Corrosion Performance of ZR-2.5 wt% NB Pressure Tubes in Ontario Hydro's Operating CANDU Nuclear Reactors

Abstract

The corrosion and deuterium pickup performance of Zr-2.5 wt% Nb pressure tubes in Ontario Hydro's operating CANDU nuclear reactors is presented and interpreted. Zr-2.5 wt% Nb performance is compared to available data in the worldwide literature and to that for CANDU Zircaloy-2 pressure tube experience. The possible influence of trace impurities on corrosion performance is reviewed.