Effect of Cr on Flow Accelerated Corrosion of Carbon Steel

The alloy content of structural materials of nuclear power plants has been recognized an important factor in predicting flow accelerated corrosion (FAC). In particular, many literature data reported that chromium content is one of the most important alloying element and even a small amount of chromium is effective to suppress FAC. This report reviewed and compared chromium models of Ducreux, Bouchacourt, and Kastner which were used in predicting FAC rates. The plant data indicate that Ducreux model may be conservative for the specimen containing 0.15 wt% chromium. The related articles were reviewed as follows. Combined effects of chromium content, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), flow velocity, test time, and kinds of amine on the FAC rate were described. 0.1 wt% chromium in steel did not affect the FAC rate with changes in pH. The FAC rates pronounced with higher flow rate and increased with increasing test duration(600 d) for 0.013 wt% chromium. The FAC rates in mixed amine chemistry were higher than in ammonia chemistry, which may be lessened by the addition of chromium to the steel