Super Heater and Re-Heater tubes carrying steam in fossil-fired boilers operating at temperatures above 9000 F (4820 C) are subject to failure by creep-rupture. These tubes form an internal oxide layer that inhibits heat transfer through the wall and causes the tube metal temperature to increase over time.

Ultrasonic testing provides a quick and non-destructive method for measuring scale. Hand-held, portable instruments such as the Olympus, 38 DL PLUS precision Thickness gauge with 20 MHz Shear wave Transducer can measure internal oxide layers down to a minimum thickness of approximately 0.150 mm.

38DL PLUS uses advanced algorithms to measure the thickness of oxide/scale buildups inside boiler tubes. The gage simultaneously displays the metal thickness of the boiler tube and the thickness of the oxide layer. Knowing the thickness of the oxide/scale helps predict tube life. We recommend using M2017 or M2091 transducers in this application.