PROTECTION OF GRAPHITE SURFACES

Patent · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1959

OSTI ID:4097774

The interior and exterior surfaces of graphite bodies (moderator blocks and fuel-element cans) are protected against high-temperature corrosion (e.g., by CO/sub 2/ coolant) by coating with nickel. Single bodies are placed in an evacuated space; the space is filled with Ni(CO)/sub 4/, again evacuated, refilled with an inert gas, and finally heated to about 500 ts C. The whole moderator of a gas-cooled reactor can be treated by adding Ni(CO)/sub 4/ to the coolant while the moderator is cold and then bringing the reactor to operating temperature. The amount of nickel that may be brought into the core is restricted because of its high neutron absorption; hence it is proposed to apply nickel-coated graphite blocks only in certain parts of the core, e.g., in its center and at the channel outlets. (NPO)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-15-009396
• OSTI ID: 4097774
• Report Number(s): FR 1185167
• Country of Publication: France
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBONYLS
COATING
COOLANTS
CORROSION PROTECTION
FUEL CANS
GRAPHITE
HEATING
HIGH TEMPERATURE
INERT GASES
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
MODERATORS
NEUTRONS
NICKEL
NICKEL COMPOUNDS
SURFACES
VACUUM