Abstract: An in-line dissolved gas removal membrane-based apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen and fission gases from the letdown stream from a reactor coolant system.

Abstract: An in-line dissolved gas removal membrane-based apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen and fission gases from the letdown stream from a reactor coolant system.

Abstract: An in-line dissolved gas removal membrane-based apparatus for removing dissolved hydrogen and fission gases from the letdown stream from a reactor coolant system.

Abstract: In a method of decontaminating a primary loop of a pressurized water reactor, including a steam generator, reactor coolant pump and hot and cold legs in the loop, the primary loop is isolated from a nuclear reactor vessel by closing hot leg and cold leg loop stop valves. Decontamination process water is circulated from one side of the steam generator channel head to the other side of the channel head via a bypass pipe extending between the cold leg and the hot leg without bypassing the water through steam generator tubes extending between the sides of the channel head. The level of the decontamination water in the steam generator is maintained at two to three feet in the tubes.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor having a chemical decontamination clean-up system is provided in which every component of the chemical decontamination clean-up equipment which processes radioactive fluids is located within a shielded room of an existing on-site support building. Those components of the clean-up system not in direct contact with radioactive fluids are housed in portable trailers. The decontamination clean-up system is designed to provide for adequate shielding to minimize personnel exposure and also incorporates a modular design for component transportation and storage.

Abstract: An automated method for maintaining pressure within a nuclear power plant primary loop during either startup or shutdown, the method comprises the steps of partially filling a portion of a pressurizer vessel, in fluid communication with the primary loop, with a liquid for maintaining pressure in the primary loop; circulating a primary coolant through the primary loop; automatically injecting an inert gas by a first automated device, operatively connected to the pressurizer, into the pressurizer vessel when the pressure in the pressurizer vessel is less than a first predetermined pressure; and automatically venting the gas by a second automated device, operatively connected to the pressurizer, from the pressurizer vessel when the pressure in the pressurizer vessel is greater than a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A chemical decontamination clean-up system for use on-line in a nuclear reactor primary system includes a pump arrangement within the nuclear reactor primary system for pumping primary system fluids to a cleaning system located directly downstream from the pump assembly. The cleaning system includes a plurality of first demineralizer banks arranged in a predetermined flow pattern for receiving the primary system fluids. Each of the first demineralizer banks comprises at least two individual, resin-filled demineralizers arranged in parallel wherein primary system fluids are demineralized. Each of the demineralizer banks includes valving for selectively directing the primary system fluids from the pump arrangement to selected demineralizer banks in the plurality of the first demineralizer banks. A second demineralizer bank receives the primary system fluids from the plurality of first demineralizer banks.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor having a chemical decontamination system is provided in which every piece of decontamination equipment which processes radioactive materials is located within a decontamination building. The decontamination system is designed to provide for adequate protection for personnel safety and also incorporates a modular design for equipment transportation and storage.

Abstract: A unique resin processing system for providing and removing resin to large demineralizer vessels during chemical decontamination of nuclear reactor primary systems is disclosed. Resin is premeasured in a batching tank for accurate filling of demineralilzer resin bed while minimizing personnel radioactivity exposure. Sluice water transfers spent resin to a storage tank and, thereafter, is recycled for subsequent sluicing operations. Spent resin from the storage tank is periodically delivered to high integrity containers for ultimate disposal.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor having a chemical decontamination system is provided in which every piece of decontamination equipment which processes radioactive materials is located within the containment chamber of the nuclear reactor. This decontamination system therefore presents advantageous safety benefits over an outside of containment system in the unlikely event of a leak of radioactive materials from the decontamination system.

Abstract: A unique and optimal method for assessing the feasibility of employing chemical decontamination processes to remove crud from nuclear reactor primary systems without adversely affecting the integrity of the system components or piping during further reactor operation is disclosed. Materials used to construct such components and piping are exposed to several cycles of simulated decontamination processing with a test loop constructed to simulate a range of full system decontamination process conditions. The material specimens are then removed and tested to assure that the particular decontamination processing system has no adverse effects on the materials used.

Abstract: A unique and optimum nuclear steam supply system operating configuration for integration of a chemical decontamination system is disclosed. The chemical decontamination system is connected to, and returns to, the residual heat removal system downstream of a residual heat removal heat exchanger, thereby utilizing the residual heat removal system to control the temperature of process fluids entering the decontamination system. A reactor coolant pump or pumps generates heat for the chemical processes as needed and a nitrogen blanket within the primary system pressurizer is utilized for system pressure control.

Abstract: A unique clean-up sub-system for chemical decontamination of nuclear reactor primary systems is disclosed. Chemically-processed fluids containing suspended and dissolved solids are directed through a back-flushable filter and, thereafter, through one or more cartridge filters. After this initial filtering of suspended solids, the process fluid is directed to one or more demineralizer banks for removal of dissolved solids, followed by additional cartridge filtering to remove any resin fines carried out of the demineralizer banks. After final filtering, the process fluids are returned to the primary system, with or without chemical injection.