Abstract
The effect on the pitting corrosion resistance of laser welding and surface treatment developed as a repair method of stream generator tubing material that was a major component of primary system at nuclear power plant was observed. Some heat-treated Alloy 600 tubing materials used at domestic nuclear power plants were laser-surface observed. Some heat-treated Alloy 600 tubing materials used at domestic nuclear power plants were laser-surface melted and the microstructural characteristics were examined. The pitting corrosion resistance was examined through Ep(pitting potential) and degree of pit generation by means of the electrochemical tests and the immersion tests respectively. The pit formation characteristics were investigated through microstructural changes and the pit initiation site and pit morphology. The test results showed that the pitting corrosion resistances was increased in the order of the followings; sensitized Alloy 600, solution annealed alloy600, and laser surface melted Alloy 600. Pits were initiated preferably at Ti-containing inclusions and their surroundings in all tested specimens and it is believed that higher pitting resistance of laser-surface treated Alloy 600 was caused by fine, homogeneous distribution of non-soluble inclusions, the disappearance of grain boundary, and the formation of dense, stable oxide film. The major element of corrosion products filled in the pit was Cr. On the other hand, Fe was enriched in the deposit formed on the pit.
