Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: mcjhn on 16/08/2010 18:51:18

Title: what happens to the coolant water from a nuclear reactor?
Post by: mcjhn on 16/08/2010 18:51:18

Do neutrons create many radioactive isotopes in the water (from what I remember its mostly H₂O and a little bit of LiOH)?

Is it classified as low, intermediate or high level waste?

Is there much difference between the primary and secondary coolant loops?

Similar question for the water in the post reactor storage ponds thingys.

I couldn't find the answer anywhere.

Thanks

Mark

Title: what happens to the coolant water from a nuclear reactor?
Post by: Mazurka on 20/08/2010 10:18:38

I do not know the answer to the first question.

However, as I understand, the primary coolant loop is a closed system, the secondary coolant loops are not contaminated and abstracted water is returned to near to the source albeit several degrees warmer.  This is why all nuclear power stations are in coastal, by lakes or adjacent to major rivers.

A biocide is added to the abstracted water (often a chlorine based bleach) to ensure pipes are not fouled, this is discharged without treatment. 

Both the heat and biocide have implications for local ecology.

Water from storage ponds (at Sellafield)is treated and discharged. 
Considerable time and expertise has been spent in developing techniques to deal with water and other liquid treatment that used to be discharged directly to the sea. 
[urlhttp://www.sellafieldsites.com/[/url] has a suprising amount of information hidden in its depths...