Principles of Water Treatment
DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93
PURPOSE OF WATER TREATMENT
Rev. 0
CH-04
Page 1
PURPOSE OF WATER TREATMENT
Water normally contains many impurities, among which are trace minerals and
chemicals. The need for removing these impurities is discussed in this chapter.
EO 1.1
LIST the three reasons for removing impurities from water
prior to use in reactor systems.
Water Treatment
Water treatment is necessary to remove the impurities that are contained in water as found in
nature. Control or elimination of these impurities is necessary to combat corrosion, scale
formation, and fouling of heat transfer surfaces throughout the reactor facility and support
systems.
The following are three reasons for using very pure water in reactor facility systems.
1.
To minimize corrosion, which is enhanced by impurities.
2.
To minimize radiation levels in a reactor facility. Some of the natural impurities
and most of the corrosion products become highly radioactive after exposure
to the neutron flux in the core region. If not removed, these soluble and
insoluble substances may be carried to all parts of the system.
3.
To minimize fouling of heat transfer surfaces. Corrosion products and other
impurities may deposit on core surfaces and other heat transfer regions, which
result in decreased heat transfer capabilities by fouling surfaces or blockage of
critical flow channels. Areas of high concentrations of these impurities and
corrosion products may also lead to extreme conditions of the various corrosion
processes with resultant failure of components or systems.
