Thermal Stability of Three Amines in Pressurized Water-Reactor Secondary Systems. Laboratory and Loop Experiments

Article abstract of DOI:10.1007/BF00651515

Laboratory and loop tests have been carried out in order to investigate the thermal stability of the three amines, morpholine, AMP (aminomethylpropanol) and sarcosine in PWR secondary conditions.Laboratory experiments have been performed in a titanium autoclave at 300 deg C.The results pointed out high thermal decomposition rates of AMP and sarcosine.A decomposition mechanism is proposed for the 3 amines.Loop tests have been performed in order to compare steam cycle conditioning with ammonia, morpholine and AMP.The amine concentrations and the decomposition products such as acetate and formate have been followed around the secondary circuit of the ORION loop which reproduces the main physico-chemical characteristics of a PWR secondary circuit.These concentrations are reported together with the evolution of cationic conductivities.The influence of oxygen concentration on amine thermal stability has been observed.Results are expressed also in terms of decomposition rates and of relative volatility.KEY WORDS: Morpholine; aminomethylpropanol; sarcosine; thermal decomposition; PWR secondary water.