Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking of Stainless Steel in High Temperature Water, (I)

Abstract

In order to determine effects of hydrogen peroxide on stress corrosion cracking of structural materials in the primary cooling systems of boiling water reactors, a high temperature high pressure water loop with controlled hydrogen peroxide concentrations and lower possible oxygen concentrations has been fabricated. Test specimens are installed in a stainless steel autoclave which has poly tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE) inner liner to prevent decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on the autoclave surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is injected into the autoclave inlet through the injection line which also has PTFE inner liner. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is measured at the autoclave outlet by sampling water via the PTFE-lined sampling line. More than 65% of the injected hydrogen peroxide remains at the autoclave outlet at elevated temperature (288°C). Electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) of stainless steel is then measured in the autoclave while changing hydrogen peroxide and oxygen concentrations. From these measurements it is concluded that, at the same oxidant concentration: (1) ECP of stainless steel exposed to hydrogen peroxide is higher than that exposed to oxygen; (2) ECP is much affected by specimen surfaces; and (3) ECP shows a hysteresis pattern for on its concentration dependence. ECP of stainless steel with an oxidized surface formed under high hydrogen peroxide concentration is much higher than that with a mechanically polished surface and it is less affected by oxidant species and their concentrations.