Electrical, mechanical, and radiation resistant properties of ceramics and ceramic-to-metal end seals for in-vessel FFTF or LMFBR instrumentation cables

Technical Report · Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1973

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4336135· OSTI ID:4336135

Muhlestein, L D; Philipp, L D

Results from the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) experimental investigations of ceramics and ceramic-tometal end seals for reactor instrumentation cables were combined with information available in published reports from various laboratories to provide recommendations for further development of cables suitable for long-term, in-vessel operation in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) and in future liquid metal, fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs). The study focused on Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ with major attention devoted to the specific problem area of the ceramic-to-metal end seals for use with instrumentation cables. Ceramic mixtures of alumina, as the major constituent, with silica, calcia and magnesia were considered with variations in the alumina concentration - and grain size as parameters. Stronger ceramic-to-metal bond strengths can be achieved using lower Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ concentrations ( ~94%) and larger grain size ( ~30 mu m), while adverse radiation effects are minimized with higher concentrations ( ~99%) and smaller grain sizes (~3 to 5 mu m). Further, the electrical properties of ceramic-to-metal seals are best for a single material of high purity, high density, unglazed Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/. Parameters which normally produce good bonding can result in decreased resistance to radiation damage and poor electrical propenties; thus, parametric compromises or other modifications are being established to insure acceptable bond strength, electrical properties, and radiation resistance. 23 references. (auth)

• Research Organization: Hanford Engineering Development Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AT(45-1)-2170
• NSA Number: NSA-29-023502
• OSTI ID: 4336135
• Report Number(s): HEDL-TME-73-88
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-74
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

N77500* -Reactors-Power Reactors
Breeding
N77600 - Reactors-Research
Test
Experimental
Zero-power & Training Reactors
& Subcritical Assemblies
N50130 -Metals
Ceramics
& Other Materials-Ceramics & Cermets-Properties
Structure & Phase Studies
N50140 -Metals
Ceramics
& Other Materials-Ceramics & Cermets-Radiation Effects
*ALUMINIUM OXIDES- PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
*ELECTRIC CABLES- DIELECTRIC MATERIALS
*FBR TYPE REACTORS
*FFTF REACTOR- ELECTRIC CABLES
*LMFBR TYPE REACTORS- ELECTRIC CABLES
PERFORMANCE
REACTOR INSTRUMENTATION
SEALS LMFBR TYPE REACTORS