Hydrogen release and behaviour during the decomposition of water vapour by metallic getters

An experimental study of the release of hydrogen during the decomposition of water vapour by St 737 alloy [Zr(V0 .5 Fe0 .5)2] is presented and discussed. The hydrogen profile is discussed from the net effect of water vapour dissociation at the surface of the getter alloy and hydrogen sorption by the alloy. From the experiments performed at various initial concentrations of oxygen and hydrogen in the getter alloy, the effect of hydrogen and oxygen over alloy ratios on the hydrogen release is discussed.