Electropolishing minimizes radioactivity build up on French PWR steam generator surfaces

Steam generator surfaces in PWRs have been found to experience levels of radioactivity build up that result in high radiation exposures for personnel during maintenance operations. Framatome, through its engineering, research and development services has sought methods of reducing this source of personnel exposure and its related costs. One method that looks promising is the electrochemical polishing of the interior surface of the steam generator channel head (bowl and dividing plate). Special electropolishing tools have been developed for carrying out the process in situ. The surfaces produced are regular and extremely smooth and activity measurements have been encouraging. (author)