Root Cause Analysis for Boilers and Steam Cycle Failures

This 5 full-day course starts by providing an in-depth understanding of root cause analysis methodology. This includes how to identify the problem, contain and analyze the problem, define the root cause of the problem, define and implement the actions required to eliminate the root cause, and validate that the corrective actions prevented recurrence of the problem.

Identifying and correcting the root cause of failures in boilers and steam power plant equipment is essential to help reduce the chance of future problems. A comprehensive assessment is the most effective method of determining the root cause of a failure. For example, a tube failure in a boiler is usually a symptom of other problems. To fully understand the root cause of the failure, one must investigate all aspects of boiler operation leading to the failure in addition to evaluating the failure itself. When a boiler tube failure occurs, the root cause of the failure must be identified and eliminated.

The course then provides an in-depth explanation of all failure mechanisms that occur in steam power plants including corrosion, erosion, creep, cavitation, under-deposit attacks, stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, flow accelerated corrosion, etc. This course also provides a thorough explanation of all the failure mechanisms that occur in boilers and steam power plant equipment including steam turbines, condensers, feedwater heaters, etc. The symptoms of the failures, possible causes, components typically affected and solutions are also provided in this course. 

This includes boiler waterside, fireside and general boiler failure mechanisms as well as all the causes and prevention of all steam turbine failures, condensers, and feedwater heaters. The course also includes detailed study of many case histories of failures in boilers, steam turbines, condensers and feedwater heaters. 

Training Objectives

• Electrical Equipment Testing and Maintenance: Gain a thorough understanding of all the testing and maintenance required for all key electrical equipment including transformers, inverters, rectifiers, switchgear and circuit breakers, relays and protective devices, cables and accessories, motors, variable frequency drives, uninterruptible power systems, generators, fuses, and industrial batteries
• Root Cause Analysis Methodology: Understand root cause analysis methodology including identification of the problem, defining the problem, understanding the problem, identification of the root cause of the problem, providing corrective action, and monitoring the system.
• Applying the Root Cause Analysis Method to Industrial Problems: Learn by studying many practical examples how to apply the root cause analysis method to various industrial problems.
• Damage Mechanisms in Boilers and Steam Power Plant Equipment: Gain a thorough understanding of all the damage mechanisms that occur in boilers and all steam power plant equipment including turbines, condensers and feedwater heaters. These mechanisms include corrosion, erosion, flow accelerated corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, creep, under-deposit attack, cavitation, hydrogen embrittlement, etc Symptoms of Failures in Boilers and Steam Power Plant Equipment, Possible 
• Causes, Components Typically Affected, and Solutions: Learn about all the symptoms of failures in boilers and steam power plant equipment including steam turbines, condensers, and feedwater heaters, their possible causes, components typically affected and proven solutions.
• Case Histories of Failures in Boilers, Steam Turbines, Condensers, and Feedwater Heaters: Learn by studying many case histories how failures occur in boilers, steam turbines, condensers, and feedwater heaters and the corrective actions taken to deal with them

Target audience

• Engineers of all disciplines
• Managers
• Technicians
• Maintenance personnel
• Other technical individuals (this seminar is suitable for individuals who do not have an electrical background)