Types of Industrial Chimney Degradation and Their Causes – Explained

There is perhaps no doubt that industrial chimneys are subjected to a plethora of unfavourable conditions and they have to bear it all. Some of these conditions include high winds, extreme temperatures, rapid cooling and heating, exposure to chemicals, vibrations, as well as facing the changes in the temperature outside owing to the change of seasons. These factors, coupled with operational necessities like duty cycling, fuel switching and various types of structural modifications result in the degradation of the integrity of the chimney over time. Listed below are the most common types of degradation, as explained by the most reliable industrial chimney suppliers in West Bengal, India.

Types and Causes of Industrial Chimney Degeneration

1. Individual Brick Liners

Structural and temperature-based stresses in addition to those that are intensified at the corners can lead to the breakage of individual brick liners. The mortar and brick are softened due to the number of years of use, operational changes and acid condensation, resulting in the brick liner becoming susceptible to the development of cracks and leaks. In addition to all this, scrubber operations, moisture penetration and breeching can cause leaning which might cause issues with hood and interior platform arrangements.

2. Lightning Protection

Years of being in use, ice load and stack construction eventually result in corrosion, broken connections and anchors on a lightning protection system. Lightning strikes themselves are also a cause as repeating strikes weaken and deteriorate the air terminals, ground paths, and the lightning points. The best industrial chimney suppliers in West Bengal, however, make their products in a way that they can withstand the forces of nature much better than others can.

3. Steel Stacks

The steel stacks of an industrial chimney have to go through corrosion and become less thick due to flue gas and atmospheric conditions. A structure that is under-developed to handle wind-load can experience high deflection. High crosswind motions and weariness are telltale signs of a design that lacks structural integrity as far as vortex shredding goes.

4. Concrete Shells

You can understand that the concrete shell of an industrial chimney is on a downward spiral if you notice cracks and spalls. These may be caused by external or thermal stresses, as well as the corrosion of the rebar. The concrete shell may also get affected due to exposure to chemicals that are caused by carbonation, resulting directly in the rebar getting corroded. The shell may also soften and erode due to exposure to sulphate and acid attacks.

There you have it! These are the most common sorts of industrial chimney deterioration. However, with regular and proper maintenance, you can rest assured that these issues can be deferred for as long as possible, enabling you to get the most out of your chimney.