Cause Analysis of Tube Burst of the Condenser in a Power Plant

A tube burst accident of the condenser is found in a power plant during operation. The causes of tube bursts are analyzed using macroscopic observation, chemical composition analysis, metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopy, and energy spectrum. The results show that the perforation of the condenser tube originates from the inner wall, and there are scour pits. There are corrosion products in the pits, and the content of the Zn element decreases significantly compared with the matrix. The corrosion should be dezincification corrosion accompanied by erosion corrosion. After the long-term operation of the condenser pipe, dezincification corrosion is still unavoidable. Pipes in different parts have been corroded and perforated, but the degree of corrosion is different. Therefore, it is suggested to replace and upgrade the condenser tube as a whole at the appropriate time.