Metallurgical Failure Analysis - Forensic Engineering

Metallurgical failure analysis provided by MTi can help minimize and eliminate the extreme effects of unexpected down time in the power industry. We specialize in rapid response with prompt report turnaround. When the root cause of the metal product failure is identified, results are communicated immediately. Recommendations can be made to help prevent future unscheduled outages. Please refer to our Testimonials page for comments from our clients in the Power Industry.

Metal Product Failure - Failure Analysis of Failed Inconel Condenser Tube

Forensic Engineering of ruptured heat exchanger tube.
A low magnification view of a rupture in an Inconel 600 condenser tube.  A patch of crevice corrosion is found in the center of the rupture site.  Corrosion is at a baffle support location.

A cross-section through the tube at the crevice corrosion patch reveals the depth and extent of the degraded area. 

Condenser tube corrosion investigation
Condenser tube intergranular corrosion analysis
 Higher magnification of the cross-section details the intergranular nature of the corrosive attack. The grain boundaries are dissolved leaving the matrix intact. The defect is difficult to detect using standard inspection techniques. 
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis of the corrosion area on the tube OD surface reveals the presence of intergranular corrosion attack. Note the presence of a crystalline structure, indicative of intergranular fracture. 
Scanning Electron Microscope view of intergranular corrosion

EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometry) analysis of the corrosion area indicated the presence of caustic material that led to this metal product failure.

Metallurgical failure analysis of a component can prevent recurring failures, help with preventative detection, or suggest remedies. If you have a metal product failure that you would like investigated, just take a moment to fill in our information request form and we'll gladly provide you with an estimate.

 

Metallurgical Technologies, Inc., P.A.
160 Bevan Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115

Phone: (704) 663-5108  Fax: (704) 662-0898  How To Find Us   E·Mail: info@met-tech.com

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