Why does the glass in the glass plate level gauge of the medium-pressure drum have a short lifespan?
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This post was last edited by adsl121 on 2009-10-30 00:42. The glass gauge for the medium-pressure (4.0 MPa) waste boiler drum in our sulfur recovery acid gas combustion furnaces either cracks or its sealing surface gradually corrodes, resulting in leaks; these gauges last for as short as a few days or up to two months at most. Some say that scaling on the glass of the level gauge reduces its strength, leading to cracking or corrosion; flushing the level gauge at the end of each shift can extend its lifespan. I would like to ask everyone: Is this claim reasonable? Do you also use glass plate level gauges for your level measurement? Do you guys experience this too? What exactly causes glass to have a short lifespan? Is it related to large fluctuations in the load or liquid level of the drum? (Our waste heat incinerator’s drum also uses the same type of level gauge, and the glass in it has hardly ever cracked or leaked.) How should this problem be solved?
This post was last edited by adsl121 on 2009-10-30 00:42. I’ll answer this question: The main reason is that, under normal conditions, the furnace water is alkaline in nature. The main component of glass level gauges is quartz, which reacts with the alkalinity in the furnace water, resulting in corrosion of the glass. At the same time, steam is present in the upper part of the glass level gauge, and the condensed water washes against this upper portion, resulting in a relatively fast rate of corrosion and thinning in that area. Measure: In medium and large enterprises, a record should be kept of the service life of glass level gauges, which need to be replaced regularly, usually every around 8 months. When the service life expires, they are all replaced, regardless of whether there are any faults. Generally, replacing the glass level gauge up and down every three to four months can extend its service life. Strictly control the levels of sodium and phosphate ions in the boiler water as well as in the steam. It can effectively extend the service life.
This post was last edited by adsl121 on 2009-10-30 00:42. Is flushing effective?
1. The reason for the rupture is excessive control of boiler water alkalinity, which over time causes corrosion and erosion of the quartz tube, leading to thinning of its walls. 2. The problem lies entirely with the users; mainly, they are too lazy, and they are too reluctant to carry out drum blowdown. Just strengthen the drum blowdown and level gauge flushing. The lifespan of the level gauge will increase significantly. For safety reasons, it is recommended to replace it as soon as the liquid level can no longer be seen clearly. If it’s not clear, it means the inner wall has been corroded.
We have a 1.0MP drum here, and the glass panel also just cracked last month! ! ! Looking for the reason? It should be replaced regularly! !
A look at the condition of the boiler water in your facility will show that it is caused by corrosion of the glass plate level gauge. Make the upward and downward adjustments as mentioned above, and replace it regularly. Active participation
1. The reason for the rupture is excessive control of boiler water alkalinity, which over time causes corrosion and erosion of the quartz tube, leading to thinning of its walls. " P3 q* E& l/ z* S6 _6 N9 J: y2. The problem lies entirely with the users; they are simply too lazy, especially when it comes to performing blowdown operations on the steam drums. 4 M3 C& M8 t+ c7 p7 s9 O – Just strengthen the drainage from the steam drum and the flushing of the level gauges. The lifespan of the level gauge will increase significantly. " T) N’ w1 X1 O! For safety reasons, it is recommended to replace it as soon as the liquid level can no longer be seen clearly. If it’s not clear, it means the inner wall has been corroded.
Strengthening the discharge flushing of the level gauge can definitely extend its lifespan
Ours is done too; we’ve switched to magnetic flip switches now
We use magnetic flap level gauges here, and they have worked well to this day!