Behaviour of grade 310H stainless steel exposed to high temperature hydrocarbon processing gases

This paper presents the preliminary results from a study on the degradation behaviour of a bundle of heat exchangers tubes made from grade 310H stainless steel exposed to high temperature hydrocarbon processing gases. After fourteen months in service, the tubes were removed and examined to determine the degradation levels of the material. It was found that the long term exposure of the tubes to hydrocarbon gas with elevated temperatures up to 800C had led to the precipitation of sigma phase and carbide. The environmental attack on the tube surfaces was also examined and the attack levels were mapped throughout the tube bundle. Furthermore these experimental results are discussed in terms of the degradation mechanisms and applications of metallic materials in this particular environment.