Assessing creep damage in steam/hydrogen reformer catalyst tubes

Cast materials used in steam reformers undergo time-related degradation due to temperatures, stresses and environment. The correct condition assessment program for remaining life calculations requires the use of advanced nondestructive examination techniques. A comprehensive inspection technology ('H' Scan [registered trademark] ) that employs multiple techniques has been developed and successfully employed in the petrochemical and refining industries. Utilization of this technology can aid in determining the presence of creep damage and ultimate remaining life in centrifugally cast reformer tubes. It is the intent of this paper to give an overview of the application of NDE techniques suitable for in-situ examinations, their limitations, advantages and overall reliability in the determination of tube life in fired reformers.