Influence of Temperature and Flow Rate on Erosion–Corrosion of Low-Alloy Steel in Simulated Steam Generator Conditions

The erosion–corrosion mechanism of low-alloy steel in high-ammonia steam generator’s chemistry is studied by in situ impedance spectroscopy coupled with an in-depth analysis of formed oxides using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. A novel electrode setup that ensures turbulent conditions in the vicinity of the steel sample is used. The effect of temperature (130–230 °C) and flow rate (2–10 dm3 h−1) is investigated. The energy of adsorption of ammonia depends on temperature and is estimated using molecular dynamic simulations. The kinetic and transport parameters of the corrosion process are estimated via the regression of the experimental impedance spectra to the transfer function of the Mixed-Conduction Model for oxide films. Conclusions are drawn about the effect of Cr in the alloy, and the temperature and flow rate on the corrosion mechanism.