Devices and methods for managing noncondensable gasses in nuclear power plants

摘要

Systems passively eliminate noncondensable gasses from facilities susceptible to damage from combustion of built-up noncondensable gasses, such as H2 and O2 in nuclear power plants, without the need for external power and/or moving parts. Systems include catalyst plates installed in a lower header of the Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) condenser, a catalyst packing member, and/or a catalyst coating on an interior surface of a condensation tube of the PCCS condenser or an annular outlet of the PCCS condenser. Structures may have surfaces or hydrophobic elements that inhibit water formation and promote contact with the noncondensable gas. Noncondensable gasses in a nuclear power plant are eliminated by installing and using the systems individually or in combination. An operating pressure of the PCCS condenser may be increased to facilitate recombination of noncondensable gasses therein.

主权项

1. A system for passively eliminating noncondensable gasses in a nuclear power plant, the system comprising:
a catalyst material in an area subject to noncondensable gas exposure, the catalyst material configured to catalyze a reaction in the noncondensable gas to an inert byproduct, wherein the area is located in a condensate outlet exiting an inlet header of a passive containment cooling system (PCCS) condenser, the inlet header being configured to be submerged in a coolant fluid in the PCCS condenser during operation of the system.