The electrochemistry in 316SS crevices exposed to PWR-relevant conditions

The chemical and electrochemical conditions within a crevice of Type 316 stainless steel in boric acid–lithium hydroxide solutions under PWR-relevant conditions were modelled with a computational electrochemistry code. The influence of various variables: dissolved hydrogen, boric acid, lithium hydroxide concentration, crevice length, and radiation dose rate was studied. It was found with the model that 25 ccH2/kg (STP) was sufficient to remain below an electrode potential of -230 mVshe, commonly accepted sufficient to prevent stress corrosion cracking under BWR conditions. In a PWR plant various operational B–Li cycles are possible but it was found that the choice of the cycle did not significantly influence the model results. It was also found that a hydrogen level of 50 ccH2/kg (STP) would be needed to avoid substantial lowering of the pH inside a crevice.