Failure analysis of TP304H tubes in the superheated steam section of a reformer furnace

The cracking failure of TP304H tubes in the superheated steam section of a reformer furnace was analyzed. Through the analysis of macro-appearance, micro-appearance of specimens with cracks, metallurgical structure of specimens from an intact pipe section and cracked pipe section, energy spectrum detection of fracture surface, residual stress measurement, and investigation of the service medium, the cracking mode was described as the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of austenitic stainless steel. In this case, the materials in the heat affected zone were sensitized by inappropriate welding technology. This together with the higher pH value in the steam due to the failure of a gas-liquid separator led to the final cracking of the reformer furnace tube. So the inappropriate welding technology and the failure of the gas-liquid separator were the main factors in this fracture accident.