Inhibition of self-welding of metals - partic. stainless steels or nickel alloys used in pressure contact in sodium cooled nuclear reactors

摘要

Inhibition of self-welding of metallic materials in contact with liquid sodium, e.g. in sodium cooled nuclear reactors, comprises applying a layer of 'getter' material on the metallic surface which are to be brought into contact, the oxide of which is insoluble in and stable towards, liquid Na. More especially the 'getter' has a higher affinity for oxygen than the liquid Na. Pref. the getter is Zr. Prevents the self-welding of metallic surface in pressure contact under liquid Na even when the oxygen content of the Na is kept very low to inhibit corrosion.