Steam Generator Local Water Chemistry and SCC of Austenitic Steel

Abstract

The titanium stabilized austenitic steel similar to the type of 321 is sensitive to the stress corrosion cracking under horizontal steam generator operating condition. SCC was observed under crevice corrosion parameters and has resulted in the transgranular or intergranular cracking at the both, components primary collectors and heat exchange tubes. The crevice environment is characterized by aggressive impurities and "non aggressive" compounds. Sulfates and chlorides as aggressive species and silicates and alumino-silicates as "non aggressive" species on the other hand are present in significant amount in the crevice environment under operating condition. Local water chemistry parameters were evaluated with MULTEQ Code. As input data the measured operational values of local and bulk environments have been used. The determined parameters were compared with the results of thread hole environment analyses and tube surface investigations respectively. Results of the hideout return profiles measurement showed an increase of sulfate concentration by one order of magnitude. Increase of the chloride content was not been observed, its value remains at operation levels. Examination of surface layers showed the preferential accumulation of sulfates, silicates and alumino-silicates in the deposit at tube support plates and in thread holes comparing relative to free span surfaces. The content of species in the water and deposits and the crystallographic structure of deposits correspond to MULTEQ results. Rising displacement tests were carried out with 0.5T CT specimens at a temperature 275 degrees C in the model water environment which simulated the crevice conditions. The experimental values are presented for crack growth rate versus stress intensity factor. Corrosion damage of the titanium stabilized austenitic steel is likely to be determined by the presence of sulfates and chlorides and other aggressive agents, as Cu. It is supposed that other decisive factor is the presence of silicate-base compounds which impacts pH values and take part in the corrosion processes indirectly.