Laser Profilometry for INSPECTION OF REFORMER TUBES



Creep strain within steam/methane reforming and pyrolysis heaters typically developes in the form of bulging or swelling.  Laser profilometry has been successfully applied to inspect spun-cast high alloy tubes.  The technique can measure the diametrical dimensions of the tubes from either the tube interior (if the catalyst is removed) or the tube exterior The laser profilometry method enables modeling the tube in a color 3-dimensional format, revealing both localized or general areas of concentrated creep strain.  Data is presented in a quantitative format which can then be applied to generate tube remaining life assessments on the full tube length, or within localized regions.  By combining the produced images of each individual tube, overall damage patterns within the heater can be identified.

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