Bill Marble's Career Highlight

Process Invented By GE Nuclear Div. Engineer Wins "R&D Magazine" Award

A GE process that chemically reduces radiation buildup on piping within nuclear power plants has been selected by Research & Development Magazine as one of the world's 100 most significant new technical products of 1988. The research that led to the process was funded by GE in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute. 

GE says the process can save millions of dollars at nuclear plants annually by lowering radiation exposure to plant workers and by reducing the need for decontamination work. 

The magazine's R&D 100 award was accepted by William J. Marble, a principal engineer with GE's Nuclear Energy Division and the inventor of the process. The ceremony took place at an awards banquet at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago. 

"EPRI funded the initial data analysis," said Marble, "and GE funded the development. It was a joint effort." 

The process consists of adding trace concentrations of dissolved zinc to the feedwater of the reactor. This injected zinc incorporates into the crystal structure of the oxide film that normally forms on the inner surfaces of stainless steel piping. This effect makes the film more protective and results in thinner films that inherently produce lower radiation fields. The process thus lowers radiation exposure to plant workers and eliminates or reduces the need for periodic decontamination of plant piping and components.

GE estimates the GEZIP process can save $300,000 to $5 million per plant annually. Beyond the economic savings, the reduced exposure to plant workers is a worthy benefit in keeping with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) philosophy with respect to minimizing worker radiation exposure.

Last year, at the Hope Creek nuclear power station in New Jersey, GEZIP proved to be effective in reducing radiation buildup in the first operating cycle for the plant. Recirculation piping dose rates were a factor of two lower than a comparable BWR plant without zinc injection, and this factor is expected to increase as operation continues. This demonstration has paved the way for  broad acceptance of GEZIP in the industry.

Now in its 26^th year, the R&D 100 award competition recognizes the 100 most significant new technical products introduced globally each year. Its purpose is to recognize innovators and organizations for outstanding practical technical developments and to identify significant technological advances.