Case Studies - Exchanger Tube ID Coating

Case History: Client-Citgo Lake Charles, LA Coker Unit

Problem: During a coker tower replacement in June 98, eight air-cooled exchangers receiving the coker gas from the top of coker tower underwent inspection by eddy current. Test results revealed an average of 50% tube wall loss. With only eighteen days left in the turn around, there was no time left to replace the exchangers.

Solution: Curran International was mobilized immediately to apply 8-10 mils of cured epoxy coating to the tube ID in hopes of protecting the tubes from further corrosion. Full surface preparation and coating application was completed in ten days, allowing the coker unit to return to service within the turnaround schedule. Tubes were inspected after one year of service at 250 degrees F. Condition of tubes and coating was in “as applied” condition. No sign of corrosion or crude fouling detected.