New methods of corrosion monitoring are being developed for tanks containing high-level radioactive waste. The prototype corrosion and chemical analysis probe, which is under production, provides for monitoring vertically in the tank with an adjustable probe head. The probe monitors corrosion using electrochemical noise and chemistry with Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical noise involves the monitoring of potential and current signals from two sets of electrodes. The electrodes are constructed of carbon steels similar to those for the tank wall and internal cooling coils. The system design and initial laboratory testing are discussed.
Keywords: electrochemical noise monitoring, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear waste tanks