Use of H2SO4 as decontamination agent for CoCr6 alloys in nuclear power plants

It is well-known that all the materials located in the primary circuit of a nuclear power plant will eventually become contaminated. Chemical decontamination represents one of the methods widely used by operators to reduce radiation doses during interventions on contaminated components. In this study the effectiveness of H2SO4 as a decontamination agent for CoCr6 alloys has been investigated. This alloy is normally used in valve seats because of its wear-resistant properties. The results obtained show that low decontamination factors are achievable in order to avoid significant variations in the ruoghness that can modify the frictional behaviour of the material.