Abstract
The main theme of this paper is a concept: understanding and managing corrosion in nuclear power plants. The concept is not new--in various forms the concept has been applied throughout the development and maturing of nuclear technology. However, the concept has frequently not been well conceived and applied. Too often, understanding corrosion has been based on reaction rather than on anticipation. Regulatory and utility industry initiatives are creating a climate and framework for more effective application of the concept. This paper characterizes the framework and provides some illustrations of how the concept is being applied, drawing from work conducted under the Nuclear Plant Aging Research (NPAR) Program, sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRCs) Office of Research.
Nuclear plants are becoming an increasingly important factor in the national electrical grid. Initiatives are currently underway to extend the operating licenses beyond the current 40-year period and to evaluate advanced reactor designs that feature higher safety factors. Corrosion has not caused a major nuclear accident, but numerous corrosion mechanisms have degraded nuclear systems and components. New corrosion phenomena continue to appear, and occasionally corrosion phenomena cause reactor shutdowns. Effective application of understanding and managing corrosion is important to safe and economic operation of the nuclear plants and also to public perception of a soundly operated technology.
