Kinetics of Gas Reactions and Environmental Degradation in NGNP Helium

Abstract

A number of very high temperature helium-cooled reactors have been built and operated for extended periods. The helium coolant in the primary circuit has been found to contain low levels of impurities after steady-state operation that can lead to an environmental degradation of the high temperature alloys used for internals and heat exchangers. Depending on the impurity concentration and the temperature, high temperature alloys can undergo oxidation, carburization, or decarburization. The concentration of H 2 O and CC are of particular interest because they essentially control the oxygen partial pressure and carbon activity, respectively. The optimum coolant chemistry for long-term stability of high temperature alloys is slightly oxidizing and results in formation of a tenacious and protective Cr 2 O 3 scale.The most critical metallic component of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) is the heat exchanger. Inconel 617 is the primary candidate alloy for this application because of its superior creep resistance. The mechanisms of environmental interaction between this alloy and prototype Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) helium chemistries have been extensively studied. A modified type of Ellingham diagram that maps the ranges of carbon activity and oxygen partial pressure that result in each of the degradation mechanisms has been developed. In addition, at temperatures above about 950°C, additional degradation mechanisms arise that effectively determine the maximum temperature for sustained service. While the mechanisms of degradation are relatively well-known, the kinetics of the reactions for reactor conditions of high helium pressure and velocity are not well characterized.