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Nuclear Power Plants
Anions and cations are routinely monitored in a variety of aqueous samples that are important to several industries, such as in the nuclear power plants. Although the most common methods for determining total concentrations of these ions is ion chromatography, more recently Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) has also been shown to be a viable option for the analysis of ions in solution at trace levels.
The technique of capillary electrophoresis (CE) appears to be a promising alternative to the conventional plant monitoring instrument currently employed by BWR operators because it offers much greater sensitivity to ionic contaminants (much lower LOD), a reduction in liquid radwaste generation, and less demand on the plant chemists’ time. By CE it has been possible to get limits of detection in the sub-ppb range, offering significant promise for direct, on-line chemistry monitoring of reactor coolant/ streams.GPA100 Capillary Electrophoresis System for Nuclear Applications.
Groton Biosystems is working with Radiological Solutions and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop on-line monitoring systems for water chemistry that will facilitate early detection of system contamination and corrosion at nuclear power plants.
Groton Biosystems and Radiological Solutions presented at the EPRI Condensate Polishing Workshop. The workshop program combined input from utility engineers, polishing plant operators, EPRI contractors, equipment vendors, NSSS vendors, resin manufacturers and university researchers. Groton Biosystems/ RSI presented the latest methodology available for monitoring the purity of ultra-pure water by Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). Additionally, CE has been shown to be capable of detecting both cations and anions in high purity process streams at concentrations of interest to nuclear power plant operators. The presentation provided additional data supporting the fact that detection limits in the ppt range are achievable, offering significant promise for direct, on-line chemistry monitoring of reactor coolant.
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