Examination of steam generator alloy 800 NG tube from the Almaraz unit 2 NPP

The steam generators of Almaraz Unit 2 were replaced in 1997 by the model 61W/D3 (Siemens) with Alloy 800NG steam generator tubes. Denting indications were firstly detected in 2006 in the SG-3. Crack indications were identified in 2009. At the end of 2011, three tubes were recovered from this steam generator to carry out destructive examination in order to identify the root cause of the tubes degradation. Analysis of deposits point out the existence of multiples elements in the removed OD (Outer Diameter) deposits as well as in the deposits at the free tube under sludge and at the transition zone. Deposits are more abundant at the transition zone than at free tube. About 10% Na concentration has been detected, whereas S and Cl appear in small concentrations. Si appears regularly and Cr, Ni concentrations in the deposits are similar. Multiple intergranular cracks have been detected at 3 mm above the last contact point between the tube and the TS (tube support), in a band of around 5 mm, practically in the whole perimeter of the tube. Fracture surface of crack-B was partially covered by a Si rich layer, whereas fracture surface of crack-A seems to be cleaner. However, no significant differences in composition, except higher amount of S in crack-B, were found in the deposits of both cracks. EDX mapping and Auger profiles point out Ni enrichment with slight Cr enrichment or depletion and Fe depletion. The comparison of Auger profiles with available results for Alloy 800 tested in caustic and acid sulfate environments seems to indicate that the environment inside the cracks detected in the tube R67C48 is neutral or moderately caustic