What are flattening tests and flaring tests?
In boiler manufacture and operation, boiler tube is the key component of heat transfer, and its quality is directly related to the safety, stability and operation efficiency of the whole boiler system. In order to ensure that boiler tubes can meet the harsh working conditions, a series of rigorous inspection tests are widely used in the quality control process of boiler tubes. Among them, flattening test, flaring test and hydrostatic pressure test are three crucial testing means.
Flattening test of boiler tube
Boiler tube flattening test is a test method to test the deformation performance and reveal potential defects by simulating the flattening deformation of the tube under certain conditions. The main purpose of the test is to assess the mechanical properties and structural integrity of the boiler tube when subjected to external pressure to ensure that it does not fail or break due to flattening during operation.
Test process
Sample preparation: Select a representative sample of boiler tube to ensure that its length, wall thickness and other parameters meet the test requirements.
Place the sample: Place the sample horizontally between two parallel plates, ensuring that both ends of the sample are in good contact with the parallel plates.
Apply pressure: Use a press or other special equipment to apply pressure to the sample at a uniform speed until the specified flattening distance (that is, the degree of flattening of the outer or inner wall of the tube) is reached.
Observation and recording: In the flattening process, carefully observe the deformation of the sample, especially whether there are cracks, cracks or weld cracks at the bending deformation. At the same time, record the relevant data during the test, such as pressure value, flattening distance, etc.
Judgment result: According to the observed phenomenon and data, determine whether the sample is qualified. If the sample does not show any defects during the flattening process, it is considered to meet the requirements.
Boiler tube flaring test
Boiler tube flaring test is a kind of test method to test the deformation ability and structural strength of the tube by simulating the flaring deformation of the pipe in the process of connection or installation. The main purpose of the test is to evaluate the mechanical properties and structural integrity of the boiler tube during the flaring process to ensure that it can withstand the required mechanical deformation without failure during connection and installation.
Test process
Sample preparation: Similar to the flattening test, select the boiler tube sample that meets the requirements.
Install flaring device: Fix one end of the sample on the flaring device to ensure that the connection between the sample and the flaring device is firm and reliable.
Applying flaring force: Using a flaring machine or other special equipment, apply a uniform flaring force to the sample, so that it gradually expands to the specified flaring rate.
Observation and record: In the process of flaring, carefully observe the deformation of the sample, especially whether there are cracks and other defects at the flaring. At the same time, record the relevant data during the test, such as flaring force, flaring rate, etc.
Judgment result: According to the observed phenomenon and data, determine whether the sample is qualified. If the sample does not appear any defects during the flaring process, it is considered to meet the requirements.
