Reformer tube apparatus having variable wall thickness and associated method of manufacture

A reformer tube apparatus, comprising:

• an axially aligned tubular structure disposed within a refractory lined reformer furnace housing and selectively containing a catalyst, the axially aligned tubular structure comprising a primary flange section, a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section;
• wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure comprises a first portion having a first wall thickness;
• wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure comprises a second portion having a second wall thickness;
• wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure comprises a third portion having a transitioning wall thickness that joins the first portion to the second portion;
• wherein the axially aligned tubular structure has a substantially constant internal diameter corresponding to the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion;
• wherein the primary flange section comprises a primary concentric flange disposed about a top portion thereof and extending perpendicularly outward from the axially aligned tubular structure;
• and
• wherein the axially aligned tubular structure further comprises a secondary flange section, wherein the secondary flange section comprises a secondary concentric flange disposed about a top portion of the primary concentric flange of the primary flange section.

A method for providing a reformer tube apparatus, comprising:

• providing an axially aligned tubular structure disposed within a refractory lined reformer furnace housing and selectively containing a catalyst, the axially aligned tubular structure comprising a primary flange section, a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section;
• wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure comprises a first portion having a first wall thickness;
• wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure comprises a second portion having a second wall thickness;
• wherein the top section of the axially aligned tubular structure comprises a third portion having a transitioning wall thickness that joins the first portion to the second portion;
• wherein the axially aligned tubular structure has a substantially constant internal diameter corresponding to the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion;
• wherein the primary flange section comprises a primary concentric flange disposed about a top portion thereof and extending perpendicularly outward from the axially aligned tubular structure;
• and
• wherein the axially aligned tubular structure further comprises a secondary flange section, wherein the secondary flange section comprises a secondary concentric flange disposed about a top portion of the primary concentric flange of the primary flange section.