Boiler Inspection & Failure Analysis

At SPECTRO, we specialize in failure analysis and corrosion investigations in boilers and turbines. SPECTRO is a certified Laboratory by Boiler board to conduct Boiler Inspection and Failure Analysis. We will determine if a failure is caused by inappropriate material selection, design, fabrication or operating conditions.

Common questions we address:

• Which component failed first?
• What was the mode of failure? How did it fail?
• What were the trajectories of failed parts and the consequential damage?
• What is the root cause of the failure?
• What are the possible corrective actions?
• Inspection procedures and inspection frequency?

An on-site inspection and investigation that enables engineers to review operating conditions and maintenance records may be essential to determine the most likely sequence of events in a failure.

Some of the components that we look at in a typical day include mechanical equipment; turbine and compressor blades; super heater & boiler tubes; treatment processes; pipelines; pressure vessels; forgings; castings; and welds/brazes. Based on the test results and the data obtained, the life expectancy of a component can often times be determined.

Determination of the root cause of failure of systems or components can be very complex, and may require multidisciplinary testing and analysis. The first requirement for success is having a full-equipped modern laboratory. SPECTRO's labs include light and electron microscopy, mechanical and electrochemical testing, chemical characterization.

The other half of the battle is having the right staff. SPECTRO's staff includes experienced Metallurgists, and Materials and Mechanical Engineering Scientists; Professional Engineers; Chemists; Paint and Coating Specialists; By combining the right equipment with the right staff, rapid and accurate determinations of the causes of failure can be made.

An illustrated formal report documents the results of the investigation. If necessary, SPECTRO personnel can usually be on-site almost immediately when requested during emergency situations.

Identification of Types of Failures

• Design Failures
• Fatigue Failures
• Wear Failures
• Corrosion Failures.
• Metal Embitterment
• Hydrogen Damage Failures
• Ductile and Brittle Factures
• Elevated Temperature Failures
• Hot Corrosion
• Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Welding Failures
• Corrosion Fatigue Failures

Types of Failures Dealt with on a Routine Basis

• Failures of Boilers and Turbines
• Failures of Turbine Components
• Failures of Turbine Components
• Failures of Utility Boilers
• Failures of Feed Water (thinning)
• Failures of Mechanical Fasteners
• Failures of Compressors
• Failures of Boilers and Related Equipment
• Failures of Pressure Vessels
• Failures of Pipelines
• Failure Analysis of Construction Materials
• Failure Analysis of Underground Facilities
• Failures of Boiler Tubes
• Life expectancy Issues
• Failures of Boiler Steel Drums
• Failures of Industrial Boilers
• Failures of Lifting Equipment
• Failures of Load Bearing Members
• Failures of Gears
• Failures of Heat Exchangers
• Failures due to Water treatmentn
• Failures of Boiler Components
• Failure Analysis of Polymers
• Test Coupon to Evaluate Corrosivity

An on-site inspection and investigation that enables engineers to review operating conditions and maintenance records may be essential to determine the most likely sequence of events in a failure.

Some of the components that we look at in a typical day include mechanical equipment; turbine and compressor blades; super heater & boiler tubes; treatment processes; pipelines; pressure vessels; forgings; castings; and welds/brazes. Based on the test results and the data obtained, the life expectancy of a component can often times be determined.

Determination of the root cause of failure of systems or components can be very complex, and may require multidisciplinary testing and analysis. The first requirement for success is having a full-equipped modern laboratory. SPECTRO's labs include light and electron microscopy, mechanical and electrochemical testing, chemical characterization.

The other half of the battle is having the right staff. SPECTRO'S staff includes experienced Metallurgists, and Materials and Mechanical Engineering Scientists; Professional Engineers; Chemists; Paint and Coating Specialists; By combining the right equipment with the right staff, rapid and accurate determinations of the causes of failure can be made.

An illustrated formal report documents the results of the investigation. If necessary, SPECTRO personnel can usually be on-site almost immediately when requested during emergency situations.