8:00 am - 4:30 pm est (502) 955-9847 contact@davidnfrench.com

Over 35 Years of Providing Metallurgical Analysis

Collateral damage from another leaking tube

External Appearance: 

Typically sharply cut or wasted tubing resulting from steam erosion; however some collateral damage may present itself in the form of dents or bowed tubing. 


Micrograph images of steam washing show that any surface slag is removed. The surface is eroded to a smooth finish. 


Mechanism:
Adjacent leaks of steam or water erode slag and tube material from the OD surface. Tubes thin to a point where they could not withstand the internal steam/water pressure and rupture with plastic deformation. Typically, they exhibit overload ruptures or pinhole failures.   

Corrective action:
Replace the leaking tube and repair collateral damage as necessary.

Comment:

After any leak, all tubes in the general area must be inspected for steam washing damage.


Common Locations: All tubes vulnerable

Locations


Email contact@davidnfrench.com or call 502-955-9847 to speak directly with a member of the DNFM team.



2681 Coral Ridge Road
Brooks, KY 40109

Call Us: (502) 955-9847

Resources

Copyright © David N. French all rights reserved.