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Abstract

The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) is one of the candidates for next-generation nuclear reactors. Helium is used as the coolant in the primary circuit of an HTGR. Several superalloys with high corrosion resistance and superior mechanical strength are potential structural materials for HTGR intermediate heat exchanger component. However, impurities, such as oxygen and water vapour, that are inherently present in the helium coolant or from the atmosphere during a loss-of-coolant accident may lead to serious degradation in these alloys and significantly increase their oxidation rates at high temperatures. In this work, the oxidation behaviour of the tested alloys was investigated in high-temperature helium environments. Results showed that relatively thick and continuous chromium oxide layers were present on the surfaces of all tested alloys. Based on the results of mass gain and scanning electron microscope analyses, Hastelloy X alloy and Alloy 625 both exhibited relatively better corrosion resistance after all designated corrosion tests.

Keywords

Superalloys helium oxidation HTGR

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Oxidation behaviour of candidate alloys in high-temperature helium-rich environments

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