Metallographic investigations of the failed superheater tubes used in liquid hydrogen plant

2.25Cr–1Mo low alloy steel tubes of diameter 42.5 mm ID and 46.5 mm OD were used in superheater of liquid hydrogen plant. This superheater had 10 rows of tubes for carrying naphtha and steam and is heated by flue gas. The flue gas directly impinges on the first three tubes of the tube bank. A failure occurred in the first tube leading to the removal of a portion of the material causing to shut down of the plant.Detailed metallurgical investigations were carried out to understand the cause of failure. This paper brings out the metallographic investigations on the failed tubes and the necessary remedial actions thereon.