CADESU

Project summary

The aim of the CADESU project is to investigate the degradation of cable insulation material in sump water and identify the released organic compounds, and any interactions with fission products.

The presence of organic material inside the containment building in accident scenario is a recognized issue and is especially concerning in relation to iodine chemistry. The reactions between organic material and fission products can produce extremely volatile species which are known to be difficult to trap with current management actions. Painted surfaces have been conventionally used as the organic precursor but the effect of cable insulation has not been thoroughly studied. The NKS-project of last year (CURES) began this study by investigating pyrolysis and reactions between pyrolysis products and iodine. Preliminary results imply that organic iodides may from in this way. CADESU will continue the study to investigate cables relevant to nuclear power plants in Sweden and Finland, while focusing on the effects of sump water chemistry and heating. Investigation will, again, include the on-line measurement of the exhaust, as well as ICP-MS of liquid traps. We expect to add iodine in the form of iodine gas, as well as CsI to the sump water. Tellurium is another avenue that may be investigated.

The CADESU team consists of experienced experts and PhD students, a combination that is both skillfull and innovative, and has a history of producing high quality results within the severe accident field.

Contact

Chalmers University of Technology

Activity co-ordinator
Professor Christian Ekberg

che@chalmers.se 

Postal address
Kemivägen 4, 41596 Gothenburg Sweden
Phone +46317722801