Session: MF-24-01 Materials and Fabrication for Refining-1

Paper Number: 153872

153872 - Life Management Assessment of Service-Exposed Hp-Modified Reformer Tubes and Influence of Material Heat Variability 

Abstract: 

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is widely used as the primary method of production for bulk hydrogen worldwide. The reforming process is endothermic so components, such as centrifugally cast reformer tubes, require the use of heat resistant materials to withstand continued operation at temperatures exceeding 815°C (1,500°F). Life management of these components is challenging because of the potential for furnace temperature imbalances, variability in tube processing parameters and compositional requirements due to the lack of standardized specifications, and limited long-term creep data available for HP-modified and HP-microalloyed grades. This study aims to evaluate the influence of material composition, macrostructure, microstructural evolution (induced by service aging), and specimen geometry on high temperature creep performance using a full tube set (four distinct tube sections) of ex-service HP40-modified reformer tubes and a restricted chemistry HP-modified variant in the new condition. Traditional round bar creep specimens were evaluated using the Omega Method and additional testing was conducted on unique specimen geometries to assess the effects of the orientation and applied stress. Creep damage and microstructural evolution was characterized using a variety of advanced microscopy techniques. The results indicate that long-term exposure to high temperatures and concomitant microstructural evolution reduce overall component life; however, other factors such as material composition and macrostructure influence creep performance and damage manifestation. Results from non-traditional specimen geometries, such as dog bones and full-size tubes, are discussed and compared to traditional round bar specimens. Specific impacts linked to location in the furnace, variability in macro and microstructure, and material composition are addressed.

Presenting Author: Eeva Griscom Electric Power Research Institute

Presenting Author Biography: Eeva Griscom is an Engineer with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in the Materials Program. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and provides material characterization support in projects across the energy sector. Much of her recent research work has been focused on microstructural evolution and damage accumulation in steam methane reformer tubes and outlet system components.

Authors:

Eeva Griscom Electric Power Research Institute
Michael Gagliano Electric Power Research Institute
Alex Bridges Electric Power Research Institiute
John Siefert Electric Power Research Institute
Jorge Penso Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc.
Jordan Barrass Shell Canada Limited