U.S. Refiner Powerformer Reactor Hot Spots
Situation: A U.S. Refinery identified several hotspots on their refractory lined Powerformer Reactors. The staff initially believed that the hotspots were the result of incorrect refractory installation or damage.
Action: The Becht team noted that the catalyst loading diagram was modified to increase the catalyst load in the reactor. This modification allowed catalyst/bed support to enter the internal shroud restricting its movement. The damage allowed hot gas to bypass the shroud.
Result: The Becht team recommended several modifications including a revised loading diagram to ensure that the issue did not happen again.
The intimate knowledge and experience of the multidiscipline Becht team with the Powerformer reactor internal design – along with the importance of appropriate catalyst levels/catalyst support – was key to identifying the issue.
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