Materials compatibility in liquid sodium

Conference · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

OSTI ID:6528775

Brehm, W. F.

A review of published literature on sodium technology shows that a great deal is known about the interaction of sodium with the materials and components of liquid-metal-cooled reactors. The transfer of science to technology is rapid. The present generation of sodium-cooled reactors are being built with confidence in the soundness of the sodium systems and a long in-sodium life for components. Materials selection and component design are based on firm, if somewhat conservative, criteria. Continuing work is needed, however, to refine the technological base in such areas as in-reactor measurement of corrosion, effect of prolonged sodium exposure on mechanical properties of metals, and the chemistry of impurities in sodium. This latter topic includes the measurement and control of interstitial elements and radioactive species. Sodium is essentially a benign and easily handled heat transfer medium. The science and technology of liquid metal systems had advanced rapidly. Without a doubt the use of liquid metal heat transfer systems in energy-conversion systems other than nuclear fission reactors will increase as the success of present systems continues to be demonstrated.

• Research Organization: Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-14-2170
• OSTI ID: 6528775
• Report Number(s): HEDL-SA-1559; CONF-781071-2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ALKALI METALS
BREEDER REACTORS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMPATIBILITY
COOLING SYSTEMS
CORROSION
CORROSIVE EFFECTS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
METALS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
REVIEWS
SODIUM