Evaluating All-Metal Valves for Use in a Tritium Environment
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River National Lab. (SRNL)
In the tritium gas processing system, it is desired to minimize polymer components due to their degradation from tritium exposure (beta decay). One source of polymers in the tritium process is valve components. A vendor has been identified that manufactures a valve that is marketed as being made from all-metal construction. This manufacturer, Ham-Let Group, manufactures a diaphragm valve (3LE series) that claims to be made entirely of metal. SRNL procured twelve (12) Ham-Let diaphragm valves for characterization and evaluation. The characterization tests include identification of the maximum pressure of these valves by performing pressure and burst tests. Leak tests were performed to ensure the valves do not exceed the acceptable leak rate for tritium service. These valves were then cycled in a nitrogen gas and/or vacuum environment to ensure they would be durable in a process environment. They were subsequently leak tested per ASTM protocol to ensure that the valves maintained their leak tight integrity. A detailed material analysis was also conducted to determine hydrogen and tritium compatibility.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-08SR22470
- OSTI ID:
- 1395965
- Report Number(s):
- SRNL-STI-2017-00516; TRN: US1800068
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
PDRD Project 19039 - All metal vacuum scroll pump development for tritium
Component Testing Supporting SHINE Medical Technologies