Process for eliminating deposits formed in a steam generator of a pressurized water nuclear reactor

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Process for the elimination of corrosion products formed on the tube plate and in the gaps between the tubes and the spacer plates of a steam generator of a pressurized water nuclear reactor, in order to prevent the appearance of a corrosion phenomena, which can lead to necking or denting of tubes by oxide growth. The process consists of reacting with said oxides at between 50 and 100°C, an aqueous solution containing 6 to 8% gluconic acid 3 to, 5% citric acid, approximately 0.5% of a corrosion inhibitor and ammonia until a pH between approximately 3 and 9.5 is obtained.