Scientific basis for the choice of primary/secondary water chemistry

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the common scientific basis for the chemistry control strategies which have been developed. The evolution of chemistry control philosophies in some plant designs are outlined as examples. The essential requirement of water chemistry control is to preserve integrity of the circuit under all the environmental conditions experienced within that circuit. There may be specific additional requirements, as in the case of a PWR primary circuit, where boron concentration is used to control reactivity. The crucial requirement or concern can vary. In the primary circuit of a light water reactor the crucial requirement is to supress the activation and transportation of corrosion products and so minimize radiation fields around the circuit. On the secondary side of recirculating steam generators the critical requirement has been to preserve the integrity of generator tubing. In once-through steam generators the critical requirement may be the control of pressure losses associated with corrosion product deposits in the steam generator and the integrity of the turbine in addition to boiler integrity. (Nogami, K.)