Degradation of structural steel properties under the prolonged influence of operating temperatures

Abstract

The generalized data of the effects of operating temperatures of 250-350°C on mechanical prop erties of the materials used for manufacturing of the main equipment and pipelines of Russian NPPs with LWR (VVER and RBMK) reactors for a prolonged operating time (100000 h) are presented. Degradation of mechanical properties of structural steels from this factor during their designed service life is evaluated, and also the possible use of these materials in prolonging their service life is predicted.