Development of Novel Coolant Chemistry for use in Dynamic Reactor Systems

The performance of nuclear power plants, including Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) can be affected by the formation of corrosion deposit This loosely adherent corrosion products, is called CRUD from the acronym of Chalk River Unidentified Deposit where it was first observed, CRUD plays a key role in determining the out of core or shutdown radiation field but they are also responsible for localized deposition on the steam generator tubing of pressurized water reactors (PWRs) nuclear power plants, reduces the heat transfer and hydrodynamic efficiency of the steam generators. Understanding the environment interactions with structural alloys employed in current and future generation of light water reactors is of strategic importance for Rolls-Royce, the industrial collaborators. This topic has been the focus of an extensive research in the past few years between the University of Manchester and Rolls-Royce.

The current chemistry in most western PWRs is based on the use of Li hydroxide as alkalizing agent and hydrogenated water to maintain reducing condition. However there are a number of drivers to investigate different coolant chemistry systems.
Therefore the present research will explore the implementation of novel water chemistries and inform mechanistic understanding of the interaction between the dynamic flow of the reactor coolant (high temperature, alkaline, hydrogenated water) and the structural alloys. The research activity will benefit from the consolidated interaction between the supervisory team and Rolls-Royce staff. In particular, the fundamental findings obtained during the PhD research will be regularly shared with the industrial partners, such as their relevance to practical operating PWR conditions can be assessed and challenged. Quarterly meetings with the extended supervisory team will ensure knowledge transfer and, if needed, realignment of the research activities.
The experimental work will be performed in simulated reactor coolant using the Materials Performance Centre and Henry Royce Institute suite for research on high-temperature high-pressure flow systems; such facilities have been specifically designed for advanced testing in simulated reactor coolant. The materials will be characterized using advanced analytical techniques available in the Electron Microscopy Centre.

In GREEN we envisage there are potentially Impacts in several domains: the nuclear Sector; the wider Clean Growth Agenda; Government Policy & Strategy; and the Wider Public.

The two major outputs from Green will be Human Capital and Knowledge:

Human Capital: The GREEN CDT will deliver a pipeline of approximately 90 highly skilled entrants to the nuclear sector, with a broad understanding of wider sector challenges (formed through the training element of the programme) and deep subject matter expertise (developed through their research project). As evidenced by our letters of support, our CDT graduates are in high demand by the sector. Indeed, our technical and skills development programme has been co-created with key sector employers, to ensure that it delivers graduates who will meet their future requirements, with the creativity, ambition, and relational skills to think critically & independently and grow as subject matter experts. Our graduates are therefore a primary conduit to delivering impact via outcomes of research projects (generally co-created and co-produced with end users); as intelligent and effective agents of change, through employment in the sector; and strong professional networks.

Knowledge: The research outcomes from GREEN will be disseminated by students as open access peer reviewed publications in appropriate quality titles (with a target of 2 per student, 180 in total) and at respected conferences. Data & codes will be managed & archived for open access in accordance with institutional policies, consistent with UKRI guidelines. We will collaborate with our counterpart CDTs in fission and fusion to deliver a national student conference as a focus for dissemination of research, professional networking, and development of wider peer networks.

There are three major areas where GREEN will provide impact: the nuclear sector; clean growth; Policy and Strategy and Outreach.

the nuclear sector: One of our most significant impacts will be to create the next generation of nuclear research leaders. We will achieve this by carefully matching student experience with user needs.

clean growth - The proposed GREEN CDT, as a provider of highly skilled entrants to the profession, is therefore a critical enabler in supporting delivery of both the Clean Growth agenda, Nuclear Industry Strategy, and Nuclear Sector Deal, as evidenced by the employment rate of our graduates (85% into the sector industry) and the attached letters of support.

Policy and Strategy: The GREEN leadership and supervisory team provide input and expert advice across all UK Governments, and also to the key actors in the nuclear industry (see Track Records, Sections 3.3 & 5.1, CfS). Thus, we are well positioned to inculcate an understanding of the rapidly changing nuclear strategy and policy landscape which will shape their future careers.

Outreach to the wider public: Building on our track record of high quality, and acclaimed activities, delivered in NGN, GREEN will deliver an active programme of public engagement which we will coordinate with activities of other nuclear CDTs. Our training programme provides skills based training in public and media communication, enabling our students to act as effective and authoritative communicators and ambassadors. Examples of such activities delivered during NGN include: The Big Bang Fair, Birmingham 2014 - 2017; British Science Week, 2013 - 2017; ScienceX, Manchester; 2016 - 2018; and The Infinity Festival, Cumbria, 2017.