Failure analysis of the condenser brass tube in 150 MW thermal power units

In this case study, the failure cause of a condenser brass tube in 150 MW thermal power units was investigated. The features of erosion were observed by macro and micro observations, and the necessary conditions for erosion were satisfied: higher flow rate, turbulence and silts contained in cooling water. The dezincification–corrosion was also verified in this case study by EDS analysis. Given all of that, the failed condenser brass tube is considered to be caused by the synergism of erosion and dezincification–corrosion.