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U.S. Department of Energy
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Tritium permeation through steam generator materials

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6131119

Various subjects related to tritium permeation through steam generator materials are discussed. Isotope effects based on protium and tritium permeabilities of nickel range from 1.36 at 500/sup 0/K to 1.63 at 1000/sup 0/K. Tritium permeation rates from a given quantity of T/sub 2/ molecules will be reduced by the addition of protium and/or deuterium to a point that the tritium rates approach an inverse 0.5 power dependence on the protium and/or deuterium pressures. The permeability constants and the permeation activation energies essentially are equal for several ferritic alloys, but these parameters are significantly different from those for several austentic type alloys. Oxide layers on construction alloys can reduce permeation rates by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude but information on this subject may not be applicable to operating steam generator systems. Recent results indicate that tritium permeation rates through oxide and glass materials are 0.5 rather than first power dependent on pressure.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6131119
Report Number(s):
CONF-790803-38
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English