Structural materials for atomic reactors with liquid metal heat-transfer agents in the form of lead or lead-bismuth alloy

Natural safety nuclear reactors operate at a working temperature of the liquid-metal lead heat-transfer agent equal to 550 degrees C, which intensifies the metal corrosion and is fraught with the danger of thermal embrittlement. It is shown that long-term operation of the equipment requires inhibition of the heat-transfer agent by oxygen and the use of silicon steels. However, alloying with silicon increases the susceptibility of the steel to thermal and radiative embrittlement. This makes it necessary to create new steels with a stable structure. The suggested composition of austenitic steel 04Kh15N11S3MT is designed for shell and internal structures, and steel 10Kh9NSMF is designed for the pipe system of the steam generator.