Trace tritium removal in China reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steels through thermal desorption with/without hydrogen isotope exchange

•Tritium saturated CLAM steel and CLF-1 steel are acquired and tritium etch technology is introduced.•Tritium is removed through thermal desorption and hydrogen isotope exchange and tritium removal efficiency for both steels is compared.•The release form of tritium and reasons for the lower tritium removal efficiency compared with deuterium removal efficiency are adequately discussed.