Steam Generator Leak Detection in Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactors by Chemical Methods

Chemical methods are the primary means for detecting steam generator leaks in liquid-metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) systems. Both hydrogen and oxygen detectors may be used for this purpose. Diffusion of hydrogen through a thin nickel membrane provides the basis for the primary LMFBR leak detection tool. Spurious sources of hydrogen (e.g., from waterside corrosion) and partition of hydrogen between sodium and cover gas are major disadvantages with the use of leak detection systems that incorporate only hydrogen monitors. Electrochemical oxygen meters, which are not subject to these problems, provide a complementary method for leak detection. Hydrogen meters (both diffusion tube and electrochemical designs) and electrochemical oxygen meters have demonstrated the capability to detect water intrusions in sodium test systems.