Work

Failure Analysis of a Welded 316L Stainless-Steel Stack with Premature Damage Due to Stress-Corrosion Cracking

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study analyzed the premature failure of a stainless-steel stack obtained from a mining company. The stack was manufactured using ASTM A240 Type 316L stainless steel. After one year of its service, massive leakages and cracks were observed near the welds. Following a visual examination of the stack, a representative sample was extracted and analyzed using visual and radiographic inspection, metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, optical emission spectrometry, ferrite number analysis, and leak testing. Furthermore, corrosion mechanisms and the sequence of events leading to failure were determined. Two different mechanisms were identified: acid dew point corrosion caused by the condensation of H2SO4 and HCl at the inner walls of the chimney, followed by stress-corrosion cracking near the welded joints.

Source: Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention

DOI: 10.1007/s11668-024-01990-y

Authors: H. León-Henao, J. E. Morales-Galeano, J. F. Santa-Marín, J. E. Giraldo-Barrada

Institutions: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Failure Analysis and Simulation

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090

Funders: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano