Failure analysis of seawater inlet pipe

A seawater inlet pipe failed in service. The visual examination showed that the backing bar was present inside the pipe and the failure was characterized by leaks at approximately 4-8 o'clock position near that backing bar. The finite element analysis of fluid in the seawater inlet pipe showed that the eddy zone was formed near the backing bar. The leaks and crater-like surfaces were noticed on the inner pipe surface at which the finite element analysis modeled the possibility of the formation of eddy zone.