CASE STUDY

GAS FIRED REFORMER

UK

GAS FIRED REFORMER

Problem

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

Vacuum Tar Residue
and Fuel Gas Fired Boiler

Japan

High flue gas temperatures
and APH corrosion

HFO Fired Boiler

Saudi Arabia

Poor boiler efficiency and high
CO2 emissions

Coal Fired Boiler

Romania

Loss of boiler efficiency and
high CO2 emissions

Gas and HFO
Fired Boilers

Egypt

Efficiency loss due to fouling on
superheaters and economiser

Expander in FCC Unit

South Korea

Catalyst deposits on rotating
blades causing severe vibration

Shipping – LNG Tanker

Malaysia

Heavy deposits on combustion
and radiant sections of boilers
as well as back-end corrosion

Process Heater

Belgium

Heater temperature limited
due to fireside conditions

Process Heater

Singapore

Radiant temperature and
heater duty limited by fouling