An austenitic stainless steel pipe weldment, which had been
in operation in the Ringhals l reactor was characterized
by using an electrochemical sensitization testing method
(EPR) as well as with transmission electron microscopy.
Specimens were cut from the studied pipe far from the weld
and heat treated. A Nordic EPR "round robin" test was performed
to measure the degree of sensitization of the material.
Critical stress corrosion potential for the heat affected
zone was determined in high temperature pure water by using
slow strain rate testing.