Degradation of Carbon Steel Tube after Long Time Exposure at Petrochemical Plant

석유화확 Plant에서 장시간 사용된 튜브형태 탄소강의 열화현상

There have been little reports on the degradation of medium-carbon steel tubes served at high temperature for a long period. The purpose of this research was to provide the information of the proper replacement span of the tubes with the new ones. We investigated the medium-carbon steel tubes which were used at petrochemical plant for about 50,000 hrs to examine their mechanical properties and microstructures. Experimental results showed that the tubes satisfied the specification of ASTM despite such a long period of service, but mechanical properties, especially charpy impact values, were reduced. It concludes that the tubes on service at the plants needs a periodical inspection.