The recent spike in oil prices has spurred research for stable energy sources that do not rely
on foreign suppliers. Nuclear energy has a renewed focus which requires a closer look at the
materials of construction.
Various types of corrosion in nuclear service water piping systems have limited the use of
general stainless steels. Due to highly corrosive environments, general stainless steels are
being replaced by super austenitic alloys with increased molybdenum content.
Examples, such as microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC), have caused failure of 304L
stainless steel. Alloy UNS N08367 has been a replacement for 304L stainless steel in main
and auxiliary service water piping systems. The improved performance of this alloy has
promoted its use in intake screens, piping, and precipitators.
With the current search for more efficient and independent power generation; nuclear power
plants have incentive to improve the process and equipment for both existing and new power
plants. Globally, the push for alternative power requires better designed plants to withstand
the ever increasing corrosive environments. This paper describes current corrosion issues of
general 300 series stainless steels in nuclear power plants. An in depth analysis shows how
use of the 6 percent molybdenum alloy N08367 in various nuclear applications reduce
maintenance costs, increase quality, and improve safety.
The conclusion of this paper and presentation is that 6 percent molybdenum alloys provide
enough longevity in to justify increased material and fabrication costs. This paper will show
how this development in alloy selection has proved successful in previous nuclear systems as
well as the next generation of nuclear reactors.
Keywords: N08367, nuclear, service water piping, microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC),
nuclear power plants, stainless steel