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Comparison of various chromium--molybdenum low-alloy steels for liquid- metal fast breeder reactor steam generators

Journal Article · · Nucl. Technol., v. 28, no. 3, pp. 506-515
OSTI ID:4055090

High-temperature strength, weldability, and decarburization behavior in liquid sodium of 2$sup 1$$/$$sub 4$ Cr--1 Mo steel with a wide variety of heat treatments and some carbon stabilized 2$sup 1$$/$$sub 4$ Cr--1 Mo steels are examined for the purpose of material selection of LMFBR steam generator tubes. Decarburization of 2$sup 1$$/$$sub 4$ Cr--Mo steel in sodium can be suppressed when it is appropriately normalized and tempered instead of annealed. The 2$sup 1$/ $sub 4$ Cr--1 Mo--Db--Ni steel is considered to be preferable to other stabilized steels, since a small addition of nickel assures sufficient strength, even if the normalizing temperature is as low as 950$sup 0$C. Stabilized steels should be welded carefully to obtain a fully penetrated bead. Preheating above 200$sup 0$C and postheating above 720$sup 0$C are required for stabilization. Compared with all the investigated properties, the materials recommended for LMFBR steam generator tubes are normalized-tempered 2$sup 1$$/$$sub 4$ Cr--1 Mo steel and, if decarburization is not allowable, 2$sup 1$$/$$sub 4$ Cr--1 Mo--Nb--Ni steel, with the condition that a sound-welded joint can be available. (auth)

Research Organization:
Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., Amagasaki, Japan
NSA Number:
NSA-33-028049
OSTI ID:
4055090
Journal Information:
Nucl. Technol., v. 28, no. 3, pp. 506-515, Journal Name: Nucl. Technol., v. 28, no. 3, pp. 506-515; ISSN NUTYB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English