Method for the Assessment of the Quality of Surface Films formed on the Cooling Water Side of Copper-Based Alloy Condenser Tubes

Abstract

This paper describes the use of the polarisation resistance method for the study of the quality of surface films formed on the cooling water side ofpower station condenser tubes. The investigations were carried out under practical conditions at a number of power stations. The work has included both aluminium brass and cupro-nickel alloy tubes.

The results obtained suggest that the technique offers an attractive method of assessing the likely service performance of condenser tubes. It should be particularly useful when general corrosion problems are anticipated, also for the monitoring of plant during commissioning or assessing the effects of cooling water treatment.