High temperature crevice corrosion of heat-resistant Ni-base alloy in the simulated HTR helium

Interaction between a Ni-base heat-resistant alloy and the simulated HTR primary coolant environment was examined with emphasis on the reactions inside narrow crevice gaps. A new method using Mo crevice cells was developed to obtain reproducible quantitative results. The test environment was characterized by the low oxidizing species as trace gaseous impurities. Series of sequential phenomena were observed: i.e. the preferential consumptions of oxidizing species in the outer part of the crevice, followed by the lack of oxide film and the resultant extensive carburization further inside the crevice. A model on the possible phenomena occurring at tips of the cracks formed during creep or fatigue tests and low flow rate portions in the reactor primary circuit as well. The feasibility of the interpretation was checked referring to the existing numerical formula and using the experimental results obtained parameters. Calculations reproduced penetration curves of the Cr- oxidation with reasonable accuracy. (author)