Cryogenic Equipment Assessment




MTS has performed numerous assessments of cryogenic heat exchangers that are suspected of being contaminated with mercury. In a typical project, an assessment plan is developed describing locations in the equipment that are likely to be contaminated. Equipment evaluation and inspection includes vapor analysis, video borescope inspection, acoustic emission, and radiography.

Fabrication methods and equipment design are examined to allow determination of the metallurgical conditions that are predisposed to attack by mercury. Alloys of fabrication, weld methods, weld geometry, and fabrication records are examined to predict the likelihood of cracking or corrosion caused by mercury.

MTS has developed proprietary models of mercury deposition in cryogenic processes based on a database of mercury vapor pressure and solubilities in hydrocarbons. The computational models employ empirical and theoretical mercury solubility data and data from mercury vapor condensation experiments. The models can predict the amount and rate of mercury deposition in cryogenic equipment to predict locations of mercury accumulation and to assist operators in remediation efforts.