High-temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA) is a serious and normally service ending damage
mechanism for fixed pressure equipment in the oil refining industry. During a planned routine
inspection of a 30-year-old Distillate Hydrotreater reactor considerable HTHA was discovered. This
paper discusses the Fitness for Service assessment and management of the vessel with HTHA
damage to allow continued safe operation until a replacement reactor could be fabricated and installed.
The inspection techniques used, in-service monitoring program implemented, as well as measures
taken to mitigate the problem are discussed.
Keywords: HTHA, Hydrogen Attack, FFS, Fitness for Service, Hydrotreater, Cladding, C-0.5Mo