This technology is a reduced-activation ferritic-martensitic steel designed for demanding nuclear structural applications where high-temperature creep resistance and industrial-scale producibility are critical. Existing reduced-activation steels may not match the creep performance of leading commercial power-plant steels, while high-performing experimental alloys can require laboratory melting conditions that are difficult to scale. The ORNL approach targets improved performance using a composition and processing strategy compatible with established Grade 92 steelmaking infrastructure, supporting qualification and production at commercially relevant heat sizes.
Description
ORNL developed a steel alloy and production method based on the 9Cr-2W Grade 92 platform. The technology uses a reduced-activation chemical composition selected through computational thermodynamics to support favorable phase stability and high-temperature performance while limiting elements associated with long-lived activation products. Rather than relying on ultra-clean laboratory melting practices, the alloy is designed to accommodate the chemistries and impurity levels encountered in commercial, multi-ton steel production.
The approach also uses tailored thermal and mechanical processing informed by computational modeling to establish the desired material condition. Compatibility with current Grade 92 steelmaking infrastructure may reduce barriers to scale-up and enable production using established industrial equipment and practices. The material is intended for structural components exposed to high temperatures and irradiation, including fusion-device first-wall and blanket structures and fuel cladding for fission reactors.
Benefits
- Targets improved high-temperature creep performance
- Reduced-activation alloy design for nuclear service
- Compatible with existing Grade 92 steelmaking infrastructure
- Supports commercial-scale steel production
- Reduces dependence on ultra-clean laboratory melting practices
Applications and Industries
- Fusion-device first-wall and blanket structures
- Fuel cladding for fission reactors
- Nuclear materials and component manufacturing
- Specialty steel production for high-temperature nuclear service
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.