Abstract
This mini-dissertation investigates the impact that Long Term Overheating and Creep
(LTOC) has on coal fired power stations and the availability implications thereof. The need
for the investigation arose from a single coal fired power station, with multiple boilers with
a total generating capacity of greater than 400MW, of which LTOC is the dominant boiler
tube failure mechanism. For the purposes of the mini-dissertation, the power station was
simply titled Power Station X.
A summary is provided of the various boiler tube failure mechanisms as well as a brief
description of availability. The mini-dissertation makes use of case studies in researching the
matter of LTOC. It was seen that LTOC is a global matter, which is typically seen in ageing
power stations.
The major discussion points arising from the mini-dissertation is that of a boiler tube failure
management program as well as correctly understanding the causes of boiler tube failures.
With an adequate and correctly functioning boiler tube failure management program one
can reduce and manage the occurrence of boiler tube failures. The second major discussion
point arising from the mini-dissertation is that of correctly understanding the contributing
factors to boiler tube failures. A lot of emphasis has been placed on the actual mechanisms
and identification of failures, however the contributing factors and root cause has not been
thoroughly investigated.
Additionally one also has to identify the various areas prone to creep and the necessary
remedial and mitigating actions for the removal and or replacement of such components,
while keeping in mind the financial implication thereof.
The mini-dissertation concludes with possible areas of future research as well as possible
remedial actions that can be taken.
M.Ing. (Engineering Management)