Examination of the actual specifications for PWR secondary circuit in view of the Unipede recommendations of 1978

Unipede is an international union of producers and distributors of electrical energy whose aim is to study, at an international level, all problems associated with electricity supply. The problems identified are studied by working groups, one of which, on water purity in light water cooled nuclear power stations, published recommendations in 1978 on the factors affecting the purity of fluids in the water-steam cycle of pressurized water reactors. The paper examines the current situation and compares the actual specifications and operational figures in Belgian and German power stations with the Unipede recommendations. The recommendations have contributed to the improvements in the chemistry of the secondary circuits. (UK)