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Title: The Influence of Radiation on Pit Solution Chemistry as it Pertains to the Transition from Metastable to Stable Pitting in Steels.

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/892996· OSTI ID:892996

Previous work relevant to current efforts is summarized. A description of an improved version of a new electrochemical probe, the ArtPit, is given. The distinct feature of the probe for investigating metastable pitting of carbon steels is specified and compared to other approaches. The electrochemical response of the ArtPit under the gamma irradiation and elevated temperature conditions that occur at high level waste (HLW) storage tanks is presented. In particular, the Tafel slope determinations and chemical analyses of the ArtPit confined volume electrolyte are described. Based on results a possible approach for reducing the corrosion rate of HLW tank walls is suggested. Additional statistical analysis of the occurrence of short duration (passivated pits) and long term (stable pitting) electrochemical pulses (current surges) during exposure confirm that radiation enhances the occurrence of both more and smaller sized pits due to increased likelihood of repassivation.

Research Organization:
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-05ER64003
OSTI ID:
892996
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER64003 Final Report; TRN: US0703036
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English