Electrochemical exposure rack test results

This paper reports that severe corrosion was detected in the circulating water system of Florida Power Corporation's Crystal River Unit 3 nuclear power plant. An independent study determined that the attack on the type 304L (UNS S30403) stainless steel pipes and condenser water boxes was caused by exposure to untreated seawater from the Gulf of Mexico and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Testing was performed to evaluate galvanic corrosion on coupled samples and determine cathodic protection criteria and effectiveness on four materials in an untreated seawater cooling system with microbiologically influenced corrosion. Tests were also conducted to evaluate possible hydrogen embrittlement of cathodically protected condenser tube materials considered for retubing