Remaining life assessment of service exposed reactor and distillation column materials used in a petrochemical industry

Abstract

The present paper highlights the trend recently observed in service exposed (38 years) plain carbon steels used as reactor and distillation column materials in a petrochemical industry. Health assessment of both base and welded joint was made using destructive accelerated creep and tensile tests at different temperatures, and some nondestructive tests. So far as the remaining life at 520°C is concerned, it is possible to obtain a life of about 1.00 lakh hours at the respective hoop stress level of both materials, provided no localised damage in the form of surface cracks or dents have been developed. It is recommended that a health check may be carried out after 5 years of service exposure at 520°C.