Budapest RCM

3 m from the stored fuels. The demineralized water of the pool was continuously circulated at 100 L/min and there was an on-line purification system. Pool water samples were collected from regions close to the rack in the pool and analysed. The results of these analyses are given in Table 9.1. The rack was removed on 1998-07-22 after 550 days of exposure. Before final removal, two interim inspections were carried out, the first on 1997-09-18 and the second on 1998-02-18. 

---

The coupons were disassembled and photographed during the intermediate inspection. Unlike the coupons received at the Budapest RCM, which had only a machined surface finish, these highly polished coupons showed no deep pits or crevice corrosion. Basin water conductivity was maintained at 3.5-16 pS/cm, with a chloride ion content of less than 2 ppm. The excellent corrosion resistance of these coupons was attributed primarily to the surface finish and the improved purity of the water. 

T3vo sets of racks with test coupons were prepared and distributed to the participants of this CRP at the first RCM, held in Budapest in 1996, and at the second RCM, held in SSo Paulo in 1998. 

This chapter contains the results of the investigations carried out in the Budapest Research Reactor, operated by AEKI. The results correspond to the entire investigation period, i.e. coupons that were taken out of the pool in May 1998 (after 6 and 12 months of exposure), in May 1999 (12 months of exposure) and in May 2000 (24 months of exposure). Some of the earUer results were presented in progress reports and at the second RCM in S3o Paulo. 

In this CRP, standard aluminium alloy test coupons mounted in racks were distributed to representatives of the participating countries during the first RCM in Budapest and during the second RCM in Sao Paulo. These racks were exposed in the Trombay spent fuel storage pool of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. These racks and coupons were examined as per the guidelines of the CRP, and the observations are summarized in this chapter. 

The experiments carried out in Thailand related to the exposure of standard coupons to spent fuel basin water were based on instructions provided at the first RCM, held at KFKI in Budapest in August 1996, and the second RCM, held in S3o Paulo in March 1998. During the second RCM, a protocol was established to handle, prepare, expose and evaluate standard coupons. 

---