Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of Plain-Carbon Steels in BWR Environments

Abstract Preliminary results from an ongoing study of corrosion and stress corrosion cracking behavior of plain-carbon pipe steels SA 106 grB and SA 333 gr6 in BWR-type environments (0.02 to 8 ppm dissolved oxygen, 50 to 288°C) are reported. Corrosion rates have maxima at 175°C in 8 ppm oxygen water and at 135°C in 1 ppm oxygen water. Transgranular SCC was observed in 8 and 1 ppm oxygen water at and above 175°C. Tests were done in refreshed titanium autoclaves.