Contribution to the study of radiolytic corrosion of graphite by carbonic anhydride: - Study and realisation of an experimental installation; - Tests of reaction inhibition by methane injection - Influence of water vapour

As it is impossible to replace graphite during the service life of a nuclear reactor, it is required to reduce the graphite corrosion (i.e. to inhibit the radiolytic corrosion reaction). The author reports the study of the introduction of traces of methane in the heat transfer gas to reach this objective. More precisely, the author reports the assessment of corrosion inhibition, the study of the influence of water vapour on the reaction and of the quantities of water formed after this injection of methane in order to realise dryers able to limit the humidity level of the heat transfer gas of the reactors. This meant the design and experiment of a low cost apparatus which could be adapted to the OSIRIS research reactor in Saclay