Boiler tubes

There are reportedly numerous cases of premature tube failures, especially on traction engines. Any advice on current tube standards and suppliers in the UK?

 

Have you read the HRA 'Tubing of Locomotive Boilers' guidance note?
https://www.hra.uk.com/storage/HGR-B9001-Is03- Tubing of Locomotive Boilers.pdf

 

Where are these "numerous cases of premature failure" being reported, please?

 

What are the failure modes being reported?

 

Thank you for your replying. The traction engine world is not coordinated and there is no central database which is why I used the word “reportedly”.

However, looking at the standard there are selections of alloys, which mean that purchasers may not appreciate the difference between these alloys in terms of fire tube use.

 

Short life with pitting and thinning. Last week I was talking to someone replacing tubes after two years. Today I was looking at a boiler where the tubes lasted 10 years, which is better than normal life. But see my reply above. What is the optimal alloy?

 

Many thanks for this. It is interesting that the material in the standard is detailed in the attached.

 

These reports surface every so often. Usually the cause can be attributed to either poor installation practice or poor boiler management. We used ERW type tube for many years but have now changed to the solid drawn as these last longer. Degreasing of the water side surfaces is essential before installation and a suitable scheme of water treatment must be used from day one. Traction engine boilers spend most of their life in storage. My own view is that "water wedging" with treated water is the best option as long as precautions are taken against freezing. I ran industrial boilers in this manner and the tubes lasted at least twenty years until the site closed. When these were cut up I examined some tubes and there was very little evidence of corrosion attack. Likewise with a steam locomotive protected with a tannin based treatment when the tubes were removed after the mandatory ten years there wasn't much wrong.

 

Many thanks for your reply. Which alloy do you recommend please?

 

BS 3059 Part 2 Grade 360 Seamless Tubes