Automated testing of reactor protection instrumentation made easy

The GAMA-I system developed and implemented at Vandellos II in Spain is an automated testing system that minimizes test times and reduces human error. It offers the advantages of a visual programming environment (VPE) which eliminates the need for expert programmers for software modifications. GAMA-I automatically generates and executes test and surveillance procedures for the Westinghouse 7300 reactor system. Its architecture was designed in view of software flexibility, reliability, adaptability, user friendliness, and speed. In works in two modes: the execution mode which carries out test and surveillance without manual operations, and the generator mode, which is used for developing new test procedures or updating existing ones.