Tubesheet fouling in nuclear steam generators

A magnetite slurry at room temperature was circulated through a test-section simulating a nuclear steam generator with recirculating flow. A removable tubesheet was used so that the magnetite deposit weight on the tubesheet plate could be measured after exposure. The effect of time, plate material, surface roughness, shroud height, slurry pH, and ''reverse blowdown'' were studied. Data are interpreted in terms of gravitational settling and the data probably represent the initial stages of tubesheet fouling in an actual steam generator. (authors). 3 figs