Advanced Intermetallic Alloys for Ethylene Reactors |
Traditionally, ethylene furnace tubes have been fabricated from cast
or wrought high alloy stainless steels, and have the problems of formation of coke layers
on the inside surfaces and carburization through the wall of the tube. New advances in
intermetallics will allow the production of ethylene furnace tubes that resist coking. Development of iron and nickel aluminide materials
offers the potential for a technology breakthrough in ethylene furnace tubes. These intermetallic tubes will resist
carburization, which is the current limiting factor of tube life. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is participating in
a research project with industrial ethylene producers to develop these materials and their
application in ethylene furnace tubes. Research
is being conducted to develop the intermetallics resistant to coking and carburization,
tube fabrication methods, and welding techniques for implementation of the tubes. |