HYDRIDING OF ZIRCONIUM AND URANIUM IN ORGANIC COOLANTS
A study was made of the corrosion of uranium and zirconium in organic coolants in the presence of hydrogen and low wnter concentrations. Zirconium reacts with hydrogen to form zirconium hydride. The presence of the organic coolant has no effect on the reaction. The extent of reaction depends on the temperature and the hydrogen partial pressure. In the absence of hydrogen no reaction occurs, but at low hydrogen partial pressures complete hydriding is possible. The rate at which zirconium hydrides depends on the temperature, the hydrogen partial pressure, and the presence of an oxide film on the metal. The rate of reaction increases with increasing temperature and hydrogen partial pressure. The presence of an oxide film, present initially on the metal or formed by low concentrntions of water in the organic coolant, retards the rate of reaction. No difference was observed between zirconium and Zircaloy-2. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-52
- NSA Number:
- NSA-13-003570
- OSTI ID:
- 4308104
- Report Number(s):
- HW-58146
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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