Zirconium hydride formation in Hanford production reactor process tubes
Examination of Zircaloy-2 process tubes from Hanford Production Reactors has revealed extensive zirconium hydride formation. In general, attack is limited to the downstream portions of tubes where aluminum spacers are located. Most of the hydride platelets are contained in a case or layer on the inner surface of the tube. It is not unusual to find cases 0.004 to 0.005 in. thick. Analyses of the 0.037 in. wall tubes with such cases intact often reveal hydrogen concentrations greater than 1000 ppM. Investigation indicates that the hydriding is the result of galvanic contact between aluminum and Zircaloy-2. The galvanic couple (contact between dissimilar metals in the presence of reactor cooling water which serves as the electrolyte) results in the cathodic charging of hydrogen into the Zircaloy.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-06-1830
- OSTI ID:
- 7317616
- Report Number(s):
- BNWL-588
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
HANFORD PRODUCTION REACTORS
IN PILE LOOPS
ZIRCALOY 2
CORROSION
TUBES
ZIRCONIUM HYDRIDES
ALLOYS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHROMIUM ADDITIONS
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IRON ADDITIONS
IRON ALLOYS
PLUTONIUM PRODUCTION REACTORS
PRODUCTION REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTOR EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES
REACTORS
TIN ALLOYS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
ZIRCALOY
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM BASE ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM COMPOUNDS
220700* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Plutonium & Isotope Production Reactors
360105 - Metals & Alloys- Corrosion & Erosion