Failure analysis of a copper tube in an industrial refrigeration unit: a case history

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify a failure mechanism of an industrial tube and recommend corrective actions to improve the reliability of the entire unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Metallurgical failure investigation process included mainly stereo‐, light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as the main analytical tools for material characterization and root cause analysis.

Findings

The investigation findings, obtained by fractographic and metallographic evaluation, suggest strongly that the failure was caused by the operation of low cycle fatigue (LCF) mechanism initiated from the inner side and propagated towards the outer tube surface, assisted by the superposition of applied and residual stress fields.

Originality/value

This paper deals with an industrial case history, providing the findings of failure investigation of a compact refrigeration system, presented principally from structural material/component standpoint and highlighting recommendations for improvement and failure prevention.

Citation

Pantazopoulos, G., Zormalia, S. and Vazdirvanidis, A. (2013), "Failure analysis of a copper tube in an industrial refrigeration unit: a case history", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 55-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/17579861311303627