Comprehensive reliability analysis of blistered 'LPG' wash water vessel in FCC unit - Part II Engineering Critical Assessment of blistered vessel

The wash water vessel of the INDMAX unit - an improvised FCC unit based on patented technology from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. had suffered from severe hydrogen blistering damage after 2 years of operation. A decision was taken to replace the vessel but considering the lead time of supply of new vessel, it was decided to quantify the extent of damage and to carry out Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) using an in-house RLA software, before taking the vessel in service. The vessel was declared fit for further service under derated condition. There after 6 months of operation, the vessel was replaced by a new vessel and post replacement the failed vessel was subjected to detailed failure analysis and ECA. The findings of the failure analysis carried out on the failed pressure vessel post replacement have been reported as part I of the paper. This paper describes the detailed ECA analysis carried out during service as well as post replacement of the vessel. The study indicated that the employed methodology for ECA during field study was directionally correct. Further, it was recommended, that in case of blisters, the best way is to follow Level I of the API-579, followed by Level II. In case loss in thickness occurs over large blistered area, API 510 guidelines should be followed and ratability judged. However, under extremely severe condition of blistering, a rigorous analysis based on Level III may be applied provided reliable NDT data for defect sizing is possible. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.