Water Chemistry. Program Overview

Transcription

1 Water Chemistry Program Description Program Overview Water chemistry conditions at nuclear power plants can impact corrosion rates, fuel performance, and radiation management. In light of increasing demands on chemistry staff and reductions in the number of staff, nuclear power plants are challenged to maintain effective water chemistry control. Improved water chemistry can reduce the frequency of transient fault conditions and overall impurity concentrations. However, continued improvements are needed to optimize water chemistry and balance the resulting impacts and improvements on system materials corrosion, fuel performance, and radiation fields. The Water Chemistry Program develops and updates water chemistry guidelines for nuclear reactors based on industry research and plant experience. The program also develops water chemistry optimization tools to mitigate corrosion, achieve, and maintain design fuel performance standards and minimize plant radiation fields. Research Value The Water Chemistry Program develops technical guidance that can be incorporated into nuclear plant chemistry procedures. Research results help nuclear plants create strategic water chemistry plans for maximizing plant availability and cost efficiency in a manner consistent with safety and regulatory requirements. Water Chemistry Program members gain access to the following: Cost-effective chemistry optimization tools and techniques to improve plant availability and safety. New chemistry applications through first-of-a-kind technology demonstrations. For example, field demonstration of a polyacrylic acid dispersant showed a 50% reduction in corrosion product fouling, increasing steam generator availability. Software-enabled improvements in chemistry control, diagnostic capabilities, and staff productivity. Enhanced technology transfer through plant-specific collaborations. On-site assessment support to benchmark plant chemistry controls and identify opportunities to optimize chemistry protocols. The Water Chemistry Program combines basic and applied research with industry operating experience to develop guidance and technologies for nuclear power applications. The Program provides a comprehensive suite of water chemistry tools, including guidelines, new operating and monitoring technologies, chemistry control and assessment software, user groups, and on-site assessments. Base research activities encompass research related to chemistry guidelines, first-of-a-kind technology demonstrations, and software development. Chemistry Guidelines: This research area provides up-to-date guidelines, develops leading technologies, and performs assessments in support of safe, reliable, and optimized water chemistry operation. The key products are a series of water chemistry guidelines for boiling and pressurized water reactors based on ongoing research and field experience. Each guideline is a consensus document developed by industry experts to optimize water chemistry programs and control methods. Guidelines are formally reviewed on an annual cycle and generally revised on a four-year cycle. Much of the research focuses on water chemistry control methods, improved monitoring techniques, and chemical additives to control corrosion, reduce radiation fields, and maintain fuel performance. p. 1

2 First-of-a-Kind Technology Demonstrations: Implementing new chemistry technologies typically requires demonstration at a plant site under controlled and monitored conditions. This project develops and tests new chemistry additives, new analysis methods, new instrumentation, and application guidelines on how to efficiently use new chemistry technology. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) expertise and management is applied to ensure the data from these demonstrations is objective and can properly inform application sourcebooks and technology commercialization decisions. Software Development: Nuclear power plants must meet strict system performance guidelines to ensure pressure boundary integrity, fuel performance, and minimized radiation fields. Robust calculation tools that are consistent with industry practice can help achieve these goals. The results from ChemWorks software programs are used in a variety of chemistry system evaluations, including high-temperature ph calculations for reactivity control in pressurized water reactors, hideout return evaluations for the secondary side of the steam generator, and estimating corrosion product inventory during shutdown. From these predictions, chemistry personnel can assess corrosion control, guide life-cycle strategies, and optimize overall costs. To address strategic objectives established for each of its programs, EPRI has developed roadmaps to plan, coordinate, and execute needed research among multiple entities. For the Water Chemistry Program, roadmaps are under development for chemistry guidelines for new plants, auxiliary system chemistry optimization, source term reduction, dispersant application for fouling mitigation, and the ChemWorks software program. Additional roadmaps will be developed as needed. Through separately funded projects, participants gain access to additional research activities. For example, nuclear plants can participate in user groups focused on improvements and lessons learned from the ChemWorks and web-based Smart ChemWorks software systems. Implementation and evaluation support for a number of chemistry technologies including startup hydrogen injection, feedwater iron optimization, boiling water reactor (BWR) cycle chemistry, secondary cycle ph optimization, zinc injection, and dispersant injection also is available. Additional user groups provide access to utilities with common interests in resins, filters, zinc application, and overall chemistry optimization. Accomplishments Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI s) Water Chemistry Program supports nuclear power industry efforts to improve water chemistry control and minimize water chemistry impacts on other plant systems and components. Water chemistry research provides members with the guidance and technologies to improve operational flexibility, reduce operations and maintenance costs, reduce dose, and reduce material degradation risks. Completed the latest EPRI benchmarking assessment of reactor coolant system zinc addition using available plant data. In general, zinc concentration is relatively unaffected by power transient and associated minimal temperature changes. Compiled summary report of the intergranular stress corrosion cracking mitigation performance of 44 BWRs with or without noble metal chemical addition or On-Line NobleChem. Results are categorized by chemistry regime and include data from the most recently completed and current operating cycles. Supported first continuous operational application of a chemical dispersant to reduce sludge accumulation in steam generators. Dispersant use maximizes tube life and mitigates future power reduction from loss of heat transfer capability. Conducted laboratory testing to confirm the technical feasibility of using chemical dispersants to manage steam generator deposits during the long-path recirculation cleanup process. Documented a generic qualification of a lead plant for an initial industry application and prepared a set of recommendations to guide development of an initial application plan. Evaluated the use of septa and precoat media in controlling feedwater iron in boiling water reactors. Results will provide input to the next revision of the EPRI Condensate Polishing Guidelines. Water Chemistry - Program p. 2

3 Continued collecting water chemistry data through EPRI's Chemistry Monitoring and Assessment project to benchmark specific water chemistry regimes and optimize plant operation. As of December 2009, the pressurized water reactor (PWR) database contained 639 cycles of primary and secondary chemistry data from 67 U.S. and 80 non-u.s. PWR plants. The boiling water reactor (BWR) database includes data from all 35 U.S. and 11 non-u.s. BWR plants. Published first revision of the BWR Shutdown and Startup Chemistry Operating Experience and Sourcebook. This sourcebook summarizes BWR good practices for controlling corrosion product transport during shutdowns, particularly refueling outages, and for startup chemistry control to minimize intergranular stress corrosion cracking. Improved chemistry software by incorporating the PWR and BWR Shutdown Chemistry Calculator and Analyzer into ChemWorks Tools; and updated the MULTEQ Database with new and revised species. Current Year Activities Water Chemistry Program research and development for 2012 will focus on technology developments and assessments to continually improve guidance and tools for optimized chemistry control. Specific efforts will include the following: Begin revision of the boiling water reactor water chemistry guidelines and the pressurized water reactor primary water chemistry guidelines to incorporate industry initiatives and operating experience. Coordinate field implementation of a PWR primary reactor coolant system optimized (elevated) hydrogen program at a lead plant. Revise the pressurized water reactor zinc application guidelines by updating current industry experience, identifying best practices, developing a long-term zinc injection strategy, and providing guidance for operational decision-making. Begin development of water chemistry guidelines for new plant designs, based on assessments completed in 2010 and 2011 that evaluated planned operation against the current Water Chemistry Guidelines. Continue development of boiling water and pressurized water reactor monitoring and assessment tools to benchmark the industry and evaluate chemistry improvement opportunities. Revise the PWR Dispersant Application Sourcebook, adding information and recommendations related to application during steam generator wet layup and the long-path recirculation cleanup process during startup in addition to online application. Begin revision of the condensate polishing guidelines for boiling water and pressurized water reactors. Estimated 2012 Program Funding $4.5 million Program Manager Keith Fruzzetti, , kfruzzet@epri.com Water Chemistry - Program p. 3

4 Summary of Projects Project Number Project Title Description P a P b P d P e P a SMART ChemWorksTM User Group - Maintenance and Support SMART ChemWorksTM User Group - New Installation ChemWorksTM User Group Chemistry Technical Strategy Group PWR Secondary Cycle ph Optimization This project provides support to the 24 current users of SMART ChemWorks, including two from the BWR fleet. Plant and corporate personnel have access to the SMART ChemWorks technology through a web interface, and can monitor plant chemistry on a continuous basis. An alert system is customized for each plant. Installation of SMART ChemWorks requires a coordinated effort between EPRI engineers and plant team members. A one-time onsite meeting is required between team members to establish project scope and timelines to ensure a successful implementation plan. SMART ChemWorks requires that a data transfer tool be installed at the plant and that access be provided to the EPRI servers, after which plant personnel will have access to SMART ChemWorks through a web interface. Additional site-specific customizations are supported over the first 3 months as the model is developed and adjusted based on plant information. The ChemWorks User Group provides several mechanisms for enhancing the ChemWorks software codes and their application at nuclear plants. Through industry forums, newsletters, annual meetings (U.S. and international), and webcast sessions, EPRI technical staff support utility application of the codes and gain insight into user experience that can lead to needed software modifications and improvements. The Chemistry Technical Strategy Group provides a forum for members to exchange ideas and lessons learned related to strategic management of BWR and PWR chemistry programs. The 3-year membership provides participants with all the benefits of an annual membership plus a full chemistry assessment once during the 3-year period. Participation on this basis is at a lower cost than having one assessment performed and subscribing to the Technical Strategy Group on an annual basis for 3 years. To help utilities minimize corrosion in the secondary cycle, EPRI has developed a process to evaluate plant ph optimization programs. EPRI experts help plant managers evaluate the status of their corrosion-product transport and local phs throughout the secondary cycle. Evaluations include the following: A mass balance of corrosion products around the secondary cycle to determine the corrosion source Calculation of amine concentrations and local ph values at major locations in the secondary cycle using the EPRI Plant Chemistry Simulator Calculation of feedwater iron concentrations Estimation of polisher run length as a function of feedwater amine concentrations Economic analysis comparing the use of different potential amines P d PWR Dispersant Application Support This project provides plant-specific support for successful dispersant application, which can reduce steam generator fouling by as much as 50% based on plant trials and early results from application at Exelon. Water Chemistry - Program p. 4

5 Project Number Project Title Description P e P f P a PWR Primary and Secondary Resins and Filters User Group PWR Primary Zinc Application User Group BWR Cycle Chemistry Evaluation The PWR Primary and Secondary Resins and Filters User Group provides a forum for collecting industry best practices that can be used by member utilities to optimize operations with regard to demineralizer and filter performance. The PWR Primary Zinc Application User Group provides members access to an annual meeting to update members on technology developments and to share experiences and best practices. As part of the Chemistry Monitoring Assessment Program, key parameters from utilities will be tracked and trended based on cycle performance in radiation exposure and zinc injection. This project will assist plant operators in evaluating their cycle chemistry and in developing a roadmap for chemistry improvements by performing the following: Reviewing the technical basis for the site chemistry trending program using EPRI guidelines and other industry standards Reviewing the effectiveness and completeness of chemistryrelated corrective actions taken during previous cycles Evaluating and trending chemistry results using EPRI-developed tools to document behaviors Recommending site chemistry program improvements based on trends and observations Conducting on-site walkdowns (as needed) of sample systems to review effectiveness Assessing laboratory operations with respect to communication, equipment operation and maintenance activities, training, and implementation of industry lessons learned P b BWR Startup Hydrogen Injection Evaluation This project will assist plant operators in identifying preferred locations for early hydrogen injection during BWR startup as well as support initial planning efforts for possible plant modifications to accommodate the injection process. The evaluation team will perform the following: Review plant drawings and documents for injection locations Perform a plant walkdown to confirm preferred locations Identify plant modifications required for injection tie-ins and services Determine space availability should hydrogen gas cylinders be used Document the results of the evaluation and provide plant-specific recommendations Water Chemistry - Program p. 5

6 Project Number Project Title Description P c BWR Feedwater Iron Optimization Support This project supports efforts to improve the performance assessment accuracy of individual condensate filtration/demineralizer vessels for iron optimization. Support at a given plant includes the following: Temporary corrosion product sampler setup Baseline evaluation of current sampling/analysis program Consultation with station personnel for execution of site-specific sampling program Site-specific sampling program and sample analysis (lab analysis generally performed on-site by site personnel) Compilation and evaluation of results Site-specific recommendations regarding septa, precoated material and operating conditions to achieve feedwater iron control goals (electronic report included) P d BWR Condensate Filter User Group Participation in the BWR Condensate Filter User Group provides access to an annual conference, electronic reports, newsletters, and industry alerts. Current issues include the following: Pleated septa experience and septa quality control Septa and precoated materials optimization Use of specialty resins for cobalt removal Equipment upgrades and related issues and resolutions Optimization of iron and soluble species removal Control of sulfate releases due to pleated septa age and attachment hardware failure Minimization of radwaste generation P f BWR Zinc User Group Zinc injection has become a key technology for minimizing drywell dose rates under the highly reducing chemistry conditions established by hydrogen and noble metal water chemistry programs. While more zinc can be better for dose control, chemistry guidelines limit feedwater zinc concentrations to control the buildup of tenacious crud on the fuel cladding. The BWR Zinc User Group enables plants to accomplish the following: Share plant experiences and lessons learned with zinc application Review the BWR chemistry monitoring database for trends and updates Monitor zinc performance results based on available chemistry, radiation field, and fuel surveillance data Communicate issues and improvement plans for active and passive zinc injection systems Identify needed research involving zinc addition Water Chemistry - Program p. 6

7 SMART ChemWorks TM User Group - Maintenance and Support (007452) Chemistry staffs in the nuclear power industry continue to shrink as a result of economic pressures and the aging work force. Highly skilled personnel spend too much time completing mundane but necessary tasks, while the backlog of important, but less time-sensitive obligations, continues to grow. EPRI S SMART ChemWorks is a real-time plant water chemistry monitoring and advisory system that aids chemistry staff by completing routine chemistry analysis, identifying early indications of adverse plant chemistry, and alerting personnel to emerging issues. Continued maintenance and support is required to ensure SMART ChemWorks incorporates the latest operating experience and is broadly applicable across the global nuclear industry. SMART ChemWorks uses sophisticated mathematical models and pattern-recognition techniques to identify abnormal conditions. Once installed, plant managers can look forward to increased efficiency and better use of plant personnel, reduced risk of plant components damage, increased chemistry monitoring coverage and early detection of chemistry problems, improved control of chemical injection systems, reduced cost due to optimization of grab sample frequencies, and reduced out-of-specification time for instrumentation. The SMART ChemWorks system relies on continuous chemistry monitoring (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and real-time evaluation of plant chemistry conditions, accurate and prompt diagnosis of abnormal chemistry, and instantaneous alerting to adverse chemistry trends through an /paging system and web page alerts. The output from SMART ChemWorks represents technical intelligence on which plant chemists can take action as appropriate. SMART ChemWorks TM User Group - New Installation Chemistry staffs in the nuclear power industry continue to shrink as a result of economic pressures and the aging work force. Highly skilled personnel spend too much time completing mundane but necessary tasks, while the backlog of important, but less time-sensitive obligations, continues to grow. EPRI S SMART ChemWorks is a real-time plant water chemistry monitoring and advisory system that aids chemistry staff by completing routine chemistry analysis, identifying early indications of adverse plant chemistry, and alerting personnel to emerging issues. Installation of SMART ChemWorks requires a coordinated effort between EPRI engineers and plant team members. A one time on-site meeting is required between team members to establish project scope and timelines to ensure a successful implementation plan. SMART ChemWorks uses sophisticated mathematical models and pattern-recognition techniques to identify abnormal conditions. Once installed, plant managers can look forward to increased efficiency and better use of plant personnel, reduced risk of plant components damage, increased chemistry monitoring coverage and early detection of chemistry problems, improved control of chemical injection systems, reduced cost due to optimization of grab sample frequencies, and reduced out-of-specification time or instrumentation. Water Chemistry - Program p. 7

8 The SMART ChemWorks system relies on continuous chemistry monitoring (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and real-time evaluation of plant chemistry conditions, accurate and prompt diagnosis of abnormal chemistry, and instantaneous alerting to adverse chemistry trends through an /paging system and web page alerts. The output from SMART ChemWorks represents technical intelligence on which plant chemists can take action as appropriate. ChemWorks TM User Group (006521) Economic pressures, work demand and reduced staffing require chemists to spend more time in the field and less time evaluating changes in the chemistry programs. ChemWorks provides users with a simple set of tools to quickly evaluate plant chemistry controls. The ChemWorks User Group provides several mechanisms for enhancing the ChemWorks software codes and their application at nuclear plants. Through industry forums, newsletters, annual meetings (U.S. and international), and webcast sessions, EPRI technical staff gain insight into user experience that can lead to needed software modifications and improvements. ChemWorks uses sophisticated mathematical models to aid plant chemists in developing optimal chemistry programs and applying appropriate chemistry controls that support long-term equipment reliability. Users Group members provide input into continued software improvements that reflect industry needs and experience. User Group members receive direct support via meetings and product development as well as individual training on ChemWorks codes. Chemistry Technical Strategy Group The Chemistry Technical Strategy Group provides a forum for discussing technical issues regarding the strategic management of BWR and PWR chemistry programs. Emerging chemical issues challenge plant staff in both the day-to-day and long-term management of chemistry programs. This group enables members to exchange ideas and information related to emerging issues as well as lessons learned. The Chemistry Technical Strategy Group is available in 3-year and 1-year membership options. The 3-year membership inlcudes 1 full cycle chemistry assessment. The Chemistry Technical Strategy Group, available as a 3-year membership, enables plant chemists from BWRs and PWRs to share best practices and discuss chemistry challenges. Meetings will include general sessions to address common chemistry issues and break-out sessions to address issues specific to BWRs and PWRs. In addition to the member forum for sharing lessons learned, participants are eligible for annual technical consulting and a focused assessment during the 3-year membership period. The chemistry assessment entails an expert review of a plant s chemistry program and recommendations on how EPRI technology can assist in addressing plant-specific issues and improving chemistry performance. Water Chemistry - Program p. 8

9 Participation in the Chemistry Technical Strategy Group keeps members abreast of emerging issues in the rapidly changing climate surrounding chemistry issues and provides members with a forum for technical exchange. On-site consulting time provides expert support for specific plant or corporate project requests focused on long-term strategic planning. Participation in periodic webcasts and meetings keeps members abreast of emerging issues. Annual on-site consultation time and the focused chemistry assessment are used to ensure EPRI guidance is applied to emerging and critical plant-specific issues. The annual consultation time is used to address more narrowly focused issues, while the full assessment provides a broader programmatic perspective. Both venues provide plant-specific recommendations to maximize plant benefits. PWR Secondary Cycle ph Optimization (064149) Materials corrosion in the condensate, feedwater, and drain systems of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) generates a significant amount of corrosion products in the secondary cycle. Generally, these corrosion products are transported into steam generators (SGs) and deposited on tubing surfaces, tubesheets, and tube support plates. These corrosion products can act as sites for ionic impurity concentration in restricted areas, leading to corrosion of steam-generator tubing. This project will develop a plant-specific corrosion-products mass balance file based on current plant equipment. The mass balance results are evaluated to assess how changes in the type and concentration of amines could optimize secondary cycle ph. Local ph strongly affects corrosion of several different types, including intergranular attack and stress corrosion cracking. The right choice of amines and proper operation of a ph control additive will reduce SG fouling and deposit consideration. Secondary-cycle ph optimization aids in the selection of optimum amines for the plant, thus minimizing corrosion product transfer. Members receive a detailed report discussing the status of corrosion-product transport and local phs in the secondary cycle, along with recommendations and supporting documentation for optimum amine selection. Application of these results will support an optimized feedwater iron control. PWR Dispersant Application Support (061414) Steam generator deposits (fouling) can inhibit heat transfer, lead to thermal-hydraulic instabilities through blockage of tube supports, and create occluded regions where corrosive species can concentrate along tubes and in tube-to-tube support plate crevices. Steam generator performance is compromised not only by formation of an insulating scale, but by the removal of tubes from service due to corrosion. Dispersant application is a very promising technology for significantly reducing steam generator fouling. A number of utilities are pursuing dispersant applications using the PWR Dispersant Application Sourcebook ( ) and additional plant-specific support as provided through this project. EPRI also can assist in evaluating newer dispersant application technologies. For example, dispersants can be used for increasing Water Chemistry - Program p. 9

10 cleanup of corrosion products during steam generator wet layup or during long-path recirculation cleanup of the condensate/feedwater piping prior to power operation. This EPRI project will support assessment and application of dispersant for steam generator fouling mitigation. Specific work will be determined in collaboration with the funding utilities, depending on need and plant-specific concerns. Assessments could involve the following: Plant-specific materials qualification assessment Chemistry operation and monitoring with dispersant injection (application plan) Evaluation of steam generator thermal performance, including a baseline evaluation prior to dispersant injection and customization of a thermal performance tracking spreadsheet Preparation of materials needed to support a 10CFR50.59 evaluation Successful on-line application of dispersant could reduce steam generator fouling by as much as 50% based on results from previous plant trials. Other applications during steam generator wet layup and startup could provide additional benefits. The products from this project are assessments, site-specific reports, and/or recommendations in support of application at a lead pressurized water reactor (PWR) unit. EPRI works with each funding utility to identify and deliver what is needed for successful application, within funding constraints. PWR Primary and Secondary Resins and Filters User Group (063963) To minimize ionic and particulate impurity transport in the reactor coolant and the steam generators, PWR plants employ a wide variety of chemical and volume control systems, condensate polishers, and steam generator blowdown demineralizer systems and use different strategies to operate theses systems. The PWR Primary and Secondary Resins and Filters User Group provides a forum for sharing industry experience that can improve and accelerate plant activities to reduce impurity transport. The User Group will track operating experience and perform focused studies on specific industry issues. Technology reviews and comparisons of plant practices, for example, will help plants improve reactor coolant system cleanup, reduce iron transport to the steam generators, and reduce low-level waste generation. Review and benchmarking activities will be performed through annual meetings, with products defined by members. The PWR Primary and Secondary Resins and Filters User Group will function in a manner similar to the BWR Condensate Filter User Group, which was formed in the late 1990s to address problems and optimization issues with condensate filters. This group will identify and improve the application of demineralizers, filters, and membrane technologies applied in PWRs by assisting in the evaluation of filter and ion exchange performance and by sharing of information concerning filter design, novel resin use, and other general operating experience. Application of the practices identified as optimal will be performed at member utilities on an as-needed basis. A key product target will be development of a demineralizer and filter sourcebook, from which users can reference industry best practices. Water Chemistry - Program p. 10

11 PWR Primary Zinc Application User Group (061425) Many EPRI reports have been published over the years regarding the effectiveness of zinc addition for primary water stress corrosion cracking mitigation (for both initiation and crack growth rate), including the development of PWR Zinc Application Guidelines in However, there remains a strong need for plant personnel to exchange information first-hand and provide focused input on future research activities. At each user group meeting, members provide an update on their plant or utility's zinc injection program status. These updates address all aspects of a zinc injection program, including planning, implementation, scheduling, and long-term strategy. The user group members also receive updates related to pressurized water reactor (PWR) reactor coolant system zinc addition. The Zinc User Group provides a forum for members to benchmark new and existing zinc injection programs throughout the industry. Sharing of lessons learned and annual updates related to EPRI research programs associated with zinc addition will provide utilities with valuable information to guide planning and implementation. The plant experiences and challenges shared through the Zinc User Group provide learning opportunities for the entire industry. Plant personnel are able to bring these lessons learned back to their plants for implementation for further analysis. BWR Cycle Chemistry Evaluation Plant chemistry programs are instrumental in maintaining nuclear plant reliability and availability. In-depth technical reviews of a boiling water reactor's (BWR's) cycle chemistry can provide specific recommendations aimed at optimizing chemistry control, enhancing plant operations, mitigating stress corrosion cracking, ensuring fuel reliability, and reducing radiation exposure and radioactive waste generation. This project will assist plant operators in optimizing BWR chemistry. Plant-specific evaluations of the most recent operating cycle will be evaluated and recommendations will be made to support enhanced plant operation. Improved plant operation and cycle chemistry control Reduced costs for chemicals, additives, and other consumables Reduced stress corrosion cracking of susceptible components Lower radiation dose and radioactive waste Improved fuel performance By applying the detailed report recommendations, plant operators can maximize plant performance and aid in extending plant life. Recommendations may include optimization of condensate treatment and reactor water cleanup systems, additive chemistries (such as zinc addition, hydrogen addition, and/or noble metal addition), and improvements in chemistry sampling and analysis programs. Water Chemistry - Program p. 11

12 BWR Startup Hydrogen Injection Evaluation All U.S. boiling water reactors (BWRs) are currently injecting hydrogen to mitigate stress corrosion cracking of susceptible components. However, hydrogen injection is typically not injected until the plant is at 5% power or more. Earlier injection of hydrogen, specifically at plant startup until typical feedwater hydrogen injection can be initiated, could provide additional mitigation value. Utilities interested in this technology may need support in implementing this technology. This project will assist plant operators in identifying preferred locations for early hydrogen injection during BWR startup as well as support initial planning efforts for possible plant modifications to accommodate the injection process. Early identification of physical plant constraints Shorter lead times for system implementation Improved project scoping and accuracy Tighter budget and schedule control Plant-specific recommendations as documented in the final report will detail how early hydrogen injection can be optimized at the plant. BWR Feedwater Iron Optimization Support (062736) The BWR Water Chemistry Guidelines recommend feedwater iron concentration in the range of ppb for plants operating with zinc addition and reducing chemistry conditions (hydrogen water chemistry as well as noble metal application technologies). Operation in the range of ppb is further encouraged to reduce the amount of zinc needed for dose rate control purposes. While many plants have been able to achieve these conditions, plants with non-optimized condensate filtration/demineralizer systems may need additional support to reduce feedwater iron inputs to these recommended levels. This project supports the optimization of feedwater iron by analyzing current operation and performance and providing recommendations to optimize future performance of the condensate filtration demineralizer system. The optimization of feedwater iron input results in enhanced plant operation: Reduced radwaste generation and exposure Improved fuel performance and reliability Optimized stress corrosion cracking mitigation technologies (such as hydrogen addition and noble metal injection) This project provides direct consultations with plant staff and a final electronic report detailing the project work and recommendations. Implementation of the report recommendations regarding precoat usage and dosage on septa will be detailed. Application of these results will support optimized feedwater iron control. Water Chemistry - Program p. 12

13 BWR Condensate Filter User Group (006388) While nuclear industry experience with condensate filtration is extensive, the variety of septa types, precoat materials, vessel designs, backwash, and precoating methods present application challenges. Open dialogue among users to share experiences can drive excellence in performance, especially with the ever-increasing emphasis on water chemistry limits and impacts on fuel performance, stress corrosion cracking mitigation, and radwaste and exposure reduction. The BWR Condensate Filter User Group supports optimization of water chemistry filtration technologies to control important chemistry parameters. Through annual User Group conferences, electronic reports, newsletters, and industry alerts, members gain access to industry experience that can be tailored to individual plant applications. A database of operational and technical information is maintained to address condensate filter system challenges. This User Group has been successfully supporting the nuclear industry for more than 10 years. The database of operational and technical information provides extensive insight into the understanding of condensate filter system challenges. Lessons learned and implemented from the User Group results in reduced radwaste and worker exposure, optimized fuel performance, and enhanced overall plant operation. Members of the BWR Condensate Filter User Group apply the experience of other member's situations to their own utility. Special studies also are made available on a plant-specific basis and shared with the membership group. BWR Zinc User Group Many Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) reports have been published over the years regarding plant experience with zinc injection on drywell shutdown radiation dose rates and laboratory investigations on zinc effectiveness for intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) mitigation for sensitized Alloy 600, 304 stainless steel, and Alloy 182 weld metal. However, given the need to balance the chemistry and radiation benefits of zinc with fuel concerns regarding tenacious crud deposits and the potential effects of crud/oxide spallation, there remains a strong need for plant personnel to exchange information first-hand and provide focused input on future research activities. These activities can be supported through a BWR Zinc User Group. The BWR Zinc User Group will enable participants to update peers on plant/utility zinc injection programs. Updates will address all aspects of the zinc program, including planning, implementation, scheduling, and longterm strategy. User Group members will receive updates related to radiation field control, reactor water and feedwater zinc data trends, reactor water Co-60(s)/Zn(s) ratio control, Co-60 trends, and effectiveness of Zn injection following noble metal applications and reactor recirculation piping chemical decontaminations. The BWR Zinc Users Group will provide a forum for utilities to benchmark zinc injection programs throughout the industry. Sharing of lessons learned and annual updates related to EPRI research programs associated with zinc addition will provide utilities with valuable information to guide planning and implementation. Water Chemistry - Program p. 13

14 The EPRI BWR Zinc User Group will provide members with access to industry data relevant to zinc injection, data correlations, an annual User Group meeting to share and benchmark plant experiences related to zinc injection, and discussion of EPRI zinc-related projects and work prioritization. Water Chemistry - Program p. 14