CASE STUDY
GAS FIRED REFORMER
UK
GAS FIRED REFORMER
The feed rate of the furnace was restricted due to temperature constraints and the flue gas temperatures had exceeded their maximum sustainable temperature.
Furnace performance was reduced due to build-up of scale and combustion related fouling on furnace tubes.
Gas Analysis
Density: 5.28 KG/m3
Mol Weight: 20
Calorific Value: 40 mega joules/KG
After Therma-Chem Treatment
The scale within the furnace was broken down increasing the heat transfer. This resulted in a flue gas temperature reduction from 1066°C to 910°C at a feed rate of 42m3/hr after only 6 weeks.
The temperature reduction of 156°C was accompanied by a corresponding increase of 7 tonnes/hr in the load, equivalent to a 20% increase.
Temperature and Load

Hydrogen | Nitrogen |
---|---|
C1 Methane | CO |
C2 Ethane | CO2 |
C3 Propane | Hydrogen Sulphide |
C4 Isobutane | Chloride |
Ammonia | Ammonium Chloride |

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Shipping – LNG Tanker
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Process Heater
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Process Heater
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Radiant temperature and
heater duty limited by fouling
Gas Fired Reformer
UK
Unsustainable flue gas
temperature increase
due to fouling
Refinery
Western Europe
Pre Shutdown Cleaning to
neutralized sulphur deposits