Abstract
In a 7 MW fossil fuel power plant, the low-pressure turbine experienced a failure. The blades are made of martensitic stainless steel, specifically type 410, which are common materials for blades and exhibit good heat and corrosion resistance. To determine the cause of the failure, a root cause analysis was conducted through macro- and micro-observations of the fractured blade. Optical microscopy, stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscopy, and hardness testing were performed to identify the failure mode of the blade. The observations indicate that overload fracture was the cause of failure. Furthermore, the results of energy-dispersive spectroscopy indicate the presence of foreign particles, as evidenced by the detection of chlorine ions and silica in the failed blade. These particles can result in material degradation and notch formation, hastening the occurrence of fracture. The material degradation is attributed to corrosion pits and cavitation.
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The author acknowledges support from Bandung Polytechnic for Manufacturing.
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Analysis were performed by GNH and WP. Data collection was performed by AS, MRGN, and EL. The first draft of the manuscript was written by GNH, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Hermana, G.N., Purwadi, W., Siswanto, A. et al. Fractographic Investigations of the Failure Low Pressure Turbine Blade in a Coal-Based Thermal Power Plant. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 23, 2489–2495 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-023-01777-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-023-01777-7