Typical Case of Boiler Tube Failure and Relevant Analysis

Based on the quality problems as identified in the actual operation of certain power plants, typical cases of the boiler tube failures are analyzed in association with three aspects i.e., the raw material of the boiler tube, the manufacture of the boiler parts, and the service process of the boiler tube so as to study the failure reasons and the failure mechanism. It is regarded via the analysis that the original crack of the boiler tube raw material as developed during the manufacturing process acts as one of the reasons that are responsible for the abnormal running of the boiler;during the manufacturing process of the boiler parts, it is possible to cause various defects of the boiler tube in the operation procedures such as bending and welding of the tube itself;while during the boiler tube service process, such harsh environmental conditions as high temperature, high pressure, smoke corrosion and flushing, etc. mainly lead to rapid expansion of the above said original crack of the boiler tube which inevitably causes the failure. Therefore it is suggested that the steel tube maker further strictly control the tube quality, while the boiler manufacturer implement strict acceptance inspections;periodical overhaugs be conducted during the service process of the boiler tube to restrain the germination of the cracks.