Diffusion bonded matrix of HGMF for BWR condensate water purification

In the application of HGMF for a nuclear power plant, especially for the BWR, matrix reliability as well as crud removal efficiency is important. A new matrix called Diffusion Bonded Matrix has been developed. Test results are reported using a HGMF test unit consisting of a 160 mm diameter × 240 mm long matrix. The filtering velocity and the magnetic flux density used in these tests were 800m/h and 5kG respectively. The filtering efficiency for an artificial crud (α-Fe2O3), of 85% to 100% was obtained for the new matrix. The new matrix indicated slightly excellent crud removal efficiency than that by the conventional wool matrix under the same filtering conditions. And the new matrix kept its original mechanical strength and had very few fiber breakage, while the conventional wool matrix lost its volume elasticity and the washed-out pieces of fibers were observed. These results demonstrate the great applicability of the new matrix for the condensate water treatment of the BWR.