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Steam-chemical reactivity studies for irradiated beryllium

Journal Article · · Journal of Fusion Energy
; ;  [1]
  1. Idaho National Engineering Lab., ID (United States); and others

This paper reports the results of an experimental study to determine the influence of neutron irradiation effects on the chemical reactivity of beryllium exposed to steam. The study entailed measurements of the following: (1) swelling of irradiated Be specimens annealed at temperatures ranging from 450{degrees}C to 1200{degrees}C, (2) hydrogen generation rates for unirradiated Be control specimens exposed to steam at temperatures from 450{degrees}C to 1200{degrees}C, and (3) hydrogen generation rates and tritium mobilization rates for irradiated Be exposed to steam at temperatures from 450{degrees}C to 700{degrees}C. For irradiated Be, swelling occurred at temperatures above 600{degrees}C and it increased to about 56% for an anneal temperature of 1200{degrees}C. Tritium and {sup 4}He were released concurrently from specimens that were annealed at 800{degrees}C and above. Steam-Be reactivity measurements for the control specimens were consistent with previous work at temperatures above 700{degrees}C, and the new measurements extended the reactivity database down to 450{degrees}C. Steam-reactivity measurements for irradiated Be were comparable to control specimens for 600{degrees}C and below, but, they indicated a significant enhancement in the chemical reactivity at 700{degrees}C. 17 refs., 8 figs.

DOE Contract Number:
AC07-94ID13223
OSTI ID:
577076
Journal Information:
Journal of Fusion Energy, Journal Name: Journal of Fusion Energy Journal Issue: 1-2 Vol. 16; ISSN JFENDS; ISSN 0164-0313
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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