The anaerobic corrosion of carbon steel in alkaline media - Phase 2 results

Nick R. Smart, Andrew P. Rance, P.A.H. Fennell, Bruno Kursten

Research outputpeer-review

9 Scopus citations
3 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In the Belgian Supercontainer concept a carbon steel overpack will surround high-level waste and spent fuel containers and be encased in a cementitious buffer material. A programme of research was carried out to investigate and measure the rate of anaerobic corrosion of carbon steel in an artificial alkaline porewater that simulates the aqueous phase in the cementitious buffer material. The corrosion rates were measured by monitoring hydrogen evolution using a manometric gas cell technique and by applying electrochemical methods. Phase 2 of the programme has repeated and extended previous Phase 1 measurements of the effects of radiation, temperature and chloride concentration of the anaerobic corrosion rate. This paper provides an update on the results from Phase 2 of the programme. The results confirm previous conclusions that the long-term corrosion rate of carbon steel in alkaline simulated porewater is determined by the formation of a thin barrier layer and a thicker outer layer composed of magnetite. Anaerobic corrosion of steel in cement requires an external supply of water.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Workshop NUCPERF 2012
Subtitle of host publicationLong-Term Performance of Cementitious Barriers and Reinforced Concrete in Nuclear Power Plant and Radioactive Waste Storage and Disposal
PublisherEDP Sciences
Number of pages9
Volume56
ISBN (Print)9782759810468
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Event3rd International Workshop on Long-Term Performance of Cementitious Barriers and Reinforced Concrete in Nuclear Power Plant and Radioactive Waste Storage and Disposal, NUCPERF 2012 - Cadarache
Duration: 12 Nov 201215 Nov 2012

Publication series

NameEPJ Web of Conferences
Volume56
ISSN (Print)2101-6275
ISSN (Electronic)2100-014X

Conference

Conference3rd International Workshop on Long-Term Performance of Cementitious Barriers and Reinforced Concrete in Nuclear Power Plant and Radioactive Waste Storage and Disposal, NUCPERF 2012
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityCadarache
Period2012-11-122012-11-15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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