(36b) Mitigation of Hot Air Leakage from the Secondary Reformer Inlet Flange: Design and Implementation of a Temporary Solution

This paper addresses the issue of hot air leakage from the inlet flange of a Secondary Reformer, identified by abrupt noise emanating from the reformed section, specifically from the inlet nozzle flange of 103D. The leakage posed significant challenges, necessitating a reduction in plant load to sustain operational efficiency. In response to this critical situation, we designed and fabricated a temporary clamp incorporating copper rings and utilized a caulking technique to effectively mitigate the leakage. Additionally, fermanite was injected to further enhance the sealing process. This innovative approach not only rectified the immediate leakage issue but also contributed to maintaining the overall performance and safety of the plant during ongoing operations. The findings underscore the importance of prompt and effective leakage management in industrial settings, highlighting practical solutions to optimize plant reliability