Steam purity in PWRs
Reports that 2 EPRI studies of PWRs prove that impure steam triggers decay of turbine metals. Reveals that EPRI is attempting to improve steam monitoring and analysis, which are key steps on the way to deciding the most cost-effective degree of steam purity, and to upgrade demineralizing systems, which can then reliably maintain that degree of purity. Points out that 90% of all cracks in turbine disks have occurred at the dry-to-wet transition zone, dubbed the Wilson line. Explains that because even very clean water contains traces of chemical impurities with concentrations in the parts-per-billion range, Crystal River-3's secondary loop was designed with even more purification capability; a deaerator to remove oxygen and prevent oxidation of system metals, and full-flow resin beds to demineralize 100% of the secondary-loop water from the condenser. Concludes that focusing attention on steam and water chemistry can ward off cracking and sludge problems caused by corrosion.
- Research Organization:
- Nuclear Power Division, EPRI
- OSTI ID:
- 5871476
- Journal Information:
- EPRI J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPRI J.; (United States) Vol. 7:8; ISSN EPRJD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
210200* -- Power Reactors
Nonbreeding
Light-Water Moderated
Nonboiling Water Cooled
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
CORROSION
CRACKS
CRYSTAL RIVER-3 REACTOR
DEAERATORS
DEMINERALIZATION
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
EPRI
FEEDWATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MACHINERY
MONITORING
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWER REACTORS
PURIFICATION
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTORS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
STEAM
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WATER
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
WATER TREATMENT