A new IAPWS Certified Research Need (ICRN 33), Film Forming Substances in Water/Steam Cycles (Fossil, Nuclear, Industrial, and Geothermal Plants) was issued on 17 March 2026. The document points to significant scientific unknowns related to the use of film forming substances (FFS), their modes of operation in relation to corrosion inhibiting, and other properties such as influences on steam generating and steam condensing processes, physical properties, and application benefits. Research to address these unknowns could permit the development of more robust guidelines toward the use of FFS as corrosion inhibitors in water-steam cycles within the power generation industry.
When applied correctly, the use of FFS can have benefits for reducing corrosion in water/steam cycles, particularly improving wet and dry conservation during shutdown/layup. Equally, misapplication of FFS can result in poorly performing applications where additional corrosion protection is not provided, the risk of plant damage/failure occurring is increased due to corrosion, and the applications are uneconomic in nature.
This ICRN is intended to stimulate research to provide additional technical data and understanding to provide responses to the Research Needs list provided in this document. Although encouraging work in this area, IAPWS is not able under its statutes to provide financial support. The IAPWS contacts within the ICRN can provide any further development information and will liaise between research groups.
Please consult the document, which is free for download, at [33] Film Forming Substances in Water/Steam Cycles (Fossil, Nuclear, Industrial, and Geothermal Plants)
