Real-Time Nanogravimetric Monitoring of Corrosion in Radioactive Environments

Abstract

Monitoring and understanding the mechanism of metal corrosion throughout the nuclear fuel cycle play a key role in the safe asset management of facilities. They also provide information essential for making an informed choice regarding the selection of decontamination methods for steel plant and equipment scheduled for decommissioning. Recent advances in Quartz Crystal Nanobalance (QCN) technology offer the means of monitoring corrosion in-situ, in radiologically harsh environments, in real time and with high sensitivity. Oxalic acid has been widely used in I would like to thank my director of studies, Professor Colin Boxall, for his advice, patience and positivity throughout the course of this research. I would like to thank my industrial supervisor Dr. Divyesh Trivedi of the National Nuclear Laboratory for the keen interest in the work. I wish to thank the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for funding this project, the Lloyd's Register Foundation and the UTGARD laboratory for providing the research facilities. I would like to thank the UTGARD and the Lloyd's Register Foundation research groups (staff and students) for providing a friendly working environment. Finally, my utmost thanks go to my parents, my brother and my sister for their constant support and for always being there in good and not so good times. vi