Life prediction of service exposed reactor and distillation column materials used in a petrochemical industry

Determination of mechanical properties is a powerful method for investigati ng and assessing the performance of service exposed materials. 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 joints wa s made using destructive accelerated stress rupture and tensile tests at di fferent temperatures, and some nondestructive tests. So far as the remainin g life at 520 degrees C is concerned, it is possible to obtain a life of ab out 1.00 lakh h at the respective hoop stress level of both materials, prov ided no localized damage in the form of 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 degrees C. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.