Failure Analysis of PRDS Pipe in a Thermal Power Plant Boiler

• Published in: Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India) Series C 2018-04, Vol.99 (2), p.233-238
• Main Authors: Ghosh, Debashis, Ray, Subrata, Mandal, Jiten, Mandal, Nilrudra, Shukla, Awdhesh Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Boilers; Case Study; Chemical analysis; Engineering; Failure analysis; Graphitization; Hardness measurement; Industrial and Production Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical tests; Pipe; Pipelines; Steam electric power generation; Thermal power plants; Thickness measurement; Wall thickness
• ISSN: 2250-0545; 2250-0553
• DOI: 10.1007/s40032-016-0252-y

The pressure reducer desuperheater (PRDS) pipeline is used for reducing the pressure and desuperheating of the steam in different auxiliary pipeline. When the PRDS pipeline is failed, the reliability of the boiler is affected. This paper investigates the probable cause/causes of failure of the PRDS tapping line. In that context, visual inspection, outside diameter and wall thickness measurement, chemical analysis, metallographic examination and hardness measurement are conducted as part of the investigative studies. Apart from these tests, mechanical testing and fractographic analysis are also conducted as supplements. Finally, it has been concluded that the PRDS pipeline has mainly failed due to graphitization due to prolonged exposure of the pipe at higher temperature. The improper material used is mainly responsible for premature failure of the pipe.