Methods of reusing a cleaning solution

摘要

An aqueous cleaning solution that has been previously used to remove deposits from a nuclear steam generator (or other vessel) is reused after being transferred from the steam generator into an external vessel. The spent cleaning solution may be reconditioned and reused in a further cleaning of the same steam generator or a different steam generator. The different cleanings being accomplished by the cleaning solution may be of the same type or different types (e.g., iron oxide removal and/or copper removal).

主权项

1. A method of removing at least some deposits within one or more steam generators of one or more nuclear power plants, the method comprising:
disposing an aqueous cleaning solution in a first nuclear steam generator for a first treatment period to dislodge or dissolve first deposits from the first nuclear steam generator, the aqueous cleaning solution comprising a chelant or cleaning agent; after said disposing of the aqueous cleaning solution in the first steam generator, transferring the aqueous cleaning solution and at least some of the dislodged or dissolved first deposits from the first nuclear steam generator to an external vessel; transferring the aqueous cleaning solution from the external vessel into the first nuclear steam generator or a second nuclear steam generator and keeping the aqueous cleaning solution in the first or second nuclear steam generator for a second treatment period to dislodge or dissolve second deposits from the first or second nuclear steam generator; and after said keeping of the aqueous cleaning solution in the first or second nuclear steam generator for the treatment period, removing the aqueous cleaning solution and at least some of the dislodged or dissolved second deposits from the first or second nuclear steam generator.