Method for minimizing the permeation release of tritrium through a nuclear reactor component.

摘要

Nuclear reactor components such as fuel burnable absorber or neutron absorber rods (1) comprising a hermetically sealed metallic tube (2) containing a helium atmosphere and a solid material such as a nuclear fuel (6), burnable absorber or neutron absorber capable of releasing tritium into the helium atmosphere which includes 2-3 percent by weight of oxygen, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The addition of this gas to the helium atmosphere is effective to form an oxide layer on the inner surface of the metallic tube and significantly reduce the permeation of tritium through the metallic tube so that the tritium is retained within the reactor component.