Unstable N-16

Maokeng

Can anyone help me to understand the function of nitrogen in PWR.

What I know about unstable N-16 is that it is used as an indication of power PWR. How fast does it achieve an equilibrium activity?

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Astronuc

The half-life of N-16 (which is produced by an n,p reaction of O-16) is 7.16 s, so equilibrium is achieved rapidly - in about 1 minute. But then it also decays quite rapidly, so a detector must be close to the core. It's activity would be a function of the fast flux, which itself is related to the rate of fission or power.

N-16 is a matter for BWRs, which use hydrogen (reducing) water chemistry, since N-16 is carried through the main steam line to the turbine. PWRs use a slightly reducing water chemistry to prevent crud transport, although the pH these days tends to be 6.9 - 7.4 depending on the plant.

Reference:
http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/chart/reCenter.jsp?z=7&n=9 (then use zoom 1 in upper right corner)

Maokeng

Thnx 4 yo speedy & what I find as an accurate answer to the question. Many more thanx for providing the link. Cheers!