Sulfreen Condenser Problems
Sulfreen Condenser Problems
(OP)
Hi all, I have a Sulfreen Condenser that has failed after 10 months service. Failures are in the seal welds of the inlet tube to tube sheet welds. 660 psig BFW shell side, tail gas tube side with very little evidence of corrosion.
The gas side sees temperature cycles of 300of to 600of every 15 hours.
The failures appear to be due to the migration of porosity pockets to the surface of the weld. We believe it may be due to the cyclic operation but are also questioning the original design.
Wondering if anyone has seen similar problems or offer advice in getting to the root cause.
Thanks in advance.
The gas side sees temperature cycles of 300of to 600of every 15 hours.
The failures appear to be due to the migration of porosity pockets to the surface of the weld. We believe it may be due to the cyclic operation but are also questioning the original design.
Wondering if anyone has seen similar problems or offer advice in getting to the root cause.
Thanks in advance.





RE: Sulfreen Condenser Problems
rmw
RE: Sulfreen Condenser Problems
RE: Sulfreen Condenser Problems
I have never heard of porosity migration in service.
RE: Sulfreen Condenser Problems
There is no evidence of cracking, I have never seen or heard of porosity migration either but the failures appear to be linked to the presence of porosity which is opening up over time / cycles.
RE: Sulfreen Condenser Problems
To confirm if this is happening, when you have a leaking seal weld touch grind and determine if the pin hole turns into a distinct crack which increases in length as you grind into the seal weld. This would confirm that the cracks are starting at the root of the seal weld and propagating thru the throat of the seal weld deposit.