Are Boiler Tubes Prone To Bursting?

Boiler tube generally does not necessarily burst, but if they are not maintained, inspected and managed, factors such as pipeline aging corrosion or excessive temperature may cause the pipes to burst. Why do boiler tubes burst? How to effectively prevent it?

Causes of boiler tube bursting

The reasons for boiler tube bursting are very complicated, mainly related to the following factors:

1. High temperature and high pressure

During the operation of the boiler, water evaporates under high temperature and high pressure to produce steam, which increases the pressure and temperature of the boiler tube.

2. Corrosion

Long-term operation and untimely maintenance will accumulate rust on the inner wall of the boiler tube, aggravating the aging and corrosion of the pipe. Compared with seamless steel pipe, boiler tubes with seams are more prone to corrosion at the gaps.

3. Negligent operation

Negligent operation may cause pipe bursting, such as failure to check the pipe in time, properly handle scale, and control the water level too high or too low.

4. Thermal expansion and contraction

The pipe expands and contracts with the change of temperature. If the support is unstable or the pipe deformation exceeds its bearing capacity, it may burst.

Hazards of boiler tube bursting

1. Personal safety risk

Once a bursting accident occurs, it may cause safety accidents such as explosion and fire, which seriously threatens the safety of personnel.

2. Environmental pollution

Steam leakage may cause air pollution and even affect the safety of the surrounding environment.

3. Equipment damage and economic losses

The rupture of the boiler tube may affect the operation of the entire boiler system, the cost of repair or replacement is high, and it will also cause the company to stop working and lose money.

Emergency rescue measures for boiler tube bursting

1. Immediate shutdown and cut off energy

Quickly cut off the power supply and gas, stop the boiler operation, and prevent further damage. If there is a steam leak, immediately reduce the boiler load to prevent the pressure from continuing to rise.

2. Ensure the safety of personnel

Notify the on-site personnel to evacuate, ensure the safety of personnel, and avoid being scalded by high-temperature steam or hot water.

3. Close the relevant valves

Close the inlet and outlet valves, and open the water valve to release the water pressure in the boiler and reduce the pressure on the pipe.

4. Perform temporary repairs

Use emergency repair tools (such as universal belts, quick pipe belts, etc.) to urgently repair leaking pipes, reduce the amount of water leakage, and avoid further accidents.

Methods to prevent boiler tube bursting

1. Regular maintenance and inspection

Maintain the pipeline, conduct regular pipeline inspections, and repair problems in time. Regularly check the appearance, thickness, corrosion, and sealing of the boiler tube with the pipe flange, etc., to promptly identify potential problems and deal with them.

2. Prevent corrosion and scale accumulation:

Remove scale and dirt in the pipeline to prevent corrosion, keep the pipe wall smooth, and prevent local overheating and corrosion.

3. Standardize operations to ensure safety

Use a reliable control system to ensure its reliability and ensure that the operator has certain professional knowledge and skills.

4. Select high-quality materials and designs

Improve the structural design, material selection, and welding process of the boiler tube to enhance its bearing capacity.

5. Consult professional technicians

Consult professional technicians and select suitable models and specifications according to the requirements of use.

Conclusion

The key to safe operation of boiler tubes lies in timely maintenance, inspection and management. Strengthening the maintenance and inspection of boiler tubes is necessary and important to prevent boiler tube bursts. Only by reducing pipeline failures and increasing the service life of boiler tubes can the safe operation of equipment be better guaranteed.