Conserving High Nickel Reformer Tubes for Extended Service beyond Design Service Life

摘要

This case study deals with conservation of centrifugally cast reformer tubes in fertiliser industry for an extended period beyond their design life. The study describes two such exercises, one dealing with HK-40 tubes and the other with HP- micro alloyed tubes. In both cases reworking done on used tubes has helped in exceeding their life beyond design life- The recovery/ reinstallation procedures were successful, giving good life extension. Such attempts not only result in huge savings on the reformer tube inventories but also in conservation of the expensive raw material, namely nickel, that can be used for other strategic applications.