Component:

• A catalytic reformer reactor vessel with a history of cracking at the nozzle welds, but little detailed operating data relevant to the critical location

Objective:

• To determine the remaining life of the nozzle welds after grinding to NDE clear status

Approach:

• Determination of historic crack growth rates from inspection data
• Calibration of a creep crack growth model to the historic data
• Application of the model to future operation, at the current reduced wall thickness

Benefits:

• A safe prediction of remaining life, allied to an inspection plan by which the life prediction could be validated