Boilers contain thousands of tubes and in most modern boilers steam is generated inside these tubes. The main function of a boiler tube is to transfer heat that is produced by burning fuel to turn water into steam. The heat from burning fuel passes in the tube wall where it is picked up to turn water into steam. This raises the pressure and temperature inside the tube. In order for the boiler to function properly the tube must be strong enough to contain the pressure that they are exposed to without breaking open and leaking.
Tube failures are the major causes of boiler shutdown. It is important to know about them and how they repair. Selecting a piece of tube to be used in a repair is something that is always necessary when making a tube repair, together with welding of the tubes.
There are five basic causes of boiler tube failure:
- Overheating
- Corrosion
- Erosion
- Mechanical Stress
- Material defects
Each of these weakens the tube and the ability to contain pressure. Overheating is the common cause of tube failure. This is a vast topic that we will not delve into in detail in this blog.
Another basic cause of tube failure is corrosion. Corrosion is the deteriorating of metal through chemical action. Corrosion causes failure because it thins out the tube walls, reducing their strength. One of the many ways corrosion may be caused is improper water treatment.
Erosion is the gradual wearing away of tube metal. This weakens the tube and can happen on the inside and outside of the tube.
Mechanical stress is the result of pressure, thermal expansion, the weight of the tube, and vibration.
A material defect is a weak spot in the tube metal that was there when the tube was manufactured.
So, from this brief introduction, as a plant owner, manager, engineer, or operator, selecting a professional service provider to help you deal with these problems is indispensable.
Pavuli Services supplies exceptional quality tubes through its various credible partners as well as world-class maintenance and tube repair service. Contact us for a professional consultation.