Performance and Life Assessment of Reformer Tubes in Petrochemical Industries

Abstract

High temperature mechanical properties of service exposed reformer tubes are compared and revalidated with those of virgin material for the sake of health assessment studies. Technical interpretations of creep and stress rupture (accelerated creep) data usually are in close proximity in absence of defects. Results of extrapolation of accelerated creep data were optimized. This review article is aimed at studying life prediction methodology of reformer tubes operating at high temperature and aggressive chemical environment, in response to the designed time frame for preventing failures and accidents, even before stipulated design time schedules in some cases.

Keywords

• ammonia
• pressure stress
• hoop stress
• microstructure
• stress rupture
• creep
• remaining life
• revalidation
• life assessment
• damage analysis
• carbon deposition
• coke formation
• hot spots
• decoking