Electrochemical Protection of Zr Against SCC by Oxidizing HCl Solutions

Abstract

Results are reported for electrochemical protection of zirconium in HCl containing 500 ppm ferric ions. Corrosion rate and pit propagation rate data as a function of acid concentration (10 to 37%) and temperature (25 to 107 C) are presented first as a basis for observations of SCC and/or intergranular attack associated with weld metals. U-bend, C-ring, sustained load tensile, and slow strain-rate tests were used and compared to define conditions where SCC occurs. Along with electrochemical protection, heat treatment and reducing the ferric ion concentration are presented as ways to alleviate local attack. Metallography was used both to define the mode of attack and to show the benefits of protection techniques.