Systems and methods for reducing noncondensable gas buildup in coolant systems

Abstract

Systems reduce noncondensable gasses within coolant systems with a recombiner into which the fluid coolant flows. Flow through the recombiner may be opposite that of a heat exchanger. The recombiner includes a catalyst that combines or degrades the noncondensable gasses, such as a Group 9-11 transition metal that speeds reaction of noncondensable gasses. The catalyst may be a liner, plate, aggregate, et. with openings through which all coolant must flow. The recombiner may be insulated to prevent heat exchange and condensation and may be tilted from a vertical to enhance draining and fluid flow. The entire system may be passive without any operator intervention or moving structures. Systems can be made from isolation condenser systems in nuclear power plants in an isolation condenser pool by adding a recombiner to existing coolant systems. Systems may also be made by including a recombiner with new isolation condensers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.