Flow Accelerated Corrosion Experience at Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station

• Main Author: Nakka, Ravi Kumar
• Other Authors: Nasrazadani, Seifollah
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2008
• Subjects: FAC; maghemite; magnetite; iron oxides; FTIR; XRD; ESEM; Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station (Tex.); Water-pipes > Corrosion.; Iron oxides.; Steam-boilers > Corrosion.; Pressurized water reactors.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc6072/

Flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) is a major concern in the power industry as it causes thinning of the pipes by the dissolution of the passive oxide layer formed on the pipe surface. Present research deals with comparing the protection offered by the magnetite (Fe3O4) versus maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) phases thickness loss measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is used in distinguishing these two elusive phases of iron oxides. Representative pipes are collected from high pressure steam extraction line of the secondary cycle of unit 2 of Comanche Peak Steam Electric Station (CPSES). Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) is used for morphological analysis. FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used for phase analysis. Morphological analysis showed the presence of porous oxide surfaces with octahedral crystals, scallops and "chimney" like vents. FTIR revealed the predominance of maghemite at the most of the pipe sections. Results of thickness measurements indicate severe thickness loss at the bend areas (extrados) of the pipes.