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High-Temperature Water

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Definition: High-temperature water refers to water at elevated temperatures and pressures, as encountered in power plant, reactor or process facilities. Under these conditions, solubility, electrochemical behaviour and corrosion mechanisms change significantly. Materials may become more prone to oxidation, stress corrosion cracking or hydrogen uptake.

Practical relevance: Typical applications include steam generators, pressurised water reactors or high-pressure boilers. Relevant assessment parameters are temperature (>150 °C), pressure, oxygen content, pH value and conductivity. Normative references can be found, among others, in VGB guidelines or ASME code regulations. Incorrect assessment can lead to wall thickness loss, crack formation or HTHA.

Decision-making perspectives:

  • Technical decision-makers: Selection of suitable materials and water chemistry concepts.
  • Purchasing/project management: Specification of corrosion-resistant materials and monitoring systems.
  • Science: Investigation of electrochemical processes at high temperatures.
  • Insurance/law: Assessment of corrosion damage and compliance with technical regulations.

Typical testing or verification methods: Autoclave tests, electrochemical high-temperature measurements, wall thickness measurement (UT), metallography.

FAQ:

  • Why is high-temperature water particularly corrosive?
  • Elevated temperature and pressure change reaction kinetics and passive layer stability, which can accelerate corrosion processes.
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