Heavy water reactor chemistry studies. Part 2. the analysis of exhausted HIFAR ion-exchange resins

Abstract

Four batches of exhausted HIFAR ion-exchange resins have been analysed to obtain information on the nature of impurities in the system, corrosion and radiation degradation of the resins. The life of the ion exchanger was found to be governed by the carbon dioxide in the circuit, the major source of which was the the radiation degradation of the resins. Methods for prolonging the life of the HIFAR ion exchanger were considered.