RMC-03-91 Reformer Tube Inspection and Asset Management

Description:

One of the major concerns in the operation and maintenance of a primary reformer is being able to monitor and predict the behavior of the reformer tubes. Significant advances here can lead to improved reformer operation, reducing creep damage, a better balanced furnace and better planning of tube replacement, eliminating unnecessary / unplanned outages. Over the past five (5) years, QUEST Integrated has modified its existing Laser Profilometry technology in order to develop a laser-based inspection tool capable of detecting and precisely quantifying creep damage in reformer catalyst tubes from day one of operation through to failure. Laser Profilometry is able to gather millions of internal radii data points in a single reformer tube and present this data in a variety of formats that provide a valuable insight into furnace operation and creates a powerful decision making tool for plant operators.