Compatibility of Alumina-Forming Austenitic Steels in Static and Flowing Pb
Alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) steels were evaluated for the lead fast reactor application in static and flowing high-purity Pb. Two AFA composition ranges with different Ni, Mn, Al, Cr and Nb contents were targeted, and Zr foil was used in an attempt to getter O in some capsules. Based on two rounds of capsule testing at 500–800°C, two AFA compositions were selected for evaluation in flowing Pb with a peak temperature of 650°C in a thermal convection loop made of pre-oxidized FeCrAlMo tubing. After exposure for 1000 h, the mass losses for both AFA alloys were generally low, suggesting good compatibility under these conditions without preoxidation.