Abstract
The SNS comprises of 24 separate cooling loops to control temperature of the components.
Appropriate cooling water chemistry is required in order to avoid corrosion damage of
equipment, electric and mechanical malfunctions by deposition, as well as impairment of
cooling by plugging of the water passages. Although up to now no severe chemistry related
problems have yet occurred at SNS it is nevertheless prudent to consider some upgrades in
order to assure reliable long-term performance.
This report gives an assessment of the SNS cooling loops from the power plant generator
technology perspective and experience. The most important recommendations are to operate
the cooling loops with the highest achievable water purity and the highest reasonable mixed
bed flow, to consider efficient main stream filtration, and to make and implement a common
concept for water chemistry and for preventative maintenance. Main risk areas are
electrochemical corrosion in loops with DC voltage, and materials performance of the RID
window.