Skip Nav Destination
Close Modal
Search Results for
Caustic cracking
Update search
Filter
- Title
- Authors
- Author Affiliations
- Full Text
- Abstract
- Keywords
- DOI
- ISBN
- EISBN
- Issue
- ISSN
- EISSN
- Volume
- References
Filter
- Title
- Authors
- Author Affiliations
- Full Text
- Abstract
- Keywords
- DOI
- ISBN
- EISBN
- Issue
- ISSN
- EISSN
- Volume
- References
Filter
- Title
- Authors
- Author Affiliations
- Full Text
- Abstract
- Keywords
- DOI
- ISBN
- EISBN
- Issue
- ISSN
- EISSN
- Volume
- References
Filter
- Title
- Authors
- Author Affiliations
- Full Text
- Abstract
- Keywords
- DOI
- ISBN
- EISBN
- Issue
- ISSN
- EISSN
- Volume
- References
Filter
- Title
- Authors
- Author Affiliations
- Full Text
- Abstract
- Keywords
- DOI
- ISBN
- EISBN
- Issue
- ISSN
- EISSN
- Volume
- References
Filter
- Title
- Authors
- Author Affiliations
- Full Text
- Abstract
- Keywords
- DOI
- ISBN
- EISBN
- Issue
- ISSN
- EISSN
- Volume
- References
NARROW
Format
Topics
Book Series
Date
Availability
1-20 of 75 Search Results for
Caustic cracking
Follow your search
Access your saved searches in your account
Would you like to receive an alert when new items match your search?
Sort by
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.power.c9001406
EISBN: 978-1-62708-229-7
... Abstract Caustic cracking is the term used to describe one of the forms in which stress-corrosion cracking manifests itself in carbon steels. In the present study, persistent leakage occurred after ten weeks of service from tube expansions in the steam and mud drum of a two-drum D type boiler...
Abstract
Caustic cracking is the term used to describe one of the forms in which stress-corrosion cracking manifests itself in carbon steels. In the present study, persistent leakage occurred after ten weeks of service from tube expansions in the steam and mud drum of a two-drum D type boiler, which failed to respond to repeated expansion. The leakage was traced to circumferential cracking in the portion of Fe-0.11C-0.46Mn-0.018S-0.011P tubes within the expanded region. Microscopic examination indicated that all cracks started from the outer surface of the tubes in the expanded portion. The form of cracking which was mostly intergranular. Examination at higher magnification disclosed that a selective attack had taken place on the carbide constituents of the pearlite grains. An alkaline deposit on the fireside surface of the tube resulted from the evaporation of boiler water which had found its way past the tube expansions. This indicated that this operation had not resulted in a satisfactorily tight joint.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.modes.c9001405
EISBN: 978-1-62708-234-1
... Abstract During microscopic examination of a number of cases of caustic cracking, a certain feature has been recognized that appeared to be associated only with caustic cracking. This was a preferential attack on the carbide envelopes and lamellae of the pearlite grains. Evidence suggests...
Abstract
During microscopic examination of a number of cases of caustic cracking, a certain feature has been recognized that appeared to be associated only with caustic cracking. This was a preferential attack on the carbide envelopes and lamellae of the pearlite grains. Evidence suggests that the intergranular path of caustic cracks in steam boilers may be due largely to the presence, probably on a submicroscopic scale, of carbides at the grain boundaries, thus rendering these regions susceptible to preferential attack. It is known that some steels are more liable to develop caustic cracks than others, although their microstructures may not show any significant differences, and it seems probable that this behavior may be related to the amount and continuity of the grain-boundary carbides.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001407
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
... to a temperature of 130 deg C (266 deg F). Magnetic crack detection revealed circumferential crack-like indications situated a short distance from the butt weld. Cracking originated on the bore surfaces of the tube and was of an intergranular nature reminiscent of caustic cracking in steam boilers. The strength...
Abstract
The onset of leakage adjacent to two butt welds in a 2 in. bore pipe was traced to the development of fine cracks. The pipe carried 40% sodium hydroxide solution. The actual temperature was not known, but the pipeline was steam traced at a pressure of 30 psi, equivalent to a temperature of 130 deg C (266 deg F). Magnetic crack detection revealed circumferential crack-like indications situated a short distance from the butt weld. Cracking originated on the bore surfaces of the tube and was of an intergranular nature reminiscent of caustic cracking in steam boilers. The strength of the solution of caustic soda and possibly the temperature also were in the range known to produce stress-corrosion cracking of mild steels in the presence of stresses of sufficient magnitude. In this instance the location of the cracking suggested that residual stresses from welding, which approach yield point magnitude, were responsible. As all other welds were suspect, the remedy was to remove the joints and to reweld followed by local stress relief.
Image
in A Case of Caustic Cracking at a Tube Expansion
> ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories: Power Generating Equipment
Published: 01 June 2019
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Volume: 2
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 December 1993
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.v02.c9001323
EISBN: 978-1-62708-215-0
..., and most likely aggravated the caustic attack. Stainless steel tube 4T failed by caustic-induced SCC. Tube 1T also experienced SCC. Sodium was observed in the internal deposits of Tube 4T. Sodium, probably in the form of sodium hydroxide, caused the cracking, as it is known to stress crack austenitic...
Abstract
Original carbon steel and subsequent replacement austenitic stainless steel superheater tube U-bend failures occurred in a waste heat boiler. The carbon steel tubes had experienced metal wastage in the form of caustic corrosion gouging, while the stainless steel tubes failed by caustic-induced stress-corrosion cracking. Sodium was detected by EDS in the internal deposits and the base of a gouge in a carbon steel tube and in the internal deposits of the stainless steel tube. The sodium probably formed sodium hydroxide with carryover moisture and caused the gouging, which was further aggravated by the presence of silicon and sulfur (silicates and sulfates). It was recommended that the tubes be replaced with Inconel 600 or 601, as a practical option until the carryover problem could be solved.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Volume: 2
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 December 1993
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.v02.c9001324
EISBN: 978-1-62708-215-0
... Abstract A type 430Ti stainless steel flue gas expansion joint cracked because of caustic-induced stress-corrosion cracking. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope analysis of the fracture surface deposits revealed the presence of sodium and potassium—caustics in hydroxide form. Primary fracture...
Abstract
A type 430Ti stainless steel flue gas expansion joint cracked because of caustic-induced stress-corrosion cracking. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope analysis of the fracture surface deposits revealed the presence of sodium and potassium—caustics in hydroxide form. Primary fracture surfaces were all similar in appearance, and a primary crack origin could not be identified. A secondary crack brought to fracture in the laboratory showed brittle, cleavage features rather than classic, tensile overload features. This suggested that the material was embrittled.
Image
in Failure of Boilers and Related Equipment
> Analysis and Prevention of Component and Equipment Failures
Published: 30 August 2021
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.power.c9001398
EISBN: 978-1-62708-229-7
... developed was of the form known as caustic cracking. It was recommended that water for de-superheater use should be taken after the deaerator and prior to the addition of salts which may deposit or concentrate in the desuperheater. Bellows Corrosion environments Leakage Sodium hydroxide Sodium...
Abstract
Several articulated bellows of 10 in. ID developed leakage from the convolutions after a service life of some 18 months. One of the units received from examination showed cracking at the crown of a convolution and at the attachment weld to the pipe. Sectioning of the bellows revealed many others cracks on the internal surface which did not penetrate to the outside. Microscopical examination showed multiple intergranular, tree-like cracking typical of stress-corrosion cracking. Concentration of sodium hydroxide occurred in the bellows unit and the stress-corrosion cracking which developed was of the form known as caustic cracking. It was recommended that water for de-superheater use should be taken after the deaerator and prior to the addition of salts which may deposit or concentrate in the desuperheater.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.power.c9001448
EISBN: 978-1-62708-229-7
..., embrittlement of this type was the primary cause of the breaking off of the type rivet heads. Nothing was observed in the course of the examination that suggested caustic cracking. Aging Boiler plate Rivets Rimming steel Brittle fracture When the lagging was removed from the longitudinal seam...
Abstract
Rivets from the longitudinal seam of the terminal shell ring of a 12 year old Lancashire boiler broke off easily during examination. Cleavage fractures indicated a brittle material. Microstructure of a sectioned rivet head was typical of a normal rimming steel except the ferrite crystals contained numerous nitride needles. Their existence indicated an abnormally high nitrogen content. If such a steel is heated for a lengthy period to a temperature of that prevailing in a boiler, precipitation of the nitrides may be expected, with consequent embrittlement. In this case, embrittlement of this type was the primary cause of the breaking off of the type rivet heads. Nothing was observed in the course of the examination that suggested caustic cracking.
Image
in Failures of Pressure Vessels and Process Piping
> Analysis and Prevention of Component and Equipment Failures
Published: 30 August 2021
Fig. 93 (a) Caustic gouging on transfer piping. (b) More highly stressed location, where caustic cracking was found on caustic transfer piping
More
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Volume: 2
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 December 1993
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.v02.c9001367
EISBN: 978-1-62708-215-0
... approach to failure analysis to confirm that the cracking was caused by a caustic stress-corrosion cracking mechanism is presented. Caustic cracking Chemical processing equipment Compressor blades Sodium hydroxide, environment 4320 UNS G43200 Stress-corrosion cracking Background Severe...
Abstract
Cracking was discovered in an in-service, second-stage turbine impeller during a downtime inspection. The fabricated 4300 series low-alloy steel impeller was used in a compressor in an industrial petrochemical plant. It was also reported that a process upset had allowed a 10% NaOH solution to be ingested by the unit. Routine magnetic particle inspection revealed numerous cracks in the hub area and vane tips of the second-stage impeller Additionally, the outside surface of the backing plate showed a cyclic pattern of cracks. An overview of a conventional, systematic metallurgical approach to failure analysis to confirm that the cracking was caused by a caustic stress-corrosion cracking mechanism is presented.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Volume: 2
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 December 1993
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.v02.c9001344
EISBN: 978-1-62708-215-0
.... Boiler tubes Caustic cracking Residual stress Welded joints 304H UNS S30409 Stress-corrosion cracking Background Stainless steel superheater tubes fractured in stressed areas within a few hours after caustic regenerant leaked into the boiler feedwater system. Applications In typical...
Abstract
Several 304H stainless steel superheater tubes fractured in stressed areas within hours of a severe caustic upset in the boiler feedwater system. Tests performed on a longitudinal weld joint, which connected two adjacent tubes in the tertiary superheater bank, confirmed caustic-induced stress-corrosion cracking, promoted by the presence of residual welding stresses. Improved maintenance of check valves and routine inspection of critical monitoring systems (conductivity alarms, sodium analyzers, etc.) were recommended to help avoid future occurrences of severe boiler feedwater contamination. Additional recommendations were to eliminate these short longitudinal weld joints by using a bracket assembly joint between the tubes, use a post-weld heat treatment to relieve residual welding stress or select a more stress-corrosion cracking resistant alloy for this particular application.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.rail.c9001175
EISBN: 978-1-62708-231-0
... path, which is characteristic for caustic corrosion cracks. It was recommended that the internal stresses be removed through annealing or alternatively lye-resistant steel should be used. Boilers Riveted joints Steam Fe-0.05C-0.38Mn Stress-corrosion cracking Steels with nitrogen, when...
Abstract
A water tube boiler with two headers and 15.5 atm working pressure became leaky in the lower part due to the formation of cracks in the rivet-hole edges. The boiler plate of 20 mm thickness was a rimming steel with 0.05% C, traces of Si, 0.38% Mn, 0.027% P, 0.035% S, and 0.08% Cu. The mean value of the yield point was 24 (24) kg/sq mm, the tensile strength 39 (38) kg/sq mm, the elongation at fracture, d10, 26 (24)%, the necking at fracture 71 (66)% and notch impact value 11.5 (9.4) kgm/sq cm (the values in brackets are for the transverse direction). The specimen from inside surface of the boiler was polished and etched with Fry-solution, which revealed parallel striations formed due to the cold bending of the plate. The zones of slip were concentrated around the rivet holes. The cracks were formed here. The structure examination proved that the cracks had taken an exactly intercrystalline path, which is characteristic for caustic corrosion cracks. It was recommended that the internal stresses be removed through annealing or alternatively lye-resistant steel should be used.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.usage.c9001545
EISBN: 978-1-62708-236-5
.... Caustic, not chloride, stress corrosion was the culprit. Had material substitutions been made on the original premise of countering chloride stress corrosion, most of the loop's highly stressed components would have eventually failed. Bearings Bellows Caustic stress corrosion cracking 304 UNS...
Abstract
The presence of secondary, branching intergranular stress-corrosion cracking in a type 440C stainless bearing caused the analyst to overlook the real culprit, which was a mechanically-initiated, primary transgranular crack that propagated through the steel's hard chromium carbide. Failure was actually caused by overload. Had the original conclusion been accepted, a relatively exotic alloy would have been specified. In another case, brass heat exchanger tube failure was automatically attributed to attack by an acidic cleaner, and a decision was made to stop using the solution. A more thorough analysis showed failure was caused by tube vibration. In a third case, a type 304 stainless steel bellows in a test loop was thought to have failed because of chloride stress corrosion. The report concluded with a recommendation that carbon steel be used as an alternative bellows material. Caustic, not chloride, stress corrosion was the culprit. Had material substitutions been made on the original premise of countering chloride stress corrosion, most of the loop's highly stressed components would have eventually failed.
Image
in Cracked Disks of Fan Made of Heat Resistant Steel
> ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories: Steelmaking and Thermal Processing Equipment
Published: 01 June 2019
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.marine.c9001003
EISBN: 978-1-62708-227-3
... and presence of voids. (b) Same as (a) except solution was high in phosphate and low in caustic. 100× Figure 5a shows complete decomposition of the pearlite and cracking toward the corroding surface in the solution containing a high concentration of free caustic. Figure 5b shows the absence...
Abstract
Gross wastage and embrittlement were observed in plain carbon steel desuperheaters in five new Naval power plants. The gross wastage could be duplicated in laboratory bomb tests using sodium hydroxide solutions and was concluded to be caused by free caustic concentrated by high heat flux. The embrittlement was shown to be caused by the flow of corrosion generated hydrogen which converted the cementite to methane which nucleated voids in the steel. A thermodynamic estimate indicated that a small amount of chromium would stabilize the carbides against decomposition by hydrogen in this temperature range, and laboratory tests with 2-14% Cr steel verified this.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001437
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
..., but there had been no selective attack on the carbide constituent, as is seen in many instances of caustic cracking—one form of stress corrosion in steel. The region adjacent to the external surface was decarburised, and the examination of further specimens indicated that this was not a service effect...
Abstract
A steam jacketed autoclave of orthodox design was fabricated from mild steel for a working pressure of 320 psi. The only unusual feature in its construction was a protective layer of weld metal, which was deposited on the internal surface of the upper half of the 1 in. thick shell. The first indication of latent trouble was provided by the bolts which attached the stirring paddles to the shaft and the stationary scraper blades to the shell, either failing in service or breaking off when an attempt was made to remove them. It was the practice to renew them all annually. Microscopic examination of a failed bolt showed the path of the fracture and the secondary cracking associated with it were intergranular, suggesting that failure resulted from stress corrosion. A steel of the rimming type had been used to make the bar from which the bolt was forged. Cracks which originate at the root of threads generally result from fatigue but, in this instance, their intergranular mode of progression indicated that they were due to stress-corrosion. Examination of shell material showed that the cracks in the vessel were wholly intergranular. It was apparent from this evidence that this cracking was also due to stress-corrosion.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Volume: 2
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 December 1993
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.v02.c9001354
EISBN: 978-1-62708-215-0
... of sodium on crack surfaces, which is indicative of NaOH-induced stress-corrosion cracking. Failure was attributed to superheater problems that resulted in caustic carryover from the boiler. Two options for disk repair, installing a shrink-fit disk or applying weld buildup, were recommended. Weld repair...
Abstract
An A-470 steel rotor disk was removed from the high-pressure portion of a steam turbine-powered compressor after nondestructive testing revealed cracks in the shoulder of the disk during a scheduled outage. Samples containing cracks were examined using various methods. Multiple cracks, primarily intergranular were found on the inlet and outlet faces along prior-austenite grain boundaries. The cracks initiated at the surface and propagated inward. Multiple crack branching was observed. Many of the cracks were filled with iron oxide. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the presence of sodium on crack surfaces, which is indicative of NaOH-induced stress-corrosion cracking. Failure was attributed to superheater problems that resulted in caustic carryover from the boiler. Two options for disk repair, installing a shrink-fit disk or applying weld buildup, were recommended. Weld repair was chosen, and the rotor was returned to service; it has performed for more than 1 year without further incident.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Volume: 3
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 December 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.v03.c9001775
EISBN: 978-1-62708-241-9
... Ni-Cu Monel 400 alloy tube, which operated as part of a pipeline in a petrochemical distillery, failed by through-thickness cracking. The pipeline was used to carry a stream of gaseous hydrocarbons containing hydrochloric acid (HCl) into a reaction tower. The tower provided a caustic solution (NaOH...
Abstract
A bent Ni-Cu Monel 400 alloy tube, which operated as part of a pipeline in a petrochemical distillery, failed by through-thickness cracking. The pipeline was used to carry a stream of gaseous hydrocarbons containing hydrochloric acid (HCl) into a reaction tower. The tower provided a caustic solution (NaOH) to remove HCl from the stream, before the latter was directed to a burner. Metallographic examination showed that the cracks were intergranular and were frequently branched. Although nominal chemical composition of the component was found within the specified range, energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA) indicated significant segregation of sulfur and chlorine along the grain boundaries. Failure was attributed to hypochlorous-acid (HClO)-induced stress-corrosion cracking (SCC). The HClO was formed by the reaction of HCl with atmospheric O 2 that entered the tube during shutdowns and startups. Residual stresses, originating from in situ bend forming of the tube during assembly of the line, provided a driving force for crack growth, and the segregation of sulfur on grain boundaries made the material more susceptible to cracking.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.design.c0048819
EISBN: 978-1-62708-233-4
... with the nozzle weld. Caustic embrittlement Potassium hydroxide Pressure vessels ASTM A516 Grade 70 UNS K02700 Stress-corrosion cracking A large pressure vessel ( Fig. 1a ) that had been in service for about 10 years as a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) absorber developed cracks and began leaking...
Abstract
A large pressure vessel that had been in service as a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) absorber developed cracks and began leaking at a nozzle. The vessel contained a 20% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), and arsenic. The vessel wall was manufactured of ASTM A516, grade 70, low-carbon steel plate. A steel angle had been formed into a ring was continuously welded to the inside wall of the vessel. The groove formed by the junction of the lower tray-support weld and the top part of the weld around the nozzle was found to have a crack. Pits and scale near the crack origin were revealed by microscopic examination and cracking was found to be transgranular. Periods of corrosion alternated with sudden instances of cleavage, under a tensile load, along preferred slip planes were interpreted during examination with a microscope. It was concluded that the combination of the residual plus operating stresses and the amount of KOH present would have caused stress corrosion as a result of caustic embrittlement. It was recommended that the tray support should be installed higher on the vessel wall to prevent coincidence of the lower tray-support weld with the nozzle weld.