Catalytic Reformer Units — Asbestos Exposure Crosswalk
What This Equipment Is
A catalytic reformer upgrades low-octane straight-run naphtha into high-octane reformate (gasoline blendstock) by rearranging hydrocarbon molecules over a platinum-based catalyst at high temperature. The unit also produces hydrogen as a byproduct, supplying refinery hydrotreating units.
Two design generations exist in modern refineries:
- Semi-regenerative reformers — three to four fixed-bed reactors in series with charge heaters between each, cycled offline for catalyst regeneration on a periodic schedule
- Continuous catalyst regeneration (CCR) reformers — newer design with continuously moving catalyst circulated through a regenerator vessel
Reformers operate at high temperature (typically 925–1,000°F) and require extensive refractory, insulation, and high-temperature piping.
Asbestos Products Historically Used Around Reformer Units
| Product Category | Where on the Reformer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charge-heater refractory | Multiple heaters in series | See Fired Heaters |
| Reactor insulation | Vessel exterior | Block insulation, calcium silicate, magnesia |
| Catalyst-transfer-line insulation | Between reactors and to regenerator | Specialty high-temperature insulation |
| Pipe covering | Feed, recycle hydrogen, product, regeneration-gas piping | Magnesia, calcium silicate |
| Gaskets | All flanged process and instrument connections | Asbestos sheet, spiral-wound |
| Catalyst-loading equipment seals | During catalyst change-out | Asbestos rope, cloth |
| Removable insulation blankets | Frequently accessed valves and instruments | Sewn asbestos cloth + asbestos batting |
Why Reformer Work Was a High-Exposure Activity
Reformer turnarounds involve catalyst change-out — opening reactors, removing spent catalyst, loading fresh catalyst. The catalyst-handling steps disturb internal insulation and gasketing. Charge-heater refractory work (often multiple heaters per unit) drives concentrated refractory-mason exposure. The high-temperature operation means continuous gasket failures during runs require pipefitter and insulator response.
Manufacturers Named in Litigation Involving Reformer Components
- UOP (Universal Oil Products) — reformer technology licensor and equipment
- Chevron Phillips — reformer technology
- Foster Wheeler — reformer engineering
- A.P. Green Refractories — heater refractory
- Harbison-Walker Refractories — refractory
- North American Refractories (NARCO) — refractory
- Johns-Manville — insulation, pipe covering
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard — insulation
- Garlock Sealing Technologies — gaskets
Documented Product References
Images sourced from publicly available product-identification reference materials. Inclusion does not constitute a finding of liability against any company.
Trust Funds That May Apply
- A.P. Green Industries Asbestos PI Settlement Trust
- Harbison-Walker Refractories / RHI Asbestos PI Trust
- North American Refractories Company (NARCO) Asbestos PI Settlement Trust
- Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos PI Trust
- Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC Asbestos PI Trust
Trades Most Exposed at Reformer Work
Refractory masons, pipefitters, boilermakers, insulators (Heat & Frost), iron workers, refinery turnaround contract crews, plant operators handling catalyst change-out.
Jobsites in the Network
- Every Missouri refinery running catalytic reformer units
- See companion pages: Fired Heaters, Cat Cracker, Coker Units, Distillation Towers
Compiled from publicly filed asbestos litigation, EPA / state-DNR records, and industry-publication histories. Product and company references reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed litigation. This page does not constitute a finding of liability against any company. Not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.