Manufacturing Focus | Engineering Guidelines |
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Material Selection for High-Temperature Service | Select materials such as Inconel 718, Hastelloy X, and titanium alloys for components exposed to high temperatures (>800°C). For power plant turbines and heat exchangers, use alloys with excellent creep resistance and high-temperature strength. Ensure compliance with ASTM B637 and ASME SA-213 for heat-resistant materials. |
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Fatigue & Thermal Fatigue Resistance | Conduct fatigue analysis under thermal and mechanical loading per API 579 or ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Components such as turbine blades, rotors, and gas compressor blades should have a life expectancy of ≥10⁶ cycles at operating temperatures and dynamic loading conditions. Ensure fatigue analysis considers cyclic thermal expansion. |
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Welding & Structural Integrity | Follow ASME Section IX welding procedures for critical components. Ensure full penetration welds and perform post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) to relieve stresses. Use non-destructive testing (NDT) such as ultrasonic testing (UT) and radiographic testing (RT) to verify weld quality and structural integrity in high-pressure components. |
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Heat Management & Thermal Conductivity | Use materials with high thermal conductivity, such as copper alloys for heat exchangers and cooling systems. Design components with integrated cooling channels or heat sinks to improve heat dissipation in areas exposed to extreme thermal cycling. Ensure that thermal expansion is accounted for in high-temperature environments to prevent warping. |
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Corrosion Resistance & Surface Coatings | Apply corrosion-resistant coatings, such as ceramic coatings or HVOF (High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel), for components exposed to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Ensure materials are compatible with both acidic and alkaline environments in cooling towers, boiler tubes, and gas turbines. Follow ASTM G48 and ISO 12944 standards for corrosion resistance testing. |
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Pressure Resistance & Leak Prevention | For pressure containment components such as pressure vessels, valves, and heat exchangers, follow ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or API 650 for pressure ratings and design. Perform pressure testing (hydrostatic or pneumatic) and helium leak testing (<1×10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s) for leak-proof integrity, especially in critical systems like steam lines and reactors. |
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Dimensional Control & Tolerancing | Use precise dimensional control for critical components that interact with seals, bearings, or rotating parts. Apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to control flatness, concentricity, and perpendicularity. Maintain machining tolerances to ±0.01 mm for tight-fit components such as turbine rotors and valve seats. |
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Sealing & Leak Detection | For components exposed to high-pressure gas or steam, use metal-to-metal sealing or spiral-wound gaskets. Conduct leak detection tests, including pressure decay tests and helium leak tests, to ensure zero leakage at interfaces between flanges, valves, and critical seals. Follow ASME B16.5 for gasket design and installation. |
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Inspection & Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) | Conduct routine NDT, including ultrasonic testing (UT), eddy current testing (ET), and X-ray inspections for critical welds and pressure vessels. Ensure compliance with ASME V and API 570 standards for inspection and acceptance criteria. Document and store NDT results for audit and traceability purposes. |
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Regulatory Compliance & Documentation | Ensure that all components comply with industry standards such as ASME Section VIII, API 6A, and ISO 9001. Maintain complete design documentation, including material certifications, stress analysis reports, and manufacturing process specifications. Prepare for third-party audits and regulatory approval, including API, CE, and ASME certifications. |