Long-term trends in the corrosion state and surface properties of the stainless steel tubes of steam generators decontaminated chemically in VVER-type nuclear reactors

At some VVER-type pressurized water nuclear reactors (Russian-type PWR) different versions of the so-called AP-CITROX method have been widely used for the chemical decontamination of the heat exchanger tubes of steam generators. In the period of 2000–2007, within the frame of a joint-project dealing with the comprehensive investigation of the corrosion state of the steam generators of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary, effects of the AP-CITROX chemical decontamination procedure on the corrosion and surface characteristics of the heat exchanger tubes have been studied. These studies provide evidences that some adverse features (formation of a “hybrid” layer with accelerated corrosion rate and great mobility) can be detected after 1–3 years of applying the AP-CITROX procedure. The present work is a continuation of the above program and focused on the long-term trends in the corrosion state and structure of protective oxide-layer grown on the decontaminated surfaces. The results of electrochemical (voltammetric), surface analytical (SEM–EDX, CEMS) and mobility (ICP–OES) studies have revealed that (1) some beneficial changes in the corrosion characteristics, mobility and chemical composition of the inner surfaces of decontaminated heat exchanger tubes can be observed in the long run, and (2) the passivity of the oxide-layers formed on decontaminated surfaces of steel tubes exhibits favorable tendency after 4–7 years under normal operation conditions.