Reformer Tube Inspection
One of the most important tasks for reliable operation of reformers is the understanding of reformer tube condition. The early detection of creep damage and micro-cracks using the Reformer Pipe Scanner (RPS 360) proprietary OD and ID inspection systems can lead to better reformer tube knowledge.
RPS 360 Benefits
Identifies failure mechanisms in individual tubes:
• Creep strain (most prevalent failure mechanism)
• Bulging
• Swelling
• Cracking
• Manufacturing flaws
Early warning of problems before tube failure
Provides baseline measurements for new tubes to determine condition before tubes are put in-service
ID Inspection
Key Benefits
• Powerful proprietary rotating eddy current probe for sensitive crack detection
• Integrated rotating laser for expansion measurement
• Accurate location and sizing of defects
• High repeatability
• On-site reporting
• 100% laser ID coverage of each reformer tube
• 100% crack detection coverage of each reformer tube
• Collects millions of data points during each tube inspection
• All recorded data can be used in Reformer Tube Assessment
• Early warning of problems before tube failure
• Provides baseline measurements for new tubes
• Identifies failure mechanisms in individual tubes:
• Creep strain
• Bulging
• Manufacturing flaws
OD Inspection
The Reformer Pipe Scanner 360 is equipped with our proprietary eddy current probe array for sensitive crack detection in reformer tubes up to 23mm wall thickness. Both measurements expansion and crack detection are measured during the inspection.
During each tube inspection, millions of data points are collected on each tube. With this data, we will provide a report to the customer before leaving the plant. We are also able to provide the customer with a Level 1 FFS or Level 3 FFS report with this data.
Key Benefits
• 100% OD coverage of each reformer tube with our 360° crack detection
• 6-point laser inspection over entire length of inspected tube
• Collects millions of data points during each tube inspection
• All recorded data can be used in Reformer Tube Assessment
• Repeatable, accurate and fast inspection
• Laser coverage for expansion over complete length of each reformer tube
• 100% crack detection coverage of each reformer tube
• Manufacturing flaws
Result Documentation
EC-Testing
• eddy current result presentation in color scan mode for the entire tube circumference
• easy indentification of defects
Laser Testing
• Evaluation of min., max. and mean diameter for each tube section at the whole circumference (internal reformer tube testing)
• Evaluation of min., max. and mean diameter for each tube section at 3 circumferential positions (external reformer tube testing)
• Comparison of max. diameter to nominal and/or mean diameter for each tube section
• Comparison of data with previous or fingerprint laser testing data (optional)
Remaining Life Assessment (RLA)
Remaining Life Assessment of Catalytic Reformer tubes is a complicated task that requires taking into account several different damage mechanisms.
With our proprietary RLA-360 program we’re able to predict remaining tube life in accordance with API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 standard. The program uses data collected from the inspection, both expansion and cracking along with operational data from the plant to help accurately determine the remaining life of each inspected tube.
