TECH TALK
Reliably Sealing Boric Acid In Nuclear
On April 26 , 1986 , the worst nuclear accident in recorded history occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine , former Soviet Union . Poor reactor design and operator errors led to a steam explosion that left the reactor core on fire and exposed to the environment . The nuclear contamination was so severe that an exclusion zone covering over 1000 square miles was established and experts say the most contaminated areas will not be habitable again for 20,000 years .
Despite the fears that linger in the minds of those who remember Chernobyl , and Three Mile Island incident , many in the scientific community are looking to nuclear energy as an important component of global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases .
By Chris Morris , Sales Engineer – Teadit
Renewed Perspective
The accident at Chernobyl had negative impacts that are still being felt around the world . Following the accident public distrust of nuclear energy ran rampant around the world . The Chernobyl accident occurred a mere seven years after another highly publicized incident , a partial meltdown of one of the reactors , occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Middletown , Pennsylvania . The cry “ Never another Chernobyl ” became the mantra of nuclear opponents and the marching orders for anyone associated with overseeing the safe operation of nuclear facilities .
However , nuclear-generated electricity still plays a major role in the global power grid today . About 10 % of all electricity worldwide comes from nuclear plants . In countries with advanced economies and infrastructure , that number is closer to 20 %. The United States is home to 54 operating nuclear power stations with a combined 93 reactors over 28 states . These facilities produce over 770 billion
Result of boric acid corrosion . Image credit : https :// www . nrc . gov / reactors / operating / ops-experience / vessel-head-degradation / vessel-head-degradation-files / looking-back-toward-nozzle3 . html .
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Even considering concerns related to the proper handling and storage of nuclear waste from spent fuel rods , and the fears that linger in the minds of those who remember Chernobyl and Three Mile Island , many in the scientific community are looking to nuclear energy as an important component of global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases . The bottom line is , even with modern technical advancements , burning carbon-rich fossil fuels like coal and natural gas generates massive amounts of CO 2 emissions that in turn produce greenhouse gases that trap heat in the planet ’ s atmosphere and lead to global warming , that many agree threaten the future of the planet .
Taking Precautions
Improved reactor designs , advancements in fuel enrichment , increased oversight and regulation , and improved safety sys-
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30 Valve World Americas | September 2023 • www . valve-world-americas . net