Influence of Iron Contamination on the Surface of Austenitic Stainless Steels for Nuclear Power Industry and the Countermeasures

Austenitic stainless steels are widely used as important structural materials in nuclear power industry. The surfaces of austenitic stainless steel components are readily contaminated by iron during fabrication if they are in contact with ferritic steels, and that may affect the working stability of components and the water chemistry of nuclear power plants. The influence of iron contamination on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels, safety reliability of nuclear power equipment and water chemistry is briefly described. The rules for avoiding surface iron contamination are summarized according to nuclear and relevant industry standards. Testing methods and removal methods for surface iron contamination of austenitic stainless steels are proposed. It is summarized and suggested how to solve the iron contamination at present effectively.