Controls on the solution chemistry are in place to prevent the initiation and propagation of
pitting and stress corrosion cracking in high level waste (HLW) tanks. These controls are
based upon a series of experiments performed using solutions that simulate waste tank
conditions on materials used for construction of the tanks, namely ASTM A537 carbon steel
(A537). An experimental program was undertaken to investigate the risk associated with
reducing the minimum nitrite concentration required to confidently inhibit pitting in dilute
solutions. Electrochemical and coupon testing were performed within the framework of the
statistical test matrix to determine the pitting propensity associated with inhibitor
concentrations. A mixture/amount model has been identified as a valid model based on
statistical analysis of recent and historically collected electrochemical data; the model divides
the nitrate/nitrite concentration space into regions of probable and unlikely pitting.
Understanding the probability for pitting will allow the facility to make tank-specific risk-based
decisions for chemistry control.