Corrosion and water chemistry studies at Halden
- OECD Halden Reactor Project, Halden (Norway)
A PWR facility installed in the Halden reactor is being used to determine the effects of high lithium concentration (high pH) on the corrosion behaviour of high burn-up Zircaloy-4 fuel rods subjected either to nucleate boiling or to one-phase cooling conditions. Pre-test as well as interim oxide layer thickness measurements have been performed on the test segments, and comparisons made with predicted values based on model calculations. The oxide thicknesses measured at an average burn-up above 40 MWd/kgUO{sub 2} are consistent with literature data and show no evidence of corrosion enhancement due to the high lithium content. Presence of crud deposits was noted at the cooler end of the rods exposed to one phase cooling conditions. The experiment will continue until October 1991, when anticipated maximum oxide thicknesses will be in the range 80-100 {mu}m. A BWR facility, dedicated to exploring the effects of environmental variables on the irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) behaviour of in-core structural component materials is described. The main objectives of the study, which are to evaluate the effects of water chemistry, fluence, stress level and alloy composition on cracking propensity, are discussed. The water chemistry monitoring facilities at Halden are mentioned.
- OSTI ID:
- 48035
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-910808--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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