What is a primary cause of boiler tube failure?

Boiler tube failure is often attributed to a combination of factors, with corrosion, overheating, and mechanical stress being key contributors.

Corrosion can occur due to the presence of oxygen and other contaminants in the water or steam, leading to the deterioration of the tube material. Overheating happens when the heat transfer is inefficient, causing the tubes to exceed their temperature limits, which can lead to softening of the metal and eventual failure. Mechanical stress can arise from thermal cycling, pressure variations, and physical impacts, which can weaken the structural integrity of the tubes over time.

Recognizing that these three factors—corrosion, overheating, and mechanical stress—often work in tandem helps in diagnosing issues and developing maintenance practices aimed at prolonging boiler life and efficiency. While other mentioned factors can contribute to boiler issues, they are generally not as directly linked to tube failure specifically.