Abstract
The results of applied investigations on the optimization of existing methods and the development of new methods for testing the microstructure of a metal that is used under creep conditions at the steam-power generating facility of a thermal power plant are generalized. The process of obtaining metallographic polymer replicas and metal replicas fabricated by electrostatic precipitation and plastic deformation of an aluminum foil is studied. The technique of carbide analysis is optimized. An electrochemical method for diagnosing heating surfaces is proposed. The possibility of diagnosing superheaters based on the concentration of chromium in cinders is extended to boilers that run on Ekibastuz coal. Examples of the application of metallographic analysis results for revealing the causes of operational fractures in power generating facilities are given.