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Failure of Heat-Exchanger Tubes due to Localized Scaling and Microstructural Transformation

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Abstract

Failure of tubes in a bayonet-type high-pressure heat exchanger was caused by water interruption. The failures were accompanied by excessive plastic deformation, and cracks were found in the thick inner scale on the failed tubes. In the fractured regions, the tube inner surfaces and microstructures showed excessively thick scales and carbide networks, while the locations opposite fractures were scale free. These observations suggest the occurrence of localized heating that subsequently caused bulging and failures. Further inspection of the tube bundles also showed augmented scale thickness in sound tubes. It was recommended that the entire tube bundle be replaced.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IICS, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    M. Mansoor & A. Tauqir

Authors
  1. M. Mansoor
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  2. A. Tauqir
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Correspondence to M. Mansoor.

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Mansoor, M., Tauqir, A. Failure of Heat-Exchanger Tubes due to Localized Scaling and Microstructural Transformation. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 8, 434–440 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-008-9163-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-008-9163-4

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