Catalytic Reformer Tube Solutions
IPC is an authorized Schmidt + Clemens (S+C) supply partner for South America and the Caribbean. Schmidt + Clemens provides the optimal material — Centralloy® G 4852 Micro R — for reformer furnace tubes, backed by over 140 years of proven solutions in high-quality special alloys.
The radiant section of a steam methane reformer contains several hundred centrifugally cast tubes, commonly known as Reformer Tubes or Catalytic Tubes. Reaction gases are introduced at 450–650°C and pressures of 30–45 bar, conducted through catalyst-filled reformer tubes and heated to approximately 900°C. These extreme conditions make the tubes especially susceptible to cracking.
Schmidt + Clemens has continuously incorporated improvements into new catalytic tube material designs. The enhanced alloy Centralloy® G 4852 Micro R was first introduced and put into service in 2005. With the addition of carbide-forming elements such as niobium and titanium, S+C achieved excellent creep resistance and a considerable delay in the onset of creep in the material. This alloy also allows a reduction in the wall thickness of reformer tubes compared to conventional materials.