Suggestions for the Repair of a Crack to a Regen #2 Preheater (Failure Prevention of the Regen Preheater)

NACE Corrosion 2011 Call for Papers

Failure Prevention of the Regen Preheater

Jim X. Wei

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Bastion Technologies, Inc.

Houston, Texas 77058

Abstract:

In chemical plants, some pressure vessels, and tanks are damaged by stress concentration corrosion (SCC) and Hydrogen  Embrittlement (HE).

Due to the degraded metals for  the diluted sulfur fluid (liquid or gas), the hydrogen in the sulfur fluid causes damage to the carbon steel structure. It is a phenomena associated with the methane formation. The reaction may occur at the surface of the carbon steel, as well as the tips of the metal fracture cracks.

As an example, this paper discusses the failure of the Regen Preheater caused by multi-factors (such as structure welding, hydrogen  penetration embrittlement, etc.)

Some suggestions for equipment corrosion prevention are mentioned in this paper, in accordance with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Structure Welding Code, AWS  and Standards of the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA).

Contact information:

Jim Wei

Email; jwei@bastiontechnologies.com

Tel: 281 283 9309