A catalytic recombiner device for mitigation of hydrogen in the water cooled nuclear power reactors

The paper describes a simple device that is very efficient for the hydrogen-oxygen reaction under ambient temperature conditions and in the presence of steam or moisture. The device is basically an assembly of number of catalyst bearing panels: each packed with the modules of platinum/ palladium coated corrosion-resistant stainless steel gauze strips. These strips are in turn packed in low mass and highly conducting metal frames of required size and shape. The panels, stored normally in a metal box in inert atmosphere, may be released downwards in emergency using pneumatic controls so as to keep them suspended from the ceiling of the containment. In this mode, the catalyst covers most of the vertical area for hydrogen and oxygen reaction. The system has many advantages such as simplicity, high efficiency, rapid response and possibility of its being operated from outside of containment area