Condenser is an important heat exchanger device in power plant steam turbines

and fracture damage of heat exchanger tube is its main failure mode

which seriously affects the reliable operation of the unit. Aiming at solving the problem of condenser failure in a power station

by analyzing the fracture damage of the heat exchanger tube during commissioning and commercial operation stages

the possible causes of the damage are investigated one by one. Finally

the fatigue fracture induced by hydro elastic excitation is considered as the major reason. In fact

the safety margin of the condenser design is insufficiently considered by the manufacturer

and the deviation between theoretical design and field practice results is the primary cause for the unexpected fracture damage. Against the operation condition and damage area of the heat exchanger tube when it is damaged by fracture

a series of comprehensive prevention measures are put forward

such as installing the anti-vibration strip and preventive blockage in local area

and carrying out simulation calculation and strain measurement

which can effectively reduce the risk of the heat exchanger tube fracture damage and improve the reliability of condenser equipment.