Application Note: Dissolved Oxygen And Hydrogen Analysis In Reactor Coolant Systems: ORBISPHERE 510 With Channel Compensation

The success of any reactor coolant chemistry program depends on minimizing chemically corrosive environments that affect the integrity of the Reactor Coolant System (RCS). Program goals typically include: decreasing the total inventory of radioactive contaminants present in the system; reducing equipment repairs; increasing plant operating efficiency; and reducing exposure of nuclear plant personnel to ionizing radiation.

RCS piping and equipment corrosion is accelerated by the presence of small quantities of dissolved oxygen. In some cases, dissolved hydrogen is introduced into the RCS to minimize the concentration of DO2 produced by radiolysis. The accurate knowledge of DH2 and DO2 levels in the RCS is therefore imperative to maintaining good process control.