Evaluation of Alternate Reductants for Application in Light Water Reactors Available to Purchase

A new approach was developed for achieving a low electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) on structural materials exposed to high-temperature water, even without the addition of pure hydrogen. This approach uses metal hydride or alcohol acting as an alternate hydrogen source as well as providing an insulating oxide surface. Preliminary experimental data on various materials showed that the addition of these alternate reductants lowers ECP and enhances the catalytic benefit of noble metal-treated surfaces.