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Investigation of the Damage of the Welded Stainless Steel Tube used in the Solar Power Plants

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Abstract

The damage of welded stainless steel SS-321 tubes used as solar concentrators in solar power plants is observed shortly after a few months of service. The purpose of this study is to investigate and examine the probable causes of the observed damage. This investigation includes a chemical analysis of the tubes using XRF spectrometry, mechanical characterization, and a metallurgical examination of the weld seams of both new, used, and damaged tubes. This investigation has shown that the main cause of tube damage is attributed to insufficient penetration and low dilution rates resulting from the welding operation. These lack of penetration issues, which can be caused by low welding energies and/or shrinkage phenomena, weaken the mechanical strength of the welds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rabat National School of Mines (ENSMR), Agdal-Rabat, Morocco

    Mohammed Khalil El kouifat & Bennaceur Ouaki

  2. Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, Kenitra, Morocco

    Houcine Zniker

Authors
  1. Mohammed Khalil El kouifat
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  2. Houcine Zniker
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  3. Bennaceur Ouaki
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Correspondence to Mohammed Khalil El kouifat.

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El kouifat, M.K., Zniker, H. & Ouaki, B. Investigation of the Damage of the Welded Stainless Steel Tube used in the Solar Power Plants. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 23, 1675–1683 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-023-01710-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-023-01710-y

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