Development of catalysts for the mitigation of hydrogen in water cooled nuclear power reactors. Part 2. Poisoning characteristics

In this paper we report on the influence of various contaminants on the catalytic behavior of platinum- and palladium-coated stainless steel gauze strips for the H2+O2 reaction. While water or steam cause a temporary catalyst deactivation, gases such as carbon dioxide and methane have practically no effect. Carbon monoxide exposure and oil vapor deposition lead to considerable catalytic deactivation beyond a minimum tolerance limit. Carbon monoxide has more a pronounced effect on palladium-based catalysts, while oil vapor deposition effects platinum-supported catalysts more. In the cases of samples covered with carbon monoxide or with oil vapor, flushing in air regenerates the catalyst to its original activity. (orig.)