Method for monitoring noble metal distribution in reactor circuit during

Abstract

A method for ensuring the distribution of noble metal in the reactor circuit during plant application without measuring the reactor water for noble metal content by chemical analysis. The method involves the measurement of electrochemical corrosion potential in an autoclave or a high-flow test section that is connected to the reactor water circuit through sample lines downstream of the injection port, preferably the point in the reactor circuit which is furthest from the injection port. If the noble metal flows into the autoclave or test section at these distant points in the reactor circuit, then the noble metal will deposit on the test specimens inside the autoclave or test section. After the noble metal has been injected for a predetermined duration, the electrochemical corrosion potential autoclave or test section is exposed to hydrogen water chemistry conditions and the electrochemical corrosion potentials of the specimens inside the autoclave or test section will be measured to determine the extent of their catalytic response. A good catalytic response indicates that the noble metal has reached the locations upstream where electrochemical corrosion potential is being measured.