Abstract
The chemical and electrochemical conditions within a crevice of Type 316 stainless steel in boric acid–lithium hydroxide solutions under PWR-relevant conditions were modelled with a computational electrochemistry code. The influence of various variables: dissolved hydrogen, boric acid, lithium hydroxide
concentration, crevice length, and radiation dose rate was studied. It was found with the model that 25 ccH2/kg (STP) was sufficient to remain below an electrode potential of -230 mVshe, commonly accepted sufficient to prevent stress corrosion cracking under BWR conditions. In a PWR plant various operational B–Li cycles are possible but it was found that the choice of the cycle did not significantly
influence the model results. It was also found that a hydrogen level of 50 ccH2/kg (STP) would be needed
to avoid substantial lowering of the pH inside a crevice.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 517-526 |
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Journal | Journal of Nuclear Materials |
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Volume | 385 |
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DOIs | |
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Publication status | Published - 15 Apr 2009 |
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