Evolution of Microstructure During Short-term Overheating Failure of a Boiler Water Wall Tube Made of Carbon Steel

Abstract

This paper highlights the evolution of different microstructures during short-term overheating failure of a boiler water wall tube made of SA210 Grade C steel. Short-term overheating failure of the boiler tube caused fish mouth rupture with thin lips, along the longitudinal direction of the tube with extensive tube bulging. Microstructure examination revealed elongation of grains at the fracture signifying plastic deformation due to hoop stress becoming equal to the flow stress of the tube at the elevated temperature. Overheating caused degeneration of the initial ferrite–pearlite microstructure. Spheroidization and coalescence of carbides occurred in the ferrite matrix from the initial ferrite–pearlite microstructure of the boiler tube near the ruptured region. Moreover, the formation of bainite microstructure at the fracture fish mouth opening indicates heating above the eutectoid temperature (lower critical temperature) of the tube material.