Microcontroller-Based Reformer Tube Internal Diameter Data Acquisition

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liqiong Tang ◽  
Morio Fukuoka ◽  
Peter Tait
Keyword(s):  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Creep Damage ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Internal Diameter ◽  
Wireless Data ◽  
Process Industries ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Wireless Data Acquisition ◽  
Reformer Tubes ◽  
Reformer Tube

Reformer tubes are high cost components in process industries. The service life of the reformer tubes is primarily ended by creep damage, which is caused by operation at high pressure and temperature. As a result of the creep damage, the geometry of reformer tubes changes especially the diameter. Therefore, monitoring the diametric changes of the reformer tubes is able to help to judge the degree of creep —damage. Different sensors, methodologies and techniques are proposed to obtain and monitor the diametric data of the reformer tubes. However, the cost of the dominant systems available is hard for majority of the industrial companies to afford. This paper presents a novel design of a microcontroller-based, wireless data acquisition system for obtaining reformer tube internal diameter data. The system focused on using cost effective components and methodologies. Tests made on the prototype showed that the system is able to reliably transmit reformer tube internal diametric data to a computer located on top of the reformer tube in real time.

Mechanical Sensing for Reformer Internal Diameter Data Capturing

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liqiong Tang ◽  
Morio Fukuoka ◽  
Peter Tait
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Creep Damage ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Internal Diameter ◽  
Data Capturing ◽  
Reformer Tubes ◽  
Mechanical Sensing ◽  
Reformer Tube

Reformer tubes are commonly used in process industry. They are high cost components. The service life of reformer tubes is primarily determined by creep damage. To successfully manage the reformer tubes requires balancing creep life against the production gains of higher temperatures. The key to this requires an ongoing knowledge of the condition of the tubes. Monitoring the diametrical change of the tubes caused by creep damage is one of the most popular methods used in industry. However, the available reformer tube diametrical checking systems are very expensive. This paper presents a novel mechanical sensing unit for reformer tube diametrical measuring. The system is low cost and meets the industrial company specified requirements. Test and field trials made on the prototype gave a very encouraging result. With further study, it is expected that a robust and cost effective reformer tube diametric measuring system can be developed.

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