- #1
Wade Wilson
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I know hydrogen gas is used in BWR coolant to counteract radiolysis and reduce the probability of localized corrosion. Why can't the same be done for PWR's?
Why is hydrogen added to BWR coolant but not PWR coolant?
- Thread starter Wade Wilson
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In summary, hydrogen is commonly used in BWR coolant to prevent radiolysis and localized corrosion, but it can also be added to PWR primary coolant systems. EPRI and IAEA provide guidelines for PWR primary water chemistry, and the Westinghouse PWR Technology Manual also discusses the use of hydrogen in PWR coolant.
- #2
Astronuc
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Hydrogen is added to PWR primary coolant systems. There is a slight overpressure of hydrogen (25-35 ml/kg, in solution) in PWR coolant.
One can find a number of reports on EPRI's website - search for "PWR primary water chemistry guidelines" - http://www.epri.com/search/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.iaea.org/inis/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/28/075/28075997.pdf
http://www.neimagazine.com/features/featurepwr-and-bwr-chemistry-optimization/
One can find a number of reports on EPRI's website - search for "PWR primary water chemistry guidelines" - http://www.epri.com/search/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.iaea.org/inis/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/28/075/28075997.pdf
http://www.neimagazine.com/features/featurepwr-and-bwr-chemistry-optimization/
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- #3
jim hardy
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From the old Westinghouse PWR Technology Manual:
http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML0230/ML023040268.pdf page 4
http://pbadupws.nrc.gov/docs/ML0230/ML023040268.pdf page 4
1. Why is hydrogen added to BWR coolant?
Hydrogen is added to BWR (Boiling Water Reactor) coolant in order to prevent corrosion of the reactor's internal components. When water is heated and exposed to radiation, it can break down into hydrogen and oxygen. The presence of hydrogen helps to reduce the levels of oxygen in the coolant, which reduces the potential for corrosion.
2. Why is hydrogen not added to PWR coolant?
PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor) coolant does not require the addition of hydrogen because it operates at a higher pressure, which keeps the water from boiling. This means that there is no risk of oxygen being produced and therefore no need for hydrogen to reduce its levels. Additionally, PWRs use different types of materials for their internal components that are less susceptible to corrosion.
3. Is the addition of hydrogen to BWR coolant necessary?
Yes, the addition of hydrogen to BWR coolant is necessary in order to prevent corrosion of the reactor's internal components. Without the presence of hydrogen, the levels of oxygen in the coolant would be too high and could lead to damage and failure of these components.
4. Are there any disadvantages to adding hydrogen to BWR coolant?
One potential disadvantage is that the presence of hydrogen can increase the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, which is a type of degradation that can occur in certain materials under high levels of hydrogen. However, this risk is carefully managed and monitored in BWRs to ensure the safety and integrity of the reactor.
5. Can hydrogen be added to PWR coolant as a preventative measure?
No, hydrogen is not added to PWR coolant as a preventative measure because it is not needed. The design and operation of PWRs already mitigate the risk of oxygen production and corrosion, so the addition of hydrogen would not provide any additional benefit. In fact, it could potentially introduce new risks or complications.
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