FAULT RATE ANALYSIS FOR LONG-TERM OPERATION STEAM PIPES.

A large portion of the equipment at thermoelectric power plants is now reaching the end of its estimated operational life. In this period, considerable changes take place in metal under the influence of temperatures and stress, which lower its work capacity. One of the fundamental factors responsible for the decline in steam pipe work capacity is the buildup of faults. In recent years, the number of failed steam pipe bends operating in creep conditions has grown. In connection with this, the need has emerged for a detailed study of the basic principles of failure in steam pipe metal under prolonged operation. With this in mind, straight and curved sections of steam pipes in long-term operation manufactured from 12MKh, 15MKh and 12Kh1MF heat-resistant pearlitic steels which had broken down during operation were studied. Results are presented in this paper.