Trace detection of cobalt, nickel and copper in boiling water reactor circuits by means of volumetric methods

Normally procedures which involve enrichment are employed for the measurement of corrosion products which are present as traces in the water-steam circuits of boiling water reactor nuclear power stations. Volumetric procedures offer the possibility, because of their very low proof limits attainable to measure directly into the original sample and - preferably with cobalt - to distinguish between dissolved and undissolved metal present. Measurements have been undertaken using the procedures in four German nuclear power stations with boiling water reactors with proof limits of a few nanogrammes per kilogramme. (orig.)