Experimental research regarding the corrosion of incoloy-800 and SA 508 cl.2 in the CANDU steam generator

Steam generators (SGs) are crucial components of pressurized water reactors. The failure of the steam generator as a result of tube degradation by corrosion has been a major cause of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) plant unavailability. Steam generator problems have caused major economic losses in terms of lost electricity production through forced unit outages and, in cases of extreme damage, as additional direct cost for large-scale repair or replacement of steam generators. Steam generator tubes are susceptible to failure by a variety of mechanisms, the vast majority of which are related a corrosion. The feedwater that enters into the steam generators under normal operating conditions is extremely pure, but nevertheless contains low levels (generally in the {mu}g/l concentration range) of impurities such as iron, chloride, sulphate, silicate, etc. When water is converted to steam and exits the steam generator, the non-volatile impurities are left behind. As a result, their concentration in the bulk steam generator water is considerably higher than those in the feedwater. Nevertheless, the concentrations of corrosive impurities are still generally sufficiently low that the bulk water is not significantly aggressive towards steam generator materials. The excellent performance to date of CANDU steam generators can be attributed, in part, to their design and performance characteristics, which typically involve higher recirculation ratios and lower heat fluxes and temperatures. The purpose of this paper consists in assessment of generalized corrosion behaviour of the tubes materials (Incoloy-800) and tubesheet material (carbon steel SA 508 cl.2) at the normal secondary circuit parameters (temperature-260 deg C, pressure-5.1MPa). The testing environment was the demineralized water without impurities, at pH=9.5 regulated with morpholine and ciclohexilamine (all volatile treatment - AVT). The results are presented like micrographies and graphics representing loss of metal by corrosion, corrosion rate, the total corrosion products, the adherent corrosion product, the released corrosion products and the release of the metal. (author)