The potential use of amines in high temperature once-through nuclear power plant boilers

A project to implement amine dosing to the steam/water circuit in two of British Energy's nuclear power plants is underway, which, it is hoped, will arrest increases in boiler pressure drop. This paper summarises the reasoning behind the decision to go forward with amine dosing, the amine selection process, and progress to-date with the implementation project. Evidence from boiler rig testing is presented, which shows that amine dosing should be effective at arresting increases in boiler pressure loss. Results from a short plant trial with dimethylamine dosing are also presented, which show that amine decomposition under plant operating conditions is low. (orig.)