Evaluation of Zircaloy-2 process tubes containing nonstandard spacers

Technical Report · Thu Apr 04 04:00:00 EST 1968

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7126810· OSTI ID:7126810

Griggs, B

The discovery of a hydride case on the inner surface of the K Reactor Zircaloy tubes in 1965 led to an extensive investigation of its cause and remedial measures. The most probable mechanism determined for the phenomenon was the galvanic coupling of the 6063 alloy aluminum spacers to Zircaloy-2 process tubes. Three remedial actions were indicated which would interrupt this reaction: (1) electrically insulate the spacer from the process tube, thus interrupting the flow of electrons; (2) stop the corrosion of the spacers and thus the corrosion produced electrons; (3) make the spacers from a material which would have insufficient potential to reduce hydrogen on the surface of the Zircaloy, such as stainless steel, nickel, etc. All of these approaches were tested. The purpose of this document is to present the hydrogen absorption and corrosion data relative to this testing.

• Research Organization: Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, Wash. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: E(45-1)-1830
• OSTI ID: 7126810
• Report Number(s): BNWL-CC-1633
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220700* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Plutonium & Isotope Production Reactors
ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHROMIUM ADDITIONS
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
HYDRIDATION
IRON ADDITIONS
IRON ALLOYS
IRRADIATION CAPSULES
MODIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PLUTONIUM PRODUCTION REACTORS
PRODUCTION REACTORS
REACTORS
SPACERS
TESTING
TIN ALLOYS
TUBES
ZIRCALOY
ZIRCALOY 2
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM BASE ALLOYS