Work

Characteristics of corrosion products in low-pressure and high-pressure feedwater heaters in an operating pressurized water reactor

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, the characterization and comparison of corrosion products collected from the low-pressure and high-pressure heaters of an operating pressurized water reactor during the dry lay-up period indicated distinct differences in their composition and structure. Low-pressure and high-pressure feedwater heaters favored the formation of hematite and magnetite, respectively. Notably, Fe oxyhydroxides, such as goethite and lepidocrocite, were observed exclusively on the surface of the corrosion products formed in the high-pressure feedwater heater. Thermodynamic calculations confirmed the formation of Fe oxyhydroxides from Fe ions, indicating that Fe oxides such as magnetite can transform into Fe oxyhydroxides during the dry lay-up period under high humidity and oxygen-rich conditions. The results of this study could guide future research on mitigating corrosion in nuclear power plants, significantly improving their safety and efficiency.

Source: Nuclear Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2024.11.038

Authors: Seong-Jun Ha, Hyuk Chul Kwon, Hee-Sang Shim, Do Haeng Hur, ISeul Ryu, Soon-Hyeok Jeon

Institutions: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (Korea)

Language: English

Topic: Corrosion Behavior and Inhibition

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $200

Funders: National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power