Trace oxygen sodium leak detection in nuclear reactor enclosure

Abstract

A sodium leak detection system for a nuclear reactor vessel includes a recirculation loop having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the annular space between the nuclear reactor vessel and the guard vessel. The recirculation loop and the annulus are filled with an inert gas, such as argon. The inert gas is doped with a known trace quantity of oxygen, typically in the single-digit ppm range up to about 1%. A recirculator forces the inert gas and oxygen to mix and flow throughout the annulus. The recirculation loop further includes a trace oxygen sensor that determines the concentration of oxygen in the inert gas. Because sodium reacts with oxygen, the trace oxygen sensor is monitored for a reduction in the oxygen level, which indicates a sodium leak into the annulus.

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