Superheated Steam Of Zirconium Alloys Containing Small Amounts Of Iron and Copper or Nickel

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Abstract
Alloys of zirconium containing small amounts of iron and copper or nickel have corrosion resistance in superheated steam superior to that of the Zircaloys. At 540 C (1004 F) and 600 psi lowest rates are about 4 mdd (2.4 mpy) and at 650 C (1202 F) and 600 psi rates are about 6.8 mdd (4.1 mpy). High initial rates lead to an extrapolated intercept of about 4 mg/sq cm at 650 C (1202 F). The thickening films are subject to cracking at sharp radii. Absorption of corrosion product hydrogen decreases markedly as exposure temperature is raised from 540 to 650 C (1004 to 1202 F). This phenomenon is not understood. Metal embrittlement due to oxygen absorption becomes an increasingly serious problem as temperature is raised. Corrosion rate at 650 C (1202 F) is not affected by flow rate (300 ft/sec) or by presence of oxygen or oxygen-hydrogen mixtures in the steam.

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