A Comprehensive Approach to Reformer Tube Inspection and

Assessment
Brian Shannon, IESCO, Inc.
3445 Kashiwa Street, Torrance, CA 90505 USA
E-Mail: beshannon@iesconde.com
Carl Jaske, CC Technologies
6141 Avery Road, Dublin, OH 43016-8761 USA
E-Mail: cjaske@cctlabs.com

ABSTRACT
Hydrogen reformer tube assessment and life predictions require specific inspection and
multi-parameter computations to provide plant operators with realistic usable data. A series
of non-destructive examinations are used to determine tube condition. These inputs are
married with a series of deterministic and finite element calculations for remaining life
prediction. A custom software program and inspection technology is outlined in the
discussion.

INTRODUCTION
Reformer tubes normally used in the refining, petrochemical and fertilizer industries are
manufactured by the centrifugal casting process and heat-resistant austenitic alloys such as
HK -40, HP-40, and HP -Niobium modified materials. A design life of 100,000 operating
hours has been the normal time-based criteria for considering retirement of tubes. Many
operators of furnaces using such tubes desire to change their maintenance philosophy for
tube retirement to condition-based assessment rather than time-based assessment. At a
cost of several thousands of dollars per tube and a retubing cost of $1MM-$4MM, a
significant amount of capital can be inadvertently applied if tubes are retired either too early
or too late.
There are many reformer furnaces remaining in service beyond the 100,000 operating hours
criteria.
Metallurgical examination of tubes removed from such service has typically indicated carbide
agglomeration, but no discernable creep voids or fissures.(1) This provides the opportunity
to improve reformer furnace life-cycle value by life-extension of the tubes, using conditionbased criteria. Rather than remove tubes from service for sectioning and metallurgical
examination at every plant turnaround, it is advantageous to use NDE techniques to screen
tube condition for environmental damage such as creep. Operational data required for
estimating tube condition by analysis are usually not available. Proper determination of tube
condition and its ultimate life requires specific in-situ examinations. The disadvantages in
removing tubes from service on a sampling basis to determine tube integrity include:

Catalyst removal

Early retirement of serviceable tubes

Late removal of non-serviceable tubes, impacting turnaround critical path duration if

it is found that all the tubes need to be renewed

Maintenance costs. The advantage of removing tube(s) from service to determine

condition include:

True metallurgical condition of that particular tube is known

However, the condition of the sample tube may or may not be a representative of the total
number of tubes in the furnace. For an operating facility to change from a time-based to
condition-based philosophy requires confidence in the methods and techniques used to
determine tube condition. Extracting tubes at a turnaround close to the end of their design
life and subjecting them to metallurgical investigation would appear to be fairly well
accepted practice. Some facilities have also embraced the use of certain NDE techniques to
trend changes in tubes. The actual technique used is heavily dependent upon the following:

Costs

Individual plant preferences (limited knowledge of technologies)

Historical experiences at the specific location

Turnaround duration

Availability of analyzed data from reformer tube testing

Knowledge of the different NDE technologies (strengths and weaknesses)

Availability of specialist services

To reduce the occurrences of furnace tube removal for condition-based assessment and to
improve overall reliability of tube life, the use of NDE techniques on a regular basis during
reformer furnace turnarounds is beneficial. The condition of a reformer tube is inferred from
the response of a NDE sensor to a change in material properties. As such, there are certain
limits on detectability, sizing and characterization of flaws that are heavily dependent on the
overall test system characteristics, comprised of the environment, instrumentation, sensor,
material under test and, of course, the operator.

DISCUSSION
Reformer tube condition can currently be inferred in-situ by qualitative NDE assessment
using the following techniques:

Diametrical Growth (diameter change with creep in some cases)

Wall Thickness Measurement (apparent decrease in wall thickness with creep)

Replication (final stages of creep damage; i.e., macrocracking)

Radiography (final stages of creep damage; i.e., macrocracking)

Eddy Current (responds to chromium migration due to overheating and conductivity

changes)

Ultrasonic (responds to attenuation and scattering)

DIAMETRICAL GROWTH
The principal rationale behind this technique is that, as creep damage occurs, the tube
bulges. Each material type has its own nominal value of diameter change where creep is
considered to have occurred. The following rules of thumb have been reported by various
operators over the years. As an example:

HK-40 -- 2-3%

HP-45 -- 5-7%

Yet, recent findings show that in some cases, significant growth may be apparent, but the
tube may show the absence of internal damage.(1) Using diametrical growth (O.D. and I.D.)
may provide a very general indication of tube condition; however, using diametrical growth
as a stand alone method for measuring creep damage, or lack of damage as the case may
be, may lead to a significant false call on the actual condition of the tube. The issue is
further complicated by the fact that no tolerance is given by the manufacturer for tube O.D.
measurement; and the tube I.D., while machined, can vary greatly over the length of the
tube segment. In fact, the machining process may produce a given I.D. dimension, but
because of the variation in the machining process, the tube may see a significant reduction
in wall thickness on one side of the tube while having an abundance of material. on the
other. While four different samples from the same tube (Figure 1, 2, 3 and 4) had significant
changes in creep damage, it is only when the tube reached macrocracking that a noticeable
change in the O.D. or I.D. dimension occurred (Figure 5A).

Fig
ure 1
Macrocracking -- Severe Damage

Fig
ure 2
Aligned Voids -- Moderate Damage

Fig

ure 3
Isolated Voids -- Slight Damage

ure 4
As Cast -- Sound Material

Fig 5A

The above scenario is not always the case, as is demonstrated in

Figure 6. These tube segments represent fired and unfired samples
from the same tube. Significant diametrical growth (6%) is noted at
both the O.D. and the I.D., well within the guidelines for tube
replacement. Note the total degree of damage is much less than
expected (Figure 7). Isolated and aligned voids extend approximately
60% through the wall thickness. Only through the application of
other techniques was the true condition of the tube determined.
To assess diametrical growth, manual strapping of the tube is often
performed, and the results are tabulated per tube, at specific
locations on the tube (normally at burner locations). As this
technique tends to be tedious, time-consuming and requires

Fig 6: Diametrical Growth

Comparison

Fig 7:
HP Modified - As Cast
(Unfired)
HP Modified - 6% Creep
(Fired)

Fig

scaffolding, automated techniques have been developed. Current automated techniques

include eddy current proximity sensors and displacement sensors.
The 'H' SCAN displacement sensor is attached to a scanning head that traverses an in-situ
tube and records the diameter measurement at pre-determined intervals indicating the
precise location of suspect diameter changes. The output of the tool is input directly into the
software spreadsheet for data recording and analysis. A typical finished chart is shown in
Figure 5B, note the difference in O.D. measurements of the three tube segments. This is a
result of the manufacturing variations. Due to these variations, it is preferable if baseline
data can be obtained on the tubes when initially installed so accurate trends may be
developed.

Fig 5B

WALL THICKNESS MEASUREMENT

As creep damage occurs, an apparent decrease in wall thickness is evident. As an example,
average wall thickness measurements were obtained from a tube that had been sectioned at
0.4m, 1.0m, 7.0m, and 11.0m positions; the metallographic condition is depicted in Figures
1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.(2) There is an apparent decrease in wall thickness for these
four sections of tubes, as shown in the graph of average wall thickness in Figure 8.

Fig 8

REPLICATION
Replication is useful for in-situ assessment of reformer tube outside surfaces, to detect
overheating that causes microstructural changes. Replication is a "spot" type assessment
and is normally used as a supplemental technique. Only the advanced stages of creep
damage can be assessed utilizing in-situ replication.

RADIOGRAPHY
Random radiographic examination is normally used as a supplementary technique to confirm
the presence of severe cases of creep damage. It is reasonable to expect to locate such
damage when it has extended 50% in the thru-wall direction, when the tubes are filled with
catalyst and isotopes are used instead of an X-ray tube. Although using an X-ray tube
provides an improved quality image, it is not normally employed, because of practical
conditions on site.

EDDY CURRENT
Eddy Current techniques have been used for a number of years on HK-40 and HP-45 tubes.
The basic principles of the technique can be found in Reference 3. The technique relies on
changes in electric circuit conditions; the circuit being the instrumentation, cables, sensing
coil, and the item under test. As the mechanical properties of the test materials change, a
change in overall circuit impedance occurs, which is displayed on an oscilloscope. By
monitoring these changes, it can be inferred that creep damage is present, based on
observation of the signal parameters in comparison to similar changes that occurred on
known creep-damaged materials. The depth of penetration of eddy currents is primarily
influenced by frequency, conductivity, and relative permeability.

Eddy Current coil design is important to obtain adequate sensitivity and signal to noise ratio.
Some tubes, such as HP-40 and similar materials that have a high percentage of nickel,
require the use of magnetically shielded or biased coils to reduce the effects of material
permeability variations. This improves the signal to noise ratio so a reliable test result is
obtained, allowing adequate discrimination of creep damage from general material property
characteristics.
Referring again to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 that depict varying degrees of damage within a
reformer tube, the eddy current responses to these samples are as shown in Figure 9. Note
the differences in response to the various stages of damage. The eddy current operator
evaluates these changes in signal response. Other factors that the operator considers are:

Varying lift-off, influencing the signal response, scale and welds being typical
examples

Overheating that causes chromium migration, scale formation, and a significant eddy
current response in terms of phase and amplitude changes [4]

Variations in material permeability

Fig 9

ULTRASONIC
Ultrasonic techniques utilized for the detection and estimation of creep damage include:

Through transmission ultrasonic attenuation

Ultrasonic scattering techniques [5,6]

Fig 10

The through transmission technique is shown in Figure 10. The basis is a pitch-catch
technique, and it relies on ultrasonic attenuating and scattering due to the presence of
creep voids and fissures. The amount of scattering is assumed to be a function of the
amount of damage present. Referring again to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, that depict varying
degrees of damage, the images outlined in Figure 11 depict the four samples and their
responses to the ultrasonic examination. The primary disadvantage of this technique is the
influence of tube surface condition, which can vary from smooth, dimpled, tightly-adhering
scale, to loose scale, or a combination of them all, that affects the ultrasonic signal and
gives the impression of creep damage. This can be clearly demonstrated by referring to the
two samples outlined in Figure 6, which depict as-cast and fired samples from the same
tube. Figures 12 and 13 display the response from the ultrasonic attenuation technique;
however, the response from the fired coupon would indicate much less damage than the
new or as-cast coupon. This is caused by the signal attenuation due to the surface condition
of the as-cast tube. Careful evaluation of a suitable ultrasonic technique is required to
demonstrate its suitability for the examination of cast materials. Using an incorrect
ultrasonic attenuation technique as a stand alone assessment tool in this case could lead to
a significant false call.

Fig 12 (As Cast)

Fig 10

Fig 13 (Fired)

The scattering based ultrasonic scattering techniques is similar in principle to the ultrasonic
backscatter technique used in High Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA) evaluations in
terms of the signal shape, amplitude and location of the signal response(6) that the
operator evaluates in comparison to signal response from a "sound" section of tube. The
ultrasonic backscatter technique used for HTHA determination relies primarily on signal
features such as amplitude, shape, and location. The scattering technique utilizes similar
signal features. Figure 14 illustrates a "sound section of tube, and Figure 15 shows a
damaged section of tube. Note the high amplitude signals with length. This technique
indicates when surface conditions influence the ultrasonic signal.

Fig 14

Fig 15

COMBINING NDE TECHNIQUES 'H' SCAN TECHNOLOGY

Review of the NDE techniques outlined above illustrates some of the advantages and
disadvantages associated with each individual technique. Extensive trials have been
conducted to determine the viability and optimization of the various techniques. It is
currently concluded that no one technique can in all cases provide stand-alone information
that will allow complete quantitative assessment of tube condition.(2,13) It is therefore
prudent to combine NDE techniques to improve the overall reliability of reformer tube
condition evaluation. The optimum combination of NDE techniques is dependent on:

Type of material

Type of suspected damage

Surface condition of material

Time frame allowed for data analysis

Cost

The one common element in obtaining NDE data is use of a powered carrier mechanism that
traverses the length of a tube. The following NDE sensors can be loaded onto a carrier
mechanism for simultaneous data collection:

Ultrasonic (attenuation, scattering and wall thickness)

Eddy Current

Profilometry

Figure 16 shows the IESCO 'H' SCAN assembly of carrier and

sensors. It takes about 1 hour to set up such a system on-site and
2-4 minutes per tube for data collection and to assign a provisional
condition status. The NDE specialists evaluate each tube and assign a
damage grade per tube determined on the worst section of tube.
These grades are assigned based on comparison of each tube to the
NDE responses obtained from samples subjected to metallography at
the IESCO facility.

Fig 16

TUBE LIFE PREDICTION

Analytical methods can be used to predict reformer tube creep life. The most commonly
used method of creep life prediction is based on calculating stress using a simple formula
and characterizing material stress-rupture data using a time-temperature parameter.

Advanced methods are sometimes used to predict tube life. They use finite element stress
analysis and detailed modeling of both material creep and stress-rupture behavior. The most
well-known and widely used of the advanced techniques is the pcTUBE computer
program(14-16) that was specially developed for reformer tube creep life prediction. This
section of the paper reviews these methods of tube life prediction and then discusses a new
method of directly coupling the advanced life prediction techniques with the inspection
results to produce an integrated assessment of remaining tube life.
Figure 16.

DESIGN LIFE PREDICTION

As pointed out previously, reformer furnace tubes are typically
designed for a minimum life of 100,000 hours. The design objective
is to avoid creep-rupture failures, such as those shown in Figure 17.
Design tube life normally is calculated using the methods of API STD
530(17) or similar proprietary company procedures.

Fig 17:
Window Rupture of a
Catalyst Tube
Cracked Catalyst Tube.

API STD 530 contains data for only for wrought alloys and the cast
HK-40 alloy. It has no data for the HP or other cast alloys. These data are plots of stress
versus the Larson-Miller parameter, as shown by the example in Figure 18. The Larson-Miller
parameter (LMP) is defined by the following expression:
LMP = T (log tr + C) (1)
T is the absolute temperature (K), tr is the time to rupture (hours), and C is the LarsonMiller constant. The value of C for each material is determined by fitting of the stressrupture data for that material. API STD 530 does not contain creep deformation data, which
is required finite element stress analysis. Stress (S) is calculated using the mean-diameter
formula, as follows:

(2)
P is the internal pressure in the tube, Do is the tube outside diameter (O.D.), Di is the tube
inside diameter (I.D.), and t is the tube wall thickness. The stress given by Equation (2) is
only the pressure-induced mean hoop stress. The variation of stress through the tube wall,
the thermal stress, the axial stress, and the effects of cyclic operation are not taken into
account by this simplified method.

Fig 18

For the tube design temperature and life, Equation (1) is used to compute a value of LMP.
Then, Figure 18 or a similar plot for another material is used to find a corresponding value
of S for that value of LMP. Finally, Equation (2) is used to size the tube for the design
internal pressure, incorporating an appropriate corrosion allowance into the wall thickness.
Depending on the relation of the operating pressure and temperature to the design values
and the amount and severity of cyclic furnace operation, this method may produce either
conservative or non-conservative predictions of actual tube life.

LIFE PREDICTION USING pcTUBE

Because of the limitations of the design life prediction method, a special-purpose computer
program named pcTUBE was developed.(18) The program predicts local material damage
related to internal pressure, operating temperature, thermal stress gradient, and cyclic
operation.(14-15) It includes material properties, creep deformation models, and creep
damage relations for three cast heat-resistant alloys HK-40, HP-50, and Nb-modified HP.
(16)
The pcTUBE program computes stresses caused by pressure, thermal, and axial loading
using the elastic-creep finite element analysis (FEA). The FEA model is illustrated in Figure
19. A segment of the tube wall can be divided into as many as 12 elements. Using such a
segment of the tube wall is reasonable because the effects circumferential thermal gradients
on hoop stress are not significant.(14-15) The accumulation of creep damage in each
element is computed during simulated long-term operation. Important cyclic operations,
such as start-ups/shutdowns and operating trips, are modeled using a table of input
parameters. Stress relaxation and redistribution during steady operation are modeled. Upon
initial loading, a through-wall thermal stress is produced by the thermal gradient through
the wall. Creep causes the thermal stress to relax and redistribute with time. The repeated
process of application of thermal stress followed by stress relaxation and redistribution are
modeled during start-ups/shutdowns and operating trips.

Fig 19

As mentioned previously, pcTUBE contains data for only the cast HK-40, HP -50, and Nbmodified HP alloys. Thus, it cannot be used for wrought materials or other cast alloys. It
does contain an adjustment factor that can be used for a material that behaves similar to
one of those included in the program. It accounts for slightly increased or decreased creep
strength. For example, this adjustment factor has been used to model the behavior of
creep-damaged materials or micro-alloyed HP materials.
The pcTUBE computer program correctly predicts that the maximum amount of creep
damage will develop between the inner surface and mid-wall of a tube, as shown by the
example in Figure 20. It also correctly predicts that tube life is significantly reduced by
relatively small changes in operating temperature or by typical cyclic operation. Tube life is
reduced by 50% or more for a 20 to 30C increase in maximum operating temperature.
Two to four start/stop cycles per year may decrease tube life by 50% or more compared
with the ideal case of continuous operation with no shutdowns. Thus, pcTUBE has been
found to be a valuable tool for predicting the service life of reformer furnace tubes.

COUPLING LIFE PREDICTION WITH INSPECTION RESULTS

Operators of reformer furnaces wish to predict the remaining life of in-service tubes. Before
the remaining life of the tubes can be calculated, their current condition must be
determined. The current condition either can be measured by some destructive or
nondestructive test method or calculated using an analytical model, such as the pcTUBE
computer program. The major drawback of the latter approach is that the uncertainty of
knowing the past operating conditions leads to a large uncertainty in analytically predicting
the current condition of the tube material. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the current
tube material condition and just use the analytical model to predict the future tube life.
To provide reliable predictions of remaining tube life, the calculation model used in pcTUBE
is combined with the results of the 'H' SCAN inspection. Creep damage and remaining life is
computed for each tube in the furnace using inspection results and anticipated operating
conditions. The initial damage state of each element (see Figure 19) in the analytical model
is set using the inspection data. This approach closely approximates the manner in which
damage develops during actual service. The diameter and wall thickness of the tube model
also are set using the inspection data. Anticipated operating conditions used in the model

include the number, duration and type cycles, outer surface tube temperature and heat flux
along the tube, and internal pressure in the tube. Therefore, inspection results are
combined with expected operating conditions to predict remaining life.

Fig 20

Fig 21

As is illustrated in Figure 21, which shows a plan view of a reformer furnace, the remaining
life distribution is determined. Remaining life is predicted for each tube based on realistic
inspection and operating data. These predictions are directly coupled with the inspection
data to provide an integrated analysis of the furnace tubes. The remaining creep rupture life
of each tube is estimated on a realistic basis, taking into account both NDE measurements
on the tube and anticipated operating conditions. The calculations are being incorporated
into WinTUBE software, so results are available shortly after the inspection and in a timely
fashion for decision making by the furnace operator. In addition to making predictions for

just the anticipated operating conditions, the potential effects of alternative operating
scenarios can be rapidly evaluated.

CONCLUSION
Tube condition cannot be determined by one stand-alone technique, as the degree of
damage within a particular tube may not lend itself to that specific NDE technique. The
reliability of NDE evaluation of reformer furnace tube condition can be improved by
combining a variety of advanced NDE techniques ('H' SCAN Technology) that individually
monitor differing physical parameters. The advantages and disadvantages of each
technique, when compared against each other, reduces the occurrence of false calls,
improves tube condition assessment and can increase overall furnace reliability.
Tube lives predicted using simple design methods do not reflect actual operating lives.
Specialized stress analysis and life prediction models, such as the pcTUBE software,
provide realistic service life predictions. These specialized models are not well suited to
computing the condition of tubes in service unless past operating conditions are known very
well, which is typically not the case. Coupling specialized analytical models, such as the
WinTUBE software, with NDE results provides a realistic prediction of remaining tube life.

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