Reformer Inspection Services
Reliable condition assessment for reformer tubes and critical plant components
Detect Damage Early. Keep Reformers Running. FOERSTER Reformer Inspection Services provide comprehensive inspection solutions for reformer tubes and associated components in ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and direct reduced iron (DRI) production.
Our inspection specialists combine non-destructive testing methods with precise dimensional measurements to reliably detect cracks, creep damage and deformation. Services cover reformer tubes, outlet pigtails and tube top ends.
From baseline inspections to regular condition monitoring, accurate and repeatable inspection data enables detailed comparisons over time. This helps identify progressive deterioration and supports informed maintenance decisions and remaining life assessments.
FOERSTER helps improve operational safety, reduce the risk of unplanned shutdowns and maximize the service life of critical components.
Product highlights
EXTERNAL TUBE INSPECTION
Detect cracks, creep damage and dimensional changes without removing reformer tubes. External inspection provides reliable condition data to support safe operation and targeted maintenance.
INTERNAL TUBE INSPECTION
Gain valuable insights into tube condition from the inside. Combined eddy current testing and laser measurements reveal critical damage and dimensional changes, even in hard-to-access areas.
TOPEND INSPECTION
Thermal fatigue cracks can develop outside the heated furnace area. Specialized eddy current inspection detects hidden defects in tube top ends before they lead to serious damage.
Pigtail inspection
Detect critical expansion before it becomes a safety risk. Precise dimensional measurements reveal creep deformation in outlet pigtails and support timely maintenance decisions.
REMAINING LIFE ASSESSMENT
Turn inspection data into informed maintenance decisions. FOERSTER's TubeLife analysis helps assess remaining tube life, optimize replacement schedules and maximize asset utilization.
Application notes
Automated Crack Detection and Laser-Based Dimensional Inspection of Reformer Tubes
Reformer tubes operate under extreme temperatures and pressures, making them susceptible to creep damage and cracking. Combining eddy current testing with precise laser measurements enables early damage detection and reliable condition assessment.
Dimensional Measurement of Outlet Pigtail Tubes
Outlet pigtails connect reformer tubes to the outlet manifold and accommodate thermal expansion. Diameter measurements detect creep-related expansion early and help reduce the risk of failure.
Eddy Current Crack Detection of Reformer Tube Top Ends
Reformer tube top ends can develop thermal fatigue cracks even outside the heated furnace area. These defects often remain undetected during conventional tube inspections. Specialized eddy current testing enables reliable crack detection and helps prevent unexpected failures.