GE Energy nuclear division's platinum injection process for reducing the potential for cracks in boiling water reactors (BWRs) in nuclear plants has completed its first ever use in the US.

The company's patented Online NobleChem (OLNC) technology was employed at Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station's Unit One, following previous applications at plants in Europe since 2005.

Compared with previous measures taken to reduce intergranular stress corrosion cracking in reactors, such as applying platinum and rhodium on surfaces during an outage, the ONLC process offers the advantage that it can be performed while a BWR is operating at full power.

By minimising delays in this way it is thought that the implementation of OLMC could result in considerable savings for the nuclear power industry.

Andy White, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE's nuclear division, said: "As a leading provider of technology and services to the global nuclear industry, one of our key roles is to continuously develop and implement new products to help utilities increase plant performance and lower their operation and maintenance expenses.

"GE's new OLNC process will have clear technological and financial benefits throughout the entire BWR fleet around the world."

Sources:

GE introduces on-line platinum to US BWRs, 17/05/07
http://www.neimagazine.com/story.asp?sectionCode=132&storyCode=2044453

GE Energy's Nuclear Business Introduces On-line Noblechem™ Technology To BWR Plants, 03/05/07
http://www.gepower.com/about/press/en/2007_press/050307.htm

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