Characterization of Precipitates in Steam Methane Reformer Tubes

Reformer tubes are critical components in steam-methane reformers and they are exposed to severe conditions of high temperature and pressure of endothermic hydrogen reforming reaction. The elevated temperature condition induced the reformer tube material to experience creep damage. It is vital to extend the life of the reformer tube in order to reduce the maintenance cost. The prolonged heating also developed carbide precipitations in the reformer tube. In this work, a study has been conducted to characterize the precipitates in the steam-methane reformer tube. The precipitates were characterized in terms of type and size, and the characterizations were then related to the conditions of an ex-serviced reformer tube.