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U.S. Department of Energy
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Caustic cracking in hot aqueous and superheated steam environments

Conference ·
OSTI ID:4118253
Because of the proximity of sodium and water in the LMFBR steam generator, the possibility of caustic cracking exists. A program of caustic cracking of various ferritic and austenitic alloys was initiated in order to help determine the best construction material for the steam generator. The testing environment simulated faulted conditions in the evaporator and the superheated steam sections of the steam generator. Many of the austenitic alloys were found to be susceptible to caustic cracks. At 600$sup 0$F (evaporator temperature), cracking was found in samples of Carpenter 20 Cb 3, Armco 22-13-5, Type 304 stainless steel, and Incoloy 800 in 3 percent caustic. Inconel 600 failed when stressed below yield in caustic-contaminated steam at 900$sup 0$F (superheater temperature). The 2$sup 1$$/$$sub 4$ Cr--1 Mo steel was found extremely resistant to caustic cracking and has been chosen as the material of construction for the stream generator. 12 fig, 5 tables. (auth)
Research Organization:
General Electric Co., San Jose, CA
NSA Number:
NSA-33-012580
OSTI ID:
4118253
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English