Influence of aqueous environment pH on the corrosion behaviour of the CANDU steam generator tubing material

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 in order to evaluate the amounts of corrosion products which exist in the steam generator after a determined period of operation. The purpose of the experimental research consists in the assessment of corrosion behavior of the tube material (Incoloy-800) at normal secondary circuit parameters (temperature - 260 deg. C, pressure - 5.1 MPa). The testing environment was the demineralized water without impurities, at different pH values regulated with morpholine and cycloheyilamine (all volatile treatment). The results are presented as micrographs and graphics representing loss of metal by corrosion, corrosion rate, the total corrosion products, the adherent corrosion product, the released corrosion products and the release of the metal. (authors)