User's guide for waste tank corrosion data model code

Abstract

The contribution of D. J. Bates and W. M. Bowen to the program and the report are gratefully acknowledged.

Gas generation and retention in Tank 101-SY: A summary of laboratory studies, tank data, and information needs

“…General: Hydrogen and other gases may also be produced via corrosion reactions of the doubleshell steel tanks. General steel corrosion rates are expected to be very slow in strongly alkaline solutions, less than 0.0005 inch per year (Divine et al 1985;Mackey and Divine 1986) and probably do not pose a significant structural problem. Given the large size of the Hanford p double-shell waste tanks, however, the quantity of gas that theoretically could be produced from such an extent of corrosion is within an order of mag.nitude of the quantity of gas generation from Tank 101-SY.…”

“…Major and minor waste components as well as temperature were varied in these tests, with weight loss of steel coupons measured for periods up to one year. From the results of these tests, a predictive equation was developed that allows corrosion rates to be calculated as a function of waste composition and temperature (Divine et al 1985;Mackey and Divine 1986). The predictive equation describes general corrosion processes; localized and stress corrosion cracking were not observed in the tests.…”

“…Dilution by deionized water would also be accompanied by a decrease in the pH of the waste, which is expected to enhance the corrosion of the steel tank (Divine et al 1985;Mackey and , Divine 1986). In addition to possibly enhanced hydrogen generation rates, the integrity of the steel could be adversely affected.…”