SAES ST 909 Pilot Scale Methane Cracking Tests

Evaluation of Alternate Impurity Removal Getters - Year 2

“…From the literature, a diagram depicting equilibrium decomposition for methane at 760 torr as a function of composition and temperature is shown in Figure 2-6 [17]. Compositions to the left of an isotherm favor methane decomposition, whereas compositions to the right of an isotherm favor methane reformation.…”

“…Although many of the elements that make up the composition of the alloys, such as zirconium or titanium, can form hydrides at room temperature, these materials can also quickly oxidize at room temperature. The test temperature of 670°C was chosen based on previous reports and findings for ST909 [17,23,[38][39][40][41]. This temperature is preferable because the ST909 performance may be less sensitive to impurities at higher temperatures.…”

Screening Tests for Improved Methane Cracking Materials

“…Numerous tests have been performed at SRS using St 909 material. 1,2,3,4 A "consumed" St 909 bed is disposed of as radioactive waste. The cost of St 909 has ranged from $4000-$4500 ($US) and represents a significant cost of a disposable St 909 bed.…”