This report is based on a case study regarding the structural failure of a spray drier. Tests and measurements were performed on the failed drier as well as on the two newer remaining driers. These tests and measurements were taken in an effort to determine the cause of the failure and to recommend precautions to take in order to extend the lifespan of the newer models. Topics covered in this report are what type of testing was used on the material, the results of the tests, and the potential causes of the damage. Further, this report will discuss the potential suggestions for use limitations in order to reduce the possibility of another structural failure during use.
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INTRODUCTION 1.0
A spray drier collapsed after almost 20 years of use and in an effort to determine the cause and derive enough data to prolong the lifespan of the two remaining driers, an investigation was opened. Specimens were …show more content…
During the creep, the plastic deformation takes place with a steady load while in normal situations, plastic deformation would rely on an increasing load. Creep experiments are always done at a constant stress or load. The research team inspected the shell for corrosion and any other metallurgical signs of failure but none were found. I would specifically have looked at the areas of the shell that were attached to the columns as it appears that this is where the failure originated. This would have allowed the team to measure any thickness and strength changes, and I believe that in this location it would have been advisable to use the ultrasonic NDT testing to see if there were any changes in the metal. This was done on the remaining driers and not on the failed one, which is something I would have preferred seen done as that is where the damage might have been