Small sodium-to-gas leak behavior in relation to LMFBR leak detection system design

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7252195

Hopenfeld, J; Taylor, G R; James, L A

Various aspects of sodium-to-gas leaks which must be considered in the design of leak detection systems for LMFBR's are discussed. Attention is focused primarily on small, weeping type leaks. Corrosion rates of steels in fused sodium hydroxide and corrosion damage observed at the site of small leaks lead to the conclusion that the sodium-gas reaction products could attack the primary hot leg piping at rates up to 0.08 mils per hour. Based on theoretical considerations of the corrosion mechanism and on visual observations of pipe topography following small sodium leak tests, it is concluded that pipe damage will be manifested by the formation of small detectable leaks prior to the appearance of larger leaks. The case for uniform pipe corrosion along the pipe circumference or along a vertical section of the pipe is also examined. Using a theoretical model for the gravity flow of sodium and reaction products along the pipe surface and a mass transport controlled corrosion process, it is shown that below sodium leak rates of about 30 g/hr for the primary piping corrosion damage will not extend beyond one radius distance from the leak site. A method of estimating the time delay between the initiation of such leaks and the development of a larger leak due to increased pipe stresses resulting from corrosion is presented.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Madison, Pa. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: E(11-1)-3045
• OSTI ID: 7252195
• Report Number(s): CONF-760503-17; TRN: 77-000110
• Resource Relation: Conference: International conference on liquid metal technology in energy production, Champion, PA, USA, 3 May 1976
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
LMFBR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
LEAK TESTING
SODIUM
LEAK DETECTORS
LEAKS
ALKALI METALS
BREEDER REACTORS
COOLING SYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
EPITHERMAL REACTORS
FAST REACTORS
FBR TYPE REACTORS
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
METALS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
TESTING
210500* - Power Reactors
Breeding