Estimation of Boiler Remaining Lifetime

Hi Sam. A standard RBI approach would first of all force you to consider what life limiting damage mechanisms are present in different sections of the boiler. Typically you would consider corrosion, fatigue and creep although there will be peculiarities (as there are with every boiler) where you may need to consider other more unusual damage mechanisms e.g. fretting between tubes, soot blower erosion etc.

You then will need to do a targeted review of the inspection data to determine the severity of each damage mechanism. e.g. for corrosion - use the thickness measurements to calculate corosion rates.

For damage mechanisms which are found to be more severe you may recomend doing a more detailed life assessment as a risk mitigating activity. The RBI should be used as a tool to focus your life assessment and to highlight deficinecies in inspection or operating data which may be needed to complete a life assessment.

I can help out by providing you with software to perform the RBI assessment, (RISKWISE for boilers). I can also provide you with RBI and life assessment as a service. Feel free to contact me directly through the TWI Ltd website or via email.

Chris