Analysis of hydrogen embrittlement and hydride destruction of core components of nuclear power plants

Authors: Bobkov G.O.
Published in issue: #7(48)/2020
DOI: 10.18698/2541-8009-2020-7-629
Category: Power, Metallurgic and Chemical Engineering | Chapter: Nuclear power plant
Keywords: hydrogen embrittlement, hydride destruction, degradation mechanism, delayed hydride cracking, fuel element, nuclear reactor, nuclear power plant, zirconium alloy, fuel element cladding
Published: 03.09.2020

The data are analyzed on the causes of hydrogen embrittlement and hydride destruction of zirconium products in the core of nuclear power plants presented in the special literature. The mechanisms of degradation and destruction of hydrogenated parts made of zirconium alloys are considered. Regularities of delayed hydride cracking of zirconium products and ways of its possible prevention are presented. The article presents a model of reorientation of hydrides in cladding of fuel elements made of zirconium alloys E110 and E635, which are used in the fuel elements of the active zones of nuclear icebreakers and floating power units. Some features are outlined of the method of hydrogenation of zirconium fuel cladding from a solid hydrogen-containing phase.

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