Application Note: Measurement Of Dissolved Hydrogen As A Determination Of Corrosion Rate In Power Plants

For many years corrosion in boilers of a fossil power plant and in steam generators of PWR nuclear plants have been studied. In these environments, the metal surfaces react with water at high temperatures to form magnetite.

Under appropriate water chemistry conditions, this dense magnetite layer forms a protective coating on the metal surfaces. However, experience has shown that some flaking and reformation of the magnetite is likely. A water chemistry program to reduce metal loss (corrosion) is critical in the prevention of costly accidents and downtime.