Authors: Hsueh, C.H.; Wright, I.G.

Source: Materials at High Temperatures, Volume 25, Number 4, December 2008 , pp. 287-294(8)

Publisher: Science Reviews 2000 Ltd

Abstract:

The leakage and rupture of boiler tubes in power plants is a serious problem that can lead to unscheduled and costly outages. The predominant failure location of current concern is circumferential cracking on the fireside of waterwall tubes in the furnace waterwall section of a boiler. Although there is basic agreement that cracking results from a combination of thermal fatigue and corrosion, a complete explanation of the basic phenomena needed to establish the root causes of this problem is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the sources of the tensile stress responsible for initiating circumferential cracking and to identify the key parameters controlling this tensile stress. The results of analytical modelling suggested that a combination of increasing tube wall temperature with increasing thickness of internal oxide layers, and temperature spiking due to deslagging events eventually may result in tensile stresses sufficient to crack the fireside oxide and initiate the development of circumferential cracks. This scenario also led to suggestions for reducing tensile stresses in waterwall tubes which, in turn, would be expected to delay/avoid circumferential cracking and improve the reliability of waterwall tubes.

Keywords: WATERWALL TUBES; BOILER; CRACKING; CREEP; STRESSES

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3184/096034008X394428

Publication date: 2008-12-01

More about this publication?

• Materials at High Temperatures serves the needs of those who develop and use materials for high temperature applications. It publishes peer reviewed contributions relating to high temperature applications in the power, chemical, engine, processing and furnace industries.

  The effects of high temperatures on corrosion, fatigue, creep, strength and wear in alloys, intermetallics, ceramics, refractories and composites are covered. Papers dealing with aspects of materials usage including modelling of behaviour and life prediction will be particularly welcome. The journal has a policy of emphasizing practical aspects and authors presenting results from research programmes are encouraged to relate these, if possible, to actual or potential applications.

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