What is an iodine filter and why to use it at NPPs. Main technical characteristics and peculiarities of application. Filtration system and its advantages. How to protect the air from radioactive particles.
Content:
- Scope of application of iodine filters.
- What elements does the filter consist of?
- Are iodine filter cartridges needed at NPPs?
Iodine filter is used to complete the air filtration system at NPPs. It is used to protect the space from radioactive gases, particles. They are generated by contaminated systems. If you do not use the filter, then all the negative elements will get into the atmosphere.
The classic model is designed to protect the air environment from radiation. Modern models are relatively compact, wear-resistant, durable and replaceable with a long gap, so you will not have to regularly diagnose and check the condition of the object.
Scope of application of iodine filters.
Iodine filters are used to clean air masses. Toxic emissions are combated. In this way it is possible to protect not only NPP employees, but also nearby territories, the atmosphere, and potential kill zones. Without a filtration system, the plant can not function, because this way it will not meet the general quality standards. The equipment is proven and safe, so it can be installed completely on all units of the system. Innovative models correspond to the peculiarities of the nuclear industry and guarantee protection of the territory.
There are two main types of filtration systems used at NPPs now. The first is potentially radioactive and the second is non-radioactive. For each of them there is a different iodine model. If the components of the system are not connected correctly, then the cleaning will not meet the overall requirements.
Non-radioactive systems include those that draw air from the atmosphere from the outside. There are no dangerous particles in it, so it does not need to be specially cleaned in several stages. This type of system is important for nuclear power plants. It is needed so that it is possible to automatically remove atmospheric contaminants from the stream. For example, it could be bacteria or dust particles that should not get into the iodine or radioactive field.
Radioactive filters are used already inside the containment or directly in the reactor room. The designs are supplemented with iodine traps and, with the help of material such as activated carbon, trigger adsorption. Additionally it is possible to prevent the dispersion of iodine. This is important in case of a potential accident.
What elements does the filter consist of?
Iodine filter adsorber is a complex construction with a large number of elements. It is supplemented with tempera-type air distributors, extractors, pre-fans, supply elements, mechanisms for temperature treatment of air, high efficiency cleaners for working with solid areas. This is a classic design.
In this way, the sorbent can be safely filtered and specific temperature, humidity and load values can be maintained. Any leaks of contaminated air due to the integrated sealed filters are excluded if properly installed and connected to the system.
Are iodine filter cartridges needed at NPPs?
There are different formats. Disposable ones are sold, which are discarded at the end of their useful life. There are models in which the cartridge is replaced, and this prolongs the potential use. The first option is cheaper, but it is also less durable. When selecting it is recommended to take into account wear resistance, purpose. Universal cartridges do not exist. It is important to understand exactly what model of iodine filter is installed at the NPP, so that taking into account the labeling to select a suitable addition.
Advantages of cartridges:
- additional adsorbent;
- improved air purification;
- long service life;
- sorting compounds.
This is an additional element through which the air flow must pass. In this way, harmful particles can be retained and prevented from entering the atmosphere outside the nuclear reactor.
Iodine filters in nuclear power plants are considered an advanced type of earthquake resistant aerosol model. They are designed to improve the purification of air masses and interaction with non-dissolving dispersed phases.
