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Corrosion of Zirconium Alloys in 900 and 1000°F Steam

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4140169· OSTI ID:4140169
 [1]
  1. Nuclear Metals, Inc., Concord, MA (United States)

Steam at 900 to 1000°F and 1500 psi is a very corrosive medium for zirconium alloys. Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-3 fail after a short time under these conditions. The presence of tin is highly detrimental to the corrosion resistance, while additions of chromium, nickel, and iron, both singly and in combination, extend the life of zirconium-base alloys at these temperatures. The results of the corrosion testing of eleven ternary alloys of zirconium with iron and nickel, nickel and chromium, and chromium and iron are presented. The effect of fabrication and heat treatment is discussed. Life expectancies of the order of two years in 900°F and six months in 1000°F steam before the commencement of spalling may be expected for some of the alloys.

Research Organization:
Nuclear Metals, Inc., Concord, MA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
NSA Number:
NSA-14-015037
OSTI ID:
4140169
Report Number(s):
NMI--1235
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English