Remaining Useful Life Analysis

Proprietary remaining useful life (RUL) analysis technique, TUBETECH, reduces and evaluates oxide and wall thickness data taken during on-site nondestructive examination (NDE) testing of superheater and reheater tubes.

Intertek-has extensive experience in superheater and reheater tube remaining life prediction. We have a complete understanding of the parameters that affect tube life. The TUBETECH program addresses failures resulting from creep and wall thinning, etc.

Intertek's RUL analysis requires the following information:

• Actual Steam Pressure History 
• Tube Material Composition 
•  Wall Thickness 
•  Present Steamside Scale Thickness 
•  Total Number of Operating Hours of the Unit 
•  Specified and Measured Tube Dimensions

The RUL of a particular superheater or reheater tube is a function of time, temperature, and stress. The steam pressure, original and present wall thicknesses, and tube outside diameter (OD) are used to determine the stress history of the tube. The steamside scale thickness is used to infer the effective temperature history of the tube. The stress history and effective temperature history are compared to the creep rupture behavior of the specified tube material. From this information, the RUL for each tube, as well as the temperature profiles across the boiler, can be calculated. Hot spots and high wastage patterns can also be identified.

Intertek developed the oxide technology in 1981. It is now used as the standard throughout most of the world and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) of the United States has endorsed it. Intertek has continued to improve and refine this technology.
 

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Remaining Useful Life Analysis.