Apparatus and method for chemically decontaminating a PWR reactor coolant system
US5377244A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The reactor coolant system (RCS) of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) is chemically decontaminated and cleaned utilizing apparatus which is comprised of components designed to operate at low pressures while still utilizing installed reactor coolant pumps and/or the residual heat removal pumps to generate the high flow rates required for the process. A high volume diverted flow of reactor coolant from the RCS is passed through letdown valves to reduce the high pressure produced by the installed pumps. Chemical decontamination and cleaning agents are mixed with the low pressure diverted flow and returned to the RCS by high head injection pumps. Contamination solubilized by the decontamination and cleaning agents is removed as the reactor coolant is recirculated through demineralizers. Filters remove particulates, and fines from the demineralizer resins. A surge tank, which may or preferably is not, in the path of the diverted flow provides reactor coolant for backwashing the demineralizers and filters and downloading the demineralizer resins.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.