Course in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors
300-hour online course in chemical compatibility in light water reactors. 6 modules covering EPRI PWR Primary Water Chemistry Guidelines, EPRI BWR Water Chemistry Guidelines and MULTEQ (EPRI). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the primary circuit chemistry in PWR and BWR reactors.
Identify structural materials and their chemical compatibility.
Analyse degradation mechanisms such as stress corrosion cracking.
Describe the generation and transport of activated corrosion products.
Apply water chemistry guidelines to control degradation.
Evaluate mitigation strategies such as zinc or hydrogen injection.
Develop a chemical surveillance and life management programme.
Who it's for
- Nuclear power plant chemist who wants to specialise in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors.
- Materials and corrosion engineer who wants to specialise in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors.
- Ageing management specialist who wants to specialise in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors.
- Radiochemical laboratory technician who wants to specialise in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors.
- Structural integrity engineer who wants to specialise in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors.
- Water chemistry consultant who wants to specialise in Chemical Compatibility in Light Water Reactors.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join nuclear power plants.
What you'll work with
- EPRI PWR Primary Water Chemistry Guidelines
- EPRI BWR Water Chemistry Guidelines
- ASME BPVC Section XI (in-service inspection)
- IAEA SSG-13 (chemistry in nuclear power plants)
- 10 CFR 54 (licence renewal)
- NUREG-1801 (GALL report on ageing management)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Water as coolant and moderator1.2Primary circuit pressure and temperature conditions1.3Chemical specifications for primary water1.4pH control and coordination with lithium and boron1.5Dissolved hydrogen control1.6Dissolved oxygen and redox potential1.7Conductivity and limiting impurities1.8Differences between pressurised water and boiling water reactors1.9Sampling and analysis instrumentation1.10Exercise: interpreting a chemistry report
2.1Austenitic stainless steels and their behaviour2.2Nickel alloys in steam generators2.3Low-alloy steels of the reactor pressure vessel2.4Zirconium alloys for fuel cladding2.5Cladding and dissimilar welds2.6Microstructure and sensitisation2.7Residual manufacturing stresses2.8Material–environment compatibility2.9Material selection criteria2.10Practice: matching materials and locations
3.1General corrosion and oxide formation3.2Pitting and crevice corrosion3.3Stress corrosion cracking in aqueous environments3.4Intergranular corrosion and its prevention3.5Galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials3.6Erosion and flow-accelerated corrosion3.7Hydrogen embrittlement3.8Irradiation damage and vessel embrittlement3.9Thermal and mechanical fatigue3.10Practice: diagnosing a failure from clues
4.1Generation and transport of corrosion products4.2Deposition in the core and activation4.3Cobalt, nickel and their contribution to dose4.4Deposits on cladding and their thermal effect4.5Release of fission products through cladding leaks4.6Monitoring primary circuit activity4.7Purification by demineralisers and filters4.8Chemistry during shutdown and oxidant purging4.9Relationship between chemistry and staff dose4.10Practice: estimating the effect of a chemical change
5.1Chemistry surveillance programmes5.2In-service inspection and non-destructive techniques5.3Reactor vessel surveillance specimens5.4Zinc and other additive injection5.5Hydrogen and noble metal chemistry5.6Chemical decontamination of circuits5.7Replacement of degraded components5.8Ageing management and life extension5.9Applicable regulations and guidelines5.10Practice: monitoring plan for a component
6.1Selection of the circuit and its materials6.2Reference chemical specification6.3Identification of risk mechanisms6.4Chemical and materials surveillance programme6.5Proposed mitigation measures6.6Estimation of the effect on dose6.7In-service inspection plan6.8Component replacement criteria6.9Technical report6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MULTEQ (EPRI), OLI Studio, PHREEQC, Thermo-Calc, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for high-temperature water corrosion autoclaves, chemical analysis of primary coolant and monitoring of activated corrosion products. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the chemistry of the primary circuit in PWR and BWR reactors.
Identify structural materials and their chemical compatibility.
Analyse degradation mechanisms such as stress corrosion cracking.
Describe the generation and transport of activated corrosion products.
Apply water chemistry guidelines to control degradation.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course works with MULTEQ (EPRI), OLI Studio, PHREEQC, Thermo-Calc. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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