Damage Assessment and Management in Reformer Furnaces

Abstract

The mechanisms of damage accumulation and methods of life assessment in reformer furnaces are discussed. Such furnaces are key elements in petrochemical plants, receiving a mixture of hydrocarbons and steam and producing a hydrogen-rich reaction gas in the presence of a catalyst. At the operating conditions of 800 to 900°C, high-temperature damage takes place in the reformer columns inside the furnace radiation chamber, as well as in the external outlet pipes. The damage mechanisms and methods of assessment are described for the various components involved.