Methane, from radiolytic oxidation

Radiolytic oxidation is important to the design and operation of reactors because it adversely affects key graphite properties and, by removing moderator material, may bring about the need for increased fuel enrichment. As mentioned earlier, an inhibitor (methane) is added to the coolant to reduce radiolytic oxidation to acceptable levels. However, access of the inhibitor to the inner portions of the moderator brick must be assured. Two approaches have been adopted in the AGRs to provide this access. Vertical methane access holes are provided in the fuel bricks and in the later stations, Heysham II and Tomess, a pressure drop from outside to inside the brick was established to cause an enhanced flow through the brick. The amount of inhibitor added must be restricted, however, because the carbon inhibition reaction product deposits on the fuel pin and restricts heat transfer to the coolant, thus reducing reactor efficiency. 

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