SEDL / STP / STP458-EB / STP43837S

The Use of Hydrogen Getters for Prevention of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Zirconium-Alloy Fuel Cans

Spalthoff, W.
Physical Chemist and Metallurgist, Technological Dept., Gesellschaft für Kernenergieverwertung in Schiffbau und Schiffahrt, Geesthacht-Tesperhude,

Wilhelm, H.
Physical Chemist and Metallurgist, Technological Dept., Gesellschaft für Kernenergieverwertung in Schiffbau und Schiffahrt, Geesthacht-Tesperhude,

Pages: 7    Published: Jan 1969

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Abstract

For prevention of hydrogen embrittlement in zirconium-alloy fuel cans it is proposed to insert yttrium as a hydrogen getter inside the fuel can. An evaluation of hydrogen decomposition-pressure measurements of all metal hydrides at question shows that in the range 300 to 500 C, yttrium has the highest affinity to hydrogen. At 300 C the hydrogen in yttrium dihydride is in equilibrium with 1 ppm per weight of hydrogen solved in alpha-phase zirconium. These calculations so far are confirmed by diffusion and corrosion experiments.