DEPASSIVATION OF 304-L STAINLESS STEEL IN SULFEX DECLADDING SOLUTIONS
In the Sulfex process, stainless-steel cladding, generally 304-L, is removed from fuel elements by dissolution in boiling four to six molar sulfuric acid. It is desirable that the Sulfex decladding procedure be such that the stain less steel is not made passive to the decladding solution or that activation can be assured for cladding already passive. Chemical and electrochemical means of activating passive stainless-steel surfaces in boiling dilute sulfuric acid were studied. Chemical methods included reducing agents and penetrating ions; electrochemical methods included galvanic and electrolytic coupling. Since nitrate may be present in Sulfex solution due to entrapment of some previous nitric acid dissolver solution, the effect of nitrate on depassivation was investigated. Destruction of nitrates in Sulfex decladding solution was also studied. (W.L.H.)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(45-1)-1350
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-006048
- OSTI ID:
- 4110334
- Report Number(s):
- HW-65925
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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