The Numerical Simulation of Olefin Production Furnace for Pollution Reduction: Two case studies

One of the most important petrochemical processes is olefin production, and the most important part of this process is the thermal cracking furnace. The analysis of the flow and combustion process in these furnaces is important. In this research, combustion analysis in these furnaces has been investigated by examining two case studies of thermal cracking furnaces. The governing equations of the problem process, including mass and momentum and energy equations, along with combustion equations, are solved in CFX software. Temperature profiles are obtained at different points. The heat flux is obtained at different heights of the furnace. The hot spots obtained on the reactor as well as the simulation of the conversion of raw materials into products during the reactor are based on the simulation of the furnace by placing burners on the floor of the furnace (Ilam Petrochemical Olefin). Then, for the second case study, including the placement of burners in the floor and wall of the furnace (Maroon Petrochemical Olefin Furnace), thermal failure simulation has been performed. Next, optimization of combustion and reduction of Nox pollution by the re-burning method has been done. Thermal flux is decreasing at height of more than 3 m in the furnace, which can be offset by mounting low-power burners on the wall. The excess air ratio at 1.15-0.85 has shown the best mode of reducing Nox production in the burning method.