Status and prospects for use of ion chromatography for monitoring coolant water at nuclear power stations

Reliable and rapid analysis of the anionic impurity content of nuclear power station (NPS) coolants has become a necessary element of the overall strategy for assuring efficient accident-free operation of energy production facilities. In this work, the authors assess the opportunities for monitoring coolant anionic composition afforded by ion chromatography. The main anionic impurities that accumulate in the coolant and their sources are examined. References are extracted from the literature on ion chromatography of those publications deal with various aspects of monitoring NPS coolant ionic composition. Monitoring of anionic impurities is shown to be necessary, and the main trends in development of ion chromatographic methods for real-time diagnostic monitoring of NPS water are examined, together with their capabilities. The survey of the ion chromatographic methods used for anion determination at NPSs leads to the conclusion that ion chromatography affords extensive opportunities for monitoring anionic impurities in NPS water during all stages of its utilization. 61 refs