Induced nuclear reactions: processes – systems – and elements – Reactor protection or damage prevention – Corrosion or damage prevention
Patent
1995-04-05
1997-02-11
Jordan, Charles T.
Induced nuclear reactions: processes, systems, and elements
Reactor protection or damage prevention
Corrosion or damage prevention
376306, 422 11, 422 14, 422 19, G21C 900
Patent
active
056028881
ABSTRACT:
A method for mitigating crack growth on the surface of stainless steel or other alloy components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor wherein a solution or suspension of a compound containing a noble metal is injected into the coolant water while the reactor is not generating nuclear heat, e.g., during shutdown or recirculation pump heatup. During shutdown, the reactor coolant water reaches temperatures as low as 120.degree. F., in contrast to the water temperature of 550.degree. F. during normal operation. During pump heatup, the water temperature reaches 400.degree.-450.degree. F. At these reduced temperatures, the rate of thermal decomposition of the injected noble metal compound is reduced. However, radiation-induced decomposition also occurs inside the reactor. In particular, the noble metal compound can be decomposed by the gamma radiation emanating from the nuclear fuel core of the reactor. The noble metal compound decomposes under reactor thermal and radiation conditions to release ions/atoms of the noble metal which incorporate in or deposit on the oxide film formed on the stainless steel and other alloy components. As a result, the electrochemical potential of the metal surface is maintained at a level below the critical potential in the presence of low levels of hydrogen to protect against intergranular stress corrosion cracking.
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Chemical Perspectives of Microelectronic Materials III Symp., Boston, MA, USA, 30 Nov. -3 Dec. 1992, 1993, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Mater. Res. Soc. USA, pp. 353-358, Kowalczyk et al, "Characterization of Palladium Acetyl-Acetonate as a CVD Precursor for Pd Metallization."5
Nixon & Vanderhye
Diaz Thomas P.
Hettiarachchi Samson
Wozadlo Gary P.
Carroll Chrisman D.
General Electric Company
Jordan Charles T.
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