

Software Developer Dan McCarter leads a training demonstration at an AMS training course.


AMS engineers review test results
For plants with Digital Rod Position Indication (DRPI) systems, AMS has simplified the testing process by developing the capability to measure rod drop times without de-energizing the DRPI system. Referred to as the “power-on” rod drop time measurement, this patented AMS technology saves nuclear power plants additional time and effort in performing rod drop time measurements.
AMS also provides equipment, training, and services for testing the timing and sequencing of control rod drive mechanisms (CRDMs). As with rod drop time measurements, we can perform CRDM testing on all rods simultaneously or on one bank of rods at a time.
In addition to automated rod drop time measurements and CRDM testing, AMS provides rod control system diagnostics and troubleshooting. These technologies allow utilities to identify degradation or anomalies in the mechanical and/or electrical components of the rod control system including the rod position indication or CRDM coils, cables, connectors, and electronics.
AMS also provides timing and sequencing verification of slave cyclers in the rod control systems of PWRs. Slave cycler timing and sequencing tests are performed to verify the signal timing of the slave cycler stationary, moveable, and lift logic cards in the rod control logic cabinet.
For Combustion Engineering (CE) PWRs, AMS has developed a rod control testing and diagnostic system for the control element drive mechanisms (CEDMs) which has been implemented at Palo Verde, St. Lucie, and other CE (now Westinghouse) nuclear power plants.

Click here to view brochures for our rod control system products and services.
- Automated Rod Drop Time Measurements
- Testing of Timing and Sequencing of CRDMs
- Power-on Rod Drop Time Measurements (Patented)
- Rod Control System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Slave Cycler Testing
- CEDM Testing in CE Designed PWRs