increase the probability that corro-

sion-fatigue damage has occurred.

4. Review pressure part failure history
that may indicate increasing suscep-
tibility to corrosion-fatigue failures
and revise tube inspection proce-
dures and frequencies accordingly.
5. Replace any tubing that shows any
evidence of cracking as soon as
possible.

B&W Support
Contact B&W Field Engineering
Photo shows catastrophic tube rupture

that is possible with corrosion fatigue.

Services through your local district
service office for assistance in your
straight, membraned roof tubes of a Recommendations for investigation and inspection efforts to
boiler. These instances appear to be identify and locate corrosion fatigue
associated with the type of internal
Immediate Action damaged tubing and to obtain copies of
corrosion-fatigue damage that is de- 1. Review boiler arrangement draw- PSB-2 and PSB-29. B&W can be particu-
scribed in PSB-29, and points out the ings for areas that would be suscep- larly helpful in evaluating the specific
importance of regular and diligent tible to pipe and tube flexing dur- boiler details and determining areas of
inspection of the internal surfaces of ing boiler cycling. Pay attention to greatest risk to target for further inspec-
areas known to be susceptible to this areas between generally inflexible tion and study. B&W also possesses
time dependant, damage mechanism. and rigid penthouse components unique and effective non-destructive
and the boiler proper. Target these capabilities that may uncover ID crack-
locations first and prioritize those ing problems.
Inspection areas as most susceptible to damag-
The most effective method of detect- ing corrosion fatigue.
ing corrosion fatigue damage is ID 2. Thoroughly inspect bend areas in
videoprobe inspection, though this riser and supply piping, such as
method does not allow for direct deter- those described above.
mination of crack depth. Other non-
destructive methods can also be em- 3. Review waterside operating history
ployed, such as radiographic examina- to determine if oxygen, pH or
tion and angle-beam ultrasonic inspec- chemical cleaning excursions have
tion, but these methods require the occurred. Such excursions would
development of procedure and accep-
tance criteria.
While others may use the Babcock name, we are the original Babcock & Wilcox with more than 130 years of experience in
engineering, constructing and servicing steam generating systems. Insist on us by name.
For more information, or a complete listing of our sales and service offices worldwide, call 1-800-BABCOCK (222-2625)
in North America. Outside North America, call (330) 753-4511 or fax (330) 860-1886 (Barberton, Ohio, USA). Or access our
Web site at www.babcock.com.
United States of America: Canada:
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Mt. Holly, New Jersey
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St. Petersburg, Florida
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Powering the World Through Teamwork and Innovation is a trademark of The Babcock & Wilcox Company.
PSB-55 5MU2D © 2002 The Babcock & Wilcox Company. All rights reserved.