Chemical form analysis method of particulate nickel compounds

Chemical form of nickel is metallic nickel, nickel oxide and nickel ferrite in the PWR primary chemistry condition. The distribution of chemical form depends on Ni/Fe ratio and chemistry condition, especially dissolved hydrogen concentration. Nickel is parent element of Co-58 and the chemical form is important for Co-58 generation. A method of chemical form analysis of nickel has been developed. This method uses the difference in dissolution characteristics of nickel compounds. Metallic nickel and others are separated by nitric acid, and others are divided to nickel oxide and nickel ferrite by oxalic acid. Some cruds in the primary coolant of a PWR were analyzed by using this method. The method is not complex and available at chemical laboratory in a nuclear power plant. (author)