for any one of the plant systems, emergency repairs can be started by using the <F8> Repair function. The PERFORMANCE RECORDS DISPLAY shows several facts about the current simulations power output, time running, days down for repairs, and other information about the plants performance. The high marks for many of these readings are displayed in parentheses to the right of the reading. The line titled "Days Simulated" displays the total days simulated and the percentage of scheduled days completed in parentheses. The line labeled "Days at Target Output:" displays the number of days that the plant generated exactly what was demanded of it. On the same line in parentheses is the percentage of days simulated at the target output. The lines labeled "Days Down For Maintenance:" and "Days Down For Refueling:" display the number of days the reactor spend off-line and not generating power for each of the events. In parentheses each line also displays the percentage of simulated days doing each event, as well as the total count of each event. Although the 'Maintenance Days' counts the total days spent repairing the plant, The counter only gets incremented if repairs are done WITHOUT refueling the plant. The FINANCIAL RECORDS screen displays the sources of income (and how much) as well as plant expenses during the current simulation. The total "Cost of Power Generated" and the total "Value of Power Generated" are displays in reverse colors, reflecting there mathematical sign (green for positive / red for negative). The last line in the window shows the current score for the simulation as well as the highest recorded score in parentheses. Finally the RADIATION DETECTORS DISPLAY shows the radiation levels at several of the remote sensory stations throughout the plant. The first four lines list radiation levels for the current hour at strategic locations in the plant (CORE = main reactor core, PCS = primary coolant system, XCHG = heat exchangers, and SCS = secondary coolant system). The last two detectors meter the total radiation exposure levels for personnel in the control room (BIO) and the total radiation output levels of the spent fuel storage facility (SFSF). If the BIO level becomes very high the plant operators are in danger. If the SFSF levels reach the danger level the plant will be unable to refuel, and the simulation will end when the current fuel is exhausted. This simulator was designed to simulate many of the important functions and features of a real nuclear power plant. Naturally, not all of the details could be put into this simulator, but the concept and scientific theory is intact. The two most important things in a successful simulation run are: - Keeping the OUTPUT close to but never above 100% - Never allow the fuel level below the 9% mark. The reactor core was designed to perform at optimum efficiency at 697° - 700° fahrenheit, and produce 3000 Mwatts per hour. Exceeding the 3000 Mwatt mark is ok as long as PERCENT OUTPUT is never more than 100%. The Primary and Secondary Coolant Pumps operate ideally between 70% - 90%. Running the pumps at above the 90% mark will lead the pump to overload and damage, to a possibility of coolant leaks or early failure. If the core temperature exceeds 700°, the core must be cooled to prevent damage. The power plant has several ways of accomplishing this. First, the control rods can be removed from the reactor, thus increasing the number of neutrons absorbed and unavailable for fission reactions. Second, the AUXILIARY COOLANT PUMP can be used to additionally cool the reactor. The rates of both the PRIMARY and SECONDARY COOLANT PUMPS can be increased, removing more heat from the reactor and lowering the temperature. The only problem with this method, is it will also increase the amount of power generated. If the temperature is already over 700° it is likely that the power output is already close to 100%. In the case of an emergency, there are several other methods a bit more drastic to cool the reactor core and bring the power output down. Both the PRIMARY and SECONDARY COOLANT SYSTEMS have PRESSURE RELEASE VALVES (PPRV & SPRV) to reduce the pressure inside the respective coolant systems. As the pressure is reduced, so is the temperature of the coolant. The drawbacks to this is the lowering of the coolant level as the coolant is released through the valve. The other major roblem with the PPRV is the coolant itself is VERY RADIOACTIVE, and releasing the coolant equals releasing radiation into the environment. The PPRV should only be used in extreme cases to prevent core meltdowns. The final way to cool the reactor is to shut it down. The fastest way to do this is a REACTOR SCRAM. When a SCRAM is initiated the CONTROL RODS are immediately re-inserted into the reactor core in an instant to stop the reaction IMMEDIATELY. Because this is a drastic measure it represents a NRC Emergency and requires a complete shutdown of the plant for maintenance and inspection by federal officials. A less dramatic shutdown procedure is the AUTO SHUTDOWN command. It will re-insert the CONTROL RODS in an orderly manner, and activate the AUXILIARY COOLANT PUMP if needed. The main difference between an AUTO SHUTDOWN and a REACTOR SCRAM is the AUTO SHUTDOWN does NOT require a NRC report or inspection (it's also cheaper and doesn't cost the simulator user any points). In the case of a meltdown the plant should be evacuated and shut down as fast as possible. The best way to accomplish this is to give the EVACUATE command. This will evacuate all plant personal (including the operator) and shutdown the reactor (if it's possible to do so). By evacuating the plant the user will save a few points compared to doing nothing about the people in the plant during a disaster. In the case of an internal power failure in the plant, the coolant pumps will be inoperative during to the lack of electricity. The simulator provides an emergency system to provide a limited amount of internal electrical power to run the coolant pumps for 72 hours. During this time the user should complete an emergency shut down. If the turbine output exceeds 100% the turbines can be bypassed by using the TURBINE TRIP command. This causes the steam to be piped around the turbine, thus not generating any electrical power. Once a trip is initiated, it can not be 'un-tripped' and re-initiate power generation without shutting down for maintenance. To change the information displayed about the simulation, use the <F9> key to change the View Screen. Anytime you want to return back to the Main Control Panel simply press the <F6> key. To automatically change the displayed View, enter the VIEW ON command at the <F7> prompt. With the VIEW option on the View will change every 15 seconds (providing it isn't changed manually sooner). To de-activate the option enter VIEW OFF at the command prompt. This option is activated automatically in DEMO mode, but can be manually de-activated at any time. As time goes by the plant may develop some damage depending on how well the plant was built. To find the quality of the plant construction, the INSPECTION command must be entered at the command prompt (press <F7>). The inspection will tell the plant operator if the quality is GOOD, FAIR, or POOR, for the PRIMARY and SECONDARY COOLANT SYSTEMS. The lower the quality, the more likely incidental damage will occur. If the plant is overheated or the output exceeds 100%, damage is very likely to increase. To combat the damage, the simulator has a DAMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM (<F8> at the command prompt) to partially repair the damage of the affected system. The DAMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM can not be started until damage is at 5% or more for the individual system, and is automatically stopped when it is once again below 5%. The DAMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM costs are dependent on the system involved. The REACTOR CORE is the most expensive while the TURBINES are the least. It is important to control the damage at the lowest possible levels since as the damage increases, so does the radiation exposure levels. Hourly radiation levels should be kept at or below .01 mRAD per hour, although temporarily higher levels are possible without danger to the operator. If the exposure level gets too high, additional shielding can be used with the SHIELD command. The additional shielding comes in the form of an anti-neutron shield that reduces the current background radiation by 60%. The cost of this additional shielding is the inability to view any of the ALTERNATIVE VIEWS (<F9>). If the total exposure level exceeds 600 RAD, the plant operator is at a high risk of death within the hour of radiation exposure. Any time the percent output exceeds 100% or the core temperature exceeds 700°, an NRC event will occur. In a real nuclear power plant, these happenings constitute a report to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The NRC oversees all of the U.S. nuclear power industry, from ore processing to spent fuel storage. The fewer events that occur the better. If a PRIMARY COOLANT SYSTEM leak or venting occurs or the reactor is scrammed, a NRC Emergency is documented and reported. Maintaining the coolant levels can be done with the RESERVE COOLANT PUMPS. Each of the Primary and Secondary Coolant have pumps installed to move coolant from the RCS to the PCS or SCS as needed. Note that once the pumps are started they will continue to move coolant until they are turned off or the destination system is once again full. The RCS is slowly replenished, replacing any coolant used. The RCS also supplies the ACS with its coolant. As the plant is operated it uses fuel in the core to generate heat. As time goes by the amount of fuel in the fuel rods decrease and at some point need to be replaced. When the fuel percentage drops below 15% it is time to replace the fuel rods. To refuel the plant, it must be shut down with the core temperature well below 100°F. To refuel the plant enter the REFUEL command at the command prompt. Be sure to repair any significant damage to the plant before it is refueled. To repair damage after shutting down the plant use the REPAIR command. As both REFUEL and REPAIR commands will display their progress (as a percentage of the total job). To speed up the process just press any key during either proccess and the simulator will quickly complete the task without delay. Each time the plant is refueled, the fissionable material percentage in the fuel rods will be slightly different. Normally fuel rods contain between 2.5% and 3.5% fissionable material. The FUEL command will display this percentage, and can also be used to vary this number. Any percentage between 2.5 and 3.5 is acceptable, and as the percentage increased so does the amount of heat generated from the same amount of fuel. The RATE command can tell the operator just how much fuel is being used per day. To help control plant damage and coolant levels automatically, the simulator has the DAMAGE CONTROL command. Once this option is started the simulator will have damage control teams work on any plant system when the damage level reaches 6%, and will work until the damage is reduced to 4%. This option will also start the PRIMARY or SECONDARY RESERVE COOLANT PUMPS automatically (if the RCS has coolant in it). The DEMAND option allows the simulator to vary the amount of power that should be generated. Generally the demanded level is at 100%. The DEMAND command will periodically change the demanded level, making the operator change the current power output of the plant. The benefit to the operator is an almost doubled hourly score. It is important to keep the power output at the demanded levels. To insure the plants readiness, it can be tested with the PRETEST command. The PRETEST looks at all major plant systems and reports any problems found. The option also increases the score by 500 points for each pretest while in DEMO or AUTO mode, and 1000 points if the simulator is being run in MANUAL mode. To demonstrate the operations of the plant the simulator has a built-in DEMO mode that starts the reactor and runs it automatically. In DEMO mode the DAMAGE CONTROL option is started as is the DEMAND option. With these control settings the plant can operate without intervention by the operator. The other automatic option is the AUTO or A option. When entered at the command prompt the simulator is started and the computer controls the control rods and all coolant pumps to maintain the plant output at the current demanded level. If the plant is already on-line and generating power the AUTO mode will take over the control of maintaining the output at the demanded level. To end the simulation you have 3 choices, the best of which is the AUTO OFF command. It will initiate an automatic shutdown of the plant and then go directly to the simulation evaluation screen. The QUIT command will display the same evaluation screen, but without first properly shutting down the plant. Once at the evaluation screen you may restart the simulator with a new simulation run, or you may exit to DOS. The EXIT command from the <F7> prompt will exit directly to DOS without displaying the final evaluation screen. The FINAL EVALUATION SCREEN gives a brief overview of the simulated run and then lists the values of the more important figures from the run. It has references to lines from several of the display screens and will tell you if any of your marks are the best ever. These 'High Marks' are saved in the OAKFLATS.COR file for future comparisons. When first running the simulator it is recommended you first watch a full simulation in the DEMO mode. This will let you see many of the options and features without being overwhelmed. Once you have a feel for the operation try interacting with the simulation while in DEMO mode. Soon you'll be ready for a full MANUAL operation and the thrills (and dangers) of nuclear power! For further information on the individual commands consult the <F1> help file. For even more information including examples and suggestions for particular situations, consult the printed program manual that is available to all registered users. REGISTRATION: If you find this software useful in any way you are asked to register it with the authors, GAMTECH/Gamble Technologies. Once registered you will receive a free update to the most current version of the software without any Shareware messages. To register please send your NAME, SHIPPING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER (optional), the PROGRAMS NAME (very important), and $15 + $3 shipping and handling (U.S. funds) to: GAMTECH SOFTWARE P.O. Box 6753 San Mateo CA 94403 Compuserve ID: 70401,2160 The text file "REGISTER.OF3" can be used to register to insure that all needed information is included when registering. Registered users can receive product support by phone, U.S. Mail, and Compuserve(tm). All users are free to write for technical assistance or questions about the program by sending a SASE to the above address with your question. Due to the cost of postage today, questions without a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope can not be answered except through a supported BBS. Be sure to include the programs name and version when registering or sending for information. If you can receive your answer through Compuserve(tm) let us know your user ID and we will send the reply via E-Mail ASAP. Any suggestions regarding the simulator, its documentation, or any other GAMTECH SOFTWARE is always welcome. We have tried hard to make the simulation both enjoyable and entertaining and any ideas on how to improve on this is greatly appreciated. We are currently working on a MS-Windows v3.x version of this program and hope to have it available by mid 1993! Register users of the this DOS version will be eligible for a low cost upgrade to the new windows version when it becomes available. Thank you for trying GAMTECH/Gamble Technologies products!