Corrosion
DOE-HDBK-1015/1-93
CORROSION THEORY
Rev. 0
CH-02
Page 1
CORROSION THEORY
Uncontrolled corrosion in DOE facilities can cause many serious problems.
Corrosion occurs continuously, and every metal in every facility is subject to
some type of corrosion. Even though corrosion cannot be eliminated, it can be
controlled.
EO 1.1
DEFINE the following terms:
a.
Ionization
b.
Conductivity
c.
Corrosion
d.
Electrolysis
e.
General corrosion
EO 1.2
DESCRIBE an electrochemical cell with respect to the
corrosion of metals.
EO 1.3
STATE what happens to a metal during the oxidation step of
the oxidation-reduction process.
EO 1.4
STATE what happens to a metal during the reduction step of
the oxidation-reduction process.
EO 1.5
DEFINE the following terms:
a.
Passivity
b.
Polarization
EO 1.6
DESCRIBE the affects of passivity and polarization on the
corrosion process.
Corrosion
In DOE facilities, especially reactor plants, many precautions are taken to control the corrosion
of metals used in the various primary and secondary systems. Uncontrolled corrosion of the
reactor systems is detrimental for the following reasons.
Rapid localized corrosion may lead to penetration of the metal containing the coolant.
Radioactive coolant would then leak from the system and jeopardize safe operation.
