Methanol dosing in BWR

Rust on a vehicle is a constant challenge for car owners, but operators of nuclear power stations must also protect their reactor system against corrosion since radiolysis of the coolant in boiling water reactors (BWRs) can cause stress corrosion cracking in parts of the reactor system. Many different methods have been developed worldwide in order to counteract this effect. Many of them, however, are expensive and have unwanted side effects. For this reason, scientists are now looking for alternatives.

Radiolysis of the coolant produces, among other things, corrosive hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. These oxidating conditions can result in a chemical reaction between the steel used in the core and the reactor water, and so cause corrosion cracking in parts of the reactor system. Using different methods, however, one can prevent the reactor internals from corrosion cracking and the possibly necessary replacement of components of the reactor. In Germany, stress corrosion cracking has been avoided by suitable materials and good water chemistry.