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ME193
Crack of the Main Boiler (P) Superheated Steam Pipe
Technical committee

1. Device summary

Main boiler 44.32 TON/H x 61.2kg/cm² x 2 units

2. Outline of breakdown and repair

An approximately 15mm crack running in a right angle direction was discovered on the weld bead
where the soot blower steam pipe was welded to the superheated steam pipe from which superheated
steam was being expelled (refer to the diagram). As repairs had been carried out to this area upon en-
tering dock, it is surmised that the break was a result of bad welding and annealing performed at this
time. During ocean voyage, main engine speed was reduced and the Portside boiler was stopped. After
treating the residual pressure, a collar check of the crack area at a groove depth of 7mm and groove
angle of 60 degrees confirmed that the crack length was 28mm.
Welding repairs were implemented (using a Nittetsu N-1, 3.2 φ welding rod at 210A at approximately
350ºC heated for 1 hour.) The concerned area was preheated at 200ºC, and each time a single layer of
welding was applied, shot peening was carried out with a jet bit, and stress relief heat treatment was
carried out at approximately 700ºC. Next, a heat insulating material was wrapped around the treated
area, slow cooling was carried out, and residual stress from welding was removed.
A collar check was carried out, and after confirming the absence of abnormalities, the same Portside
boiler was ignited and pressurized, and parallel running of the boiler was restored.

1
Cracked area of the superheated steam pipe detail drawing