Combined Electrolysis and Catalytic Exchange (CECE) Upgraders – An Alternative to Water Distillation (DW) Heavy Water Upgraders

Abstract

All operating CANDU stations are equipped with Water Distillation (DW) systems for heavy water upgrading. An alternative process, Combined Electrolysis and Catalytic Exchange (CECE), is being considered for use in future CANDU stations. The CECE process has several operating advantages over DW systems, including lower emissions and heavy water losses.Changes in nuclear standards may change seismic requirements and classification of upgrader systems. These changes will likely increase the cost of heavy water upgraders, but the cost increase will be smaller for a CECE upgrader.Research at Chalk River Labs has identified materials for use in the CECE process that will not chemically or mechanically degrade when exposed to highly tritiated water.