Determination of Trace Elements and Isotope Ratios in Borated Cooling Water of a Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear power plants are an important and efficient source of electrical energy, and many modern plants use a pressurized water reactor (PWR) due to their improved safety and self-regulating capability. In PWRs, the coolant water is also used as a moderator by letting the neutrons undergo multiple collisions with light hydrogen atoms in the water, losing speed in the process. Boron is often added to the reactor coolant as a neutron absorber to control the nuclear reactivity in the primary reactor. Controlling the pH of the coolant is crucial in maintaining the system and prolonging the life of the fuel rod cladding. This application note demonstrates the analysis of a sample of borated cooling water using ICP-MS.