Electrochemical potential monitoring at the Point Lepreau Generating Station during the 2006 maintenance outage

Electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) probes were installed by the Centre for Nuclear Energy Research in the primary heat transport system sample line of the Point Lepreau Generating Station. The probes provided a realistic estimate of the ECP experienced by the outlet feeder pipes during the 2006 maintenance outage and into the start-up. The results from the installation of the probes indicate that the corrosion potential of the probes, and by extension the feeders, is influenced by temperature, flow velocity and the presence of oxidizing species. Changes in the concentration of oxidizing species were shown to significantly alter the measured potential. (author)