The corrosion of steel by lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is an important issue in proposed nuclear transmutation schemes. Steel samples were exposed to oxygen-controlled LBE at high temperature and exposure times that simulate actual reactor systems. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), has been used to study post-exposure steel samples and unexposed controls. Our investigation of the reacted samples revealed preferential segregation of metals contained in the initial alloy formulations. Sputter depth profiling of the exposed annealed sample and cold-rolled sample showed a marked difference in oxide layer composition, depending on surface preparation. The annealed sample showed a complex oxide structure (iron oxide over chromium/iron oxide mixtures) of tens of microns thickness. The cold-rolled sample was covered with a rather simple, primarily chromium oxide layer of ~1 micron thickness. The cold-rolled sample had an order of magnitude less corrosion (i.e., both lower oxidation and less weight change) than the annealed sample.3
This report discusses methods and equipment used for vacuum degassing and vacuum casting of steel on an industrial scale in the U.S.A., Germany, and the U.S.S.R. The production of degassed alloy and carbon steel ingots up to 350 tons in the U.S.A. and Germany is
reviewed. German, Russian and American ladle-degassing techniques are compared. The deoxidation of open hearth or basic bessemer rimming steels, for use in the production of killed steel rails, silicon transformer sheet and forging ingots, is discussed. A summary of published test results includes
gas contents and mechanical properties of vacuum degassed steel. An experimental 500-lb vacuum, stream. degassing unit, in service for about 6 months at the Physical Metallurgy Division, Mines Branch, Department of Mines and Technical Surveys, Ottawa, 1", is described and some preliminary results of
the effect of vacuum.- casting on gas content and tensile ductility of carbon and chromium.- molybdenum.-vanadium. steels are presented. A list of references concerning vacuum. casting and vacuum degassing of steel is appended.
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