Behaviour of the steam generator tubing in water with different pH values

Steam generators 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 Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) 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. 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. However, the steam generator tubes are susceptible to failure by a variety of mechanisms, the vast majority of which are related to corrosion. The generalized corrosion is an undesirable process because it is accompanied by deposition of the corrosion products which affect the steam generator performances. It is very important to understand the generalized corrosion mechanism with the purpose of evaluating the quantities of corrosion products which exist in the steam generator after a determined period of operation (IAEA, 1997). The purpose of the experimental research consists in the assessment of corrosion behaviour of the tubes material, Incoloy-800, at normal secondary circuit parameters (temperature-260 degrees C, pressure-5.1 MPa). The testing environment was the demineralised water without impurities, at different pH values regulated with morpholine and cyclohexylamine (all volatile treatment-AVT). The results are presented like micrographics and graphics representing weight loss of metal due to corrosion, corrosion rate, total corrosion products formed, the adherent corrosion products, released corrosion products, release rate of corrosion products and release rate of the metal. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.