Monticello Nuclear Generating Station has completed an effort to significantly reduce radiation-dose exposure and maintain reactor-vessel corrosion protection.

The On-Line Noble Chemistry (OLNC) project conducted its first water-treatment process in October, but future treatments will continue to pay dividends at the plant in Monticello, Minn.

“The On-line Noble Chemistry project will have the most meaningful impact for Monticello employees of any project the Chemistry Department has been involved with over the years,” said Kurt Petersen, manager of the department. “The injection process lasted 10 days and went like clockwork. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

The OLNC effort reduces the annual on-line dose to the plant’s workforce by 6 to 12 REM. Achieving this level will place Monticello among the lowest-dose plants in the country, he said, and could potentially achieve lowest-dose standing for the plant.

OLNC is a safe and well-understood practice used by most boiling reactor sites in the United States.

The equipment pictured above injects noble metals into the water treatment process at the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.