Primary reformer tubes pressure drop

[tosif]

Can any explain the basis and principle of the equipment that used to take pressure drop profiling of primary reformer catalyst tubes.

[ibrahim]

tosif, its a simple pipe, having an restricted orifice and pressure gauges at upstream and downstream of it. upstream pressure is adjusted such that during the whole activity flow thru RO must be chocked. this will ensure constant flow during the whole activity. downstream pressure gauge will indicate the back pressure exerted by the gas/air flow thru voids of catalyst. do ensure the tight sealing of this measuring device with the radiant tube for accurate and precise readings. check the attached picture for your reference.

[whaider]

digital gauges will serve the purpose better

[usmanahmed]

And to be very precise please go for a minimum range digital gauge d/s of the orifice, prefereably 1.0 bar.
Another thing that give error to the DP reading is the rubber bung installed at the bottom end of the DP rig apparatus. If it is not properly selected or damaged due to continuous use, the sealing wont b proper enough to provide the actual DP.
There is proper selection of orifice size and upsteam air pressure, based on the tube diameter and the DP reading has to be taken at constant ambient condition or else the temperature correction is applied.