CONDENSER INSPECTION

The main reason for inspection of condenser tubes is to determine the condition of the tubes. The information from the inspection can then be used to make decisions on replacement of all the tubes.

The most common tube materials in a feedwater heater are copper-nickel alloys, brass, titanium, stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel. Pitting is the most common form of damage in condenser tubing. OD erosion/corrosion is very common in brass tubing. Tubes in the top row are susceptible to OD erosion.

The inspection techniques for condenser tubes depend on the material. Conventional eddy current is applied for non-ferromagnetic materials, while Remote Field Eddy Current or Ultrasonic inspection is used for magnetic materials.