The combined simulation of heat transfer and pyrolysis reactions in industrial cracking furnaces

Thermal cracking of hydrocarbons for olefins production is carried out in large, gas fired furnaces containing parallel reactor coils. The simulation of these coils requires detailed kinetics, based upon radical reaction schemes and a rigorous description of heat transfer in the firebox. A complete modeling of the reactor and the firebox, using a rigorous kinetic model, for the pyrolysis of naphtha has been developed and is used here for the simulation of naphtha crackers. The coupled simulation of the reactor and the radiant box by means of the zone method, results in the understanding of the behavior of the furnace. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The model and computational scheme can be used as a guide for plant operators and as a tool for design. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.