Conductivity

Reactor Water Chemistry DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93 CHEMISTRY PARAMETERS Rev. 0 CH-03 Page 19 Figure 4 pH and Conductivity as a Function of NH Concentration 3 Conductivity Conductivity of reactor facility water is measured to provide an indication of dissolved ionic substances in the coolant. Conductivity measurements provide quantitative rather than qualitative information because it is possible to determine the total conductivity of the ions present, but not the specific types of ions present. Because many ions such as iron (Fe ), +++ chromium (Cr ), copper (Cu ) and aluminum (Al ) are susceptible to forming oxides and +++ ++ +++ plating out as scale on heat transfer surfaces, reactor coolant conductivity is normally controlled at a level as low as practicable and consistent with pH. By monitoring conductivity levels in the reactor facility systems, the operator is able to cross check the chemistry of these systems, thereby achieving a higher confidence level in the parameters measured. Regardless of the operating limits specified for a given reactor facility, operating relationships can be established between pH and conductivity levels of the coolant. Figure 4 shows a typical relationship of the pH and conductivity of a reactor coolant system using high pH, ammonium hydroxide chemistry control as a function of the ammonia (NH ) concentration. 3