Abstract
The chemical, thermal and hydrodynamic conditions present on the waterside of a once-through nuclear boiler operating under steady conditions at a pressure of 14.5 MPa have been studied in a recirculating test loop operating at plant relevant conditions. By means of a highly sensitive scanning gamma-ray detector system and the use of radio-labelled sodium chloride, together with conventional hydrothermal instrumentation a comprehensive description of the waterside environment has been obtained.
A previously unsuspected form of sodium hold-up in the test-section has been observed and attributed to an adsorption process. The amount of sodium adsorbed has been found to be dependent upon the dry area of the tube available, the temperature of the metal and the ratio of sodium chloride to hydrogen chloride in the working fluid.
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