Platinum Oxide Colloidal Solution for Nuclear Reactor Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for injecting noble metals into boiling water nuclear power plants face issues such as increased electric conductivity of reactor water due to impurities, unstable dispersion of noble metal compounds, and deposition of noble metals on injection pipe surfaces, which can reduce the quantity of noble metals delivered to the reactor.
Innovation Solution
A platinum oxide colloidal solution is created by substituting hydrogen ions for cations in an aqueous solution of hexahydroxoplatinate salt and irradiating the suspension with gamma rays, resulting in negatively charged colloidal particles that are stable and prevent adsorption on pipe surfaces, allowing for increased noble metal delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solution with nitric compound of noble metal dissolved in water or acetylacetonate compound of noble metal dissolved in alcohol is injected into reactor water, then noble metal can be deposited on reactor internals and pipes to suppress stress corrosion cracking, but electric conductivity of reactor water increases due to impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of noble metal from soluble compounds (nitric compounds, acetylacetonate compounds) to colloidal particles. This parameter change allows the noble metal to be injected in a form that does not increase electric conductivity while maintaining the ability to deposit on surfaces and suppress corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses colloidal particles that can be easily injected and deposited, replacing the need for long-lasting soluble compounds. The colloidal form allows for controlled deposition and reduces the need for continuous injection of high-concentration solutions that would increase conductivity.
2Reliability
If noble metal compound solution is injected into reactor water, then corrosion suppression is achieved, but deposition of noble metal on injection pipe surfaces reduces the quantity of noble metal delivered to reactor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and surface properties of noble metal from soluble compounds to colloidal particles with specific surface charges. This parameter change prevents adsorption on pipe surfaces (which are typically negatively charged) by using colloidal particles with similar charge characteristics, thereby reducing deposition in pipes and increasing delivery to the reactor.
Solution Approach 2:
The colloidal particles act as intermediaries that can be transported through the injection system without adhering to pipe walls. The specific surface properties of these colloidal particles prevent premature deposition, allowing them to reach the reactor water where they can effectively deposit on the intended surfaces for corrosion suppression.
3Reliability
If noble metal compounds are used for injection, then corrosion suppression function is provided, but stable dispersion in water is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the form of noble metal from chemical compounds to colloidal particles with controlled surface properties. The surface charge and size parameters of these colloidal particles are specifically designed to ensure stable dispersion in water, preventing aggregation while maintaining the corrosion suppression function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The platinum oxide colloidal solution effectively reduces impurities and prevents pipe clogging, ensuring higher noble metal injection into the reactor water while maintaining low electric conductivity, thereby enhancing corrosion suppression.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the suspension with gamma rays
Implementation Method 2
generated by radiolysis of the reactor water
Implementation Method 3
substituting hydrogen ions for cations in an aqueous solution of hexahydroxoplatinate salt
Implementation Method 4
negatively charged colloidal particles that are stable and prevent adsorption on pipe surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous solution of alkali hexahydroxo platinate is produced. As a alkali hexahydroxo platinate, sodium hexahydroxoplatinate or potassium hexahydroxoplatinate is used. The aqueous solution of alkali hexahydroxo platinate is passed through a hydrogen form cation exchange resin layer in a cation exchange resin tower. The aqueous solution of alkali hexahydroxo platinate makes contact with the hydrogen form cation exchange resin of the hydrogen form cation exchange resin layer, thus a suspension of hexahydroxo platinic is generated. If gamma rays are irradiated to the suspension, a platinum oxide colloidal solution in which colloidal particles including a platinum dioxide, a platinum monoxide, and a platinum hydroxide exist is generated. In a platinum oxide colloidal solution, the content of impurities is little and a noble metal compound is dispersed stably in water.