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Carbon and Nitrogen Transfer in a Type-316 Stainless-Steel, Cb-1% Zr, Liquid-Potassium System

K. Goldmann, N. Hyman, S. Kostman, J. McKee

Nuclear Technology / Volume 3 / Number 2 / February 1967 / Pages 117-126

Technical Paper and Note / dx.doi.org/10.13182/NT67-A27809

Data are presented on carbon and nitrogen transfer by potassium in 16 stainless-steel thermal convection loops containing Cb-1%Zr and stainless-steel tabs. Typical test conditions were 5000 h at 1600°F maximum, 1200°F minimum. Changes in weight, composition, and microstructure of both tab materials were determined as a function of time over the full temperature range. Changes in loop wall composition, microstructure, and tensile properties were determined at the end of the test. The Cb-1%Zr formed thin carbide and nitride surface films at a rate limited by diffusion through the films rather than by availability of carbon and nitrogen in the potassium. Cold bend tests showed good ductility in Cb-1%Zr after 5000 h. Transfer of carbon and nitrogen from hot to cold stainless steel was unaffected by the Cb-1%Zr and had less effect on tensile properties than microstructural changes associated with the thermal history.