Comparison of secondary circuit concepts for nuclear power plants of Czechoslovak and French types

The French nuclear power generation system is outlined, and the existing differences at Czechoslovak nuclear power plants, such as the use of nearby water resources, are described. Designs aimed to eliminate erosion corrosion processes in the secondary circuit are dealt with in detail. Medium-alloy austenitic stainless steels of the AISI 304 and, later, AISI 316 type were chosen. Copper alloys were eliminated from the circuit, leakproof and reliable condensers and vertical steam generators were installed, and a chemistry with pH 9.6 to 10.0 was adopted. Organization of chemical service in Czechoslovakia is compared with that in France; attention is paid to the automation standard, instrumentation, number of personnel, etc. An overview is given of the development of chemical regimes (phosphate and volatile chemistry, pH adjustment) at French nuclear power plants. (E.J.)