[en] Thermal power plants have reported excessive pipe degradation because of Flow-Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) since the 1960s. Common features have been the use of carbon steel in regions of high flow rate and high turbulence with a water chemistry of modest alkalinity and free of oxidizing agents. It can be concluded that the main parameters that affect FAC are flow dynamics, water chemistry and composition of the materials used in pipework and components. A clear indication of FAC is the rapid wall thinning, usually in the presence of distinct flow-related markings, or scallops, on the surface. On more than one occasion, FAC has been responsible for large pipe failures that have led to serious damage and in some cases fatalities. After such a failure at the Mihama-3 PWR in 2004, a collaborative research program between Canada and Japan was initiated to improve the understanding of FAC by studying both the individual and the synergistic effects of feed-water system parameters. In an experimental water loop, three test sections were installed in series. Test section 1 contained probes made of the carbon steel of interest to measure on-line the FAC rate and electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP). Test sections 2 and 3 contained surface analysis probes for examination after removal via optical, SEM and Raman techniques. The effects of flow and other parameters on FAC were studied using probes of different bore size, different material and several flow rates. Experiments were performed under neutral and ammoniated chemistries in de-oxygenated and oxygenated water. Threshold concentrations of oxygen to stifle FAC were determined. The individual and combined effects of system variables have been determined in some detail and are presented in this research work. Also, a mathematical model to predict the oxygen profile through the coolant bulk, laminar sub-layer and metal oxide layer is being developed. The coolant velocity profile across the domain is computed and fed into the concentration profile. Diffusion, fluid convection and both homogenous and heterogeneous chemical reactions are included in the equations. To describe transport within the oxide (magnetite - Fe₃0₄), fluid convection is neglected but liquid and solid-state diffusion and reaction are considered. Oxygen reacts with both the oxide (within the pores) and the metal (at the bottom of the pores). It is postulated that, for stifling to happen, oxygen has to diffuse through the pores in the magnetite and survive to the oxide-metal interface. The minimum oxygen concentration in the solution to provide this driving force is postulated to be the threshold oxygen concentration for stifling. Stifling happens by the direct reaction of oxygen with iron to form an oxide that effectively swamps the processes at the metal-oxide interface. If the oxygen concentration in the solution is far enough below the threshold value it is used up by reacting with ferrous ions while diffusing through the magnetite and may never reach the metal. Continued exposure of the oxide film to oxygen gradually converts Fe₃C₄ to Fe₂C₃. The calculated oxygen concentrations predict that stifling occurs at bulk concentrations close to those measured. (author)