Ethylene Furnace Optimization for Efficiency, Run Length and NOx Emissions

Modifying the distribution of heat flux and excess air throughout the radiant section of an ethylene furnace can have conflicting effects on efficiency, run length and NOx emissions. This paper will illustrate the benefits of and correlations between physical testing results, computational modelling and operational data from site using a recent furnace revamp project as an example. The results of this work demonstrates the value of the different engineering tools available and the different types of data they provide; and ultimately how they can be used together to improve the performance and long term operation of an ethylene furnace.