Heavy hydrogen isotopes penetration through austenitic and martensitic steels

Experimental results are presented of deuterium and tritium permeability through samples of nickel, austenitic steel (16Cr–15Ni–3Mo–Ti), and martensitic steel DIN 1.4914 (MANET) exposed to a gaseous phase. Experiments were carried out at the RFNC–VNHTF installation, which has the capability of measuring the permeability of hydrogen isotopes by mass spectrometry over a temperature range of 293–1000 K, hydrogen isotope pressure ranges of 50–1000 Pa. Sample disks (30 and 40 mm diam.) can be assembled in the test chamber by electron-beam welding or mounted (30-mm diam. disks) on gaskets. Diffusion and permeability dependencies on temperature and pressure are determined and corresponding activation energies are presented.