Impulse Plasma Treatment of Steam Generator Coolant Pipes for Improving Their Corrosion Propernies

Presented are the experimental data obtained in laboratory studies of ruptured pipes of a water-cooled steam generator using the following analytical methods: scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary-ion mass spectrometry, X-ray structural analysis. The reasons of pipe rupture are analysis based and recommendations to the staff are given. Suggested is the method for plasma treatment of steam generator pipes which results in the protective coating of chromium oxides formed in the surface layer.