A process for the carbide coating of stainless steel packing material used in heavy water production (Preprint No. PD-17)

In an effort to reduce the dependence on the fertilizer plant for a continuous supply of fresh synthesis gas, a pilot plant has been set up at Barod a wherein, the depleted gas is replenished with deuterium transferred from natural water in an exchange coloumn and recirculated. The exchange of deuterium between water and ammonia takes place in towers with stainless steel internals. It is observed that a thin layer of chromium carbide coating on the surface of the S.S. packing material substantially improves its wettability and therby the exchange process efficiency. The paper reports the development work undertaken by Metallurgy and Heavy Water Divisions to evolve a technique of providing such thin layer of chromium carbide on the S.S. packing material to be used in the pilot plant. (author). 2 tabs