Ensuring Structural Integrity via Non-destructive Testing for Developing Modular Refinery Shell

Abstract

The quest to develop reactors locally for different applications is increasing. In this work, the shell of a modular refinery reactor, as well as its external components, were designed, constructed and tested. First of all, specifications of a conventional refinery reactor shell were obtained for the design and then scaled down to get what is suitable for a modular refinery reactor.  The design was carried out using the provisions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes (BPVC), sections II and VIII. The modular refinery reactor was designed to have a refining capacity of 600 barrels of crude oil per batch. To further guarantee the structural integrity of the modular refinery reactor, two Non-Destructive Test (NDT) techniques, which are Radiographic Inspection and Liquid Penetrant Inspection, were used to analyze the residual stresses on the fabricated reactor shell. It was shown that non-destructive test techniques serve as reliable tools to investigate the structural integrity of welded vessels and structures. This paper, thus, demonstrates the production and testing of a reactor shell locally, which will favour the development and operation of modular refineries in developing nations.