Up Time Magazine- August/September 2008

Figure 3 - These images represent a temperature pattern caused by the emissivity differences between a painted surface and a heavily corroded surface, where paint has ﬂaked off another false positive. Figure 4 - These images illustrate the problem all infrared thermographers have with shiny surfaces in general. This Catalyst Feed Riser is wrapped with an aluminum jacket. Only the gap in the jacket, where the pipe is welded together, will give an indication of the condition of the refractory lining inside the pipe. Figure 5 - The images here demonstrate a typical temperature pattern when two pipes intersect. This is a crossover pipe from the Reactor to the top of the Catalyst Feed Riser. Figure 6 reveals a true reportable problem on the Regenerator Flue Gas Line. Note the irregular temperature pattern as well as the actual temperature as compared to the rest of the duct. Figure 7 is the photograph of the Flue Gas Line’s location. When this anomaly was first discovered, an attempt was made to run individual spargers to the area. (A sparger is a steam line which can be placed to blow steam directly onto the hot spot to keep it as cool as possible until corrective actions can be taken.) Plans were made and carried out to build a steam header to get more steam to the affected area along with a latticework of steam ejectors to prevent a blowout of the duct wall. At this point, it was assumed that the refractory lining on the inner pipe surface had either worn off or had been displaced, from age or storm damage. Finding this problem with infrared thermography allowed time to plan for the repairs and to procure the necessary materials. If it was not discovered in a timely manner, a blowout of this duct would have caused an extended emergency shut-down. This would not have been detected without regular infrared inspections. Figure 8 is a photograph of the Regenerator Flue Gas Line after it was taken down. Note the large area of missing refractory lining. Figure 9, which was taken on the follow-up infrared survey after repairs were made, shows an even and much lower surface temperatures. There are many uses for infrared testing at refineries. Regular infrared inspections and other predictive and preventive maintenance activities should be carried out on all industrial equipment, especially critical equipment. These days, we surely cannot afford for our refineries to be down for any length of time. Bob Winship is a Level II Thermographer. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Pittsburg State University. He held various management positions in maintenance and manufacturing for 37 years before purchasing Midwest Infrared Services, LLC in 2004. He can be reached by phone at 636-583-2774 or by email at rwinship@midwestir.com Figure 7 – Photograph showing location of the Regenerator Flue Gas Line. Figure 8 – Photograph of the Regenerator Flue Gas Line refractory after it was taken down. Figure 6 – Thermograph of the Regenerator Flue Gas Line on initial inspection. Figure 9 – Image taken on follow up survey after repairs were made. 32 august/september 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Up Time Magazine- August/September 2008

Up Time Magazine- August/September 2008 Contents Upfront Upclose Information Technology Lubrication Infrared Maintenance Management Motor Testing Precision Maintenance Reliability Ultrasound Vibration Upgrade

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.