A catalyst tube for Hydrogen reformer at one of the refiners leaked and led to an unplanned shutdown of the entire hydrogen production unit. The material of construction for catalyst tube is HP Modified (25%Cr-35%Ni) and the tube was in the service for almost 18 years. The failed tube was subjected to metallurgical examinations that include chemical analysis, dimensional/strain measurement and metallographic examination. Visual examination of the failed tube showed that the tube suffered from severe bulging on a localized portion, particularly on the lower section of the tube. The investigation revealed that accelerated creep damage was the main damage mechanism that was encountered. This paper discusses the root cause(s) and preventive measures to prevent such failure from reoccurrence.

Subject
Materials, Tubes, Creep damage, Magnification, Analytical techniques, Stress cracking, Metallographic examination, Color, Creep, Catalysts, Lining, Damage, Hydrogen
Keywords:
Corrosion Resistance Alloy, Degradation, Metallurgical Failure, Materials Performance, Failure
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2023
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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