| Description |
As the drive towards reduced NOx emissions accelerates, the need to promote synergy between all furnace components becomes paramount. One of the most exciting methods of reducing these emissions is through the application of the principles of flameless combustion. Through high rates of flue gas recirculation into feed combustion air and/or fuel, and high combustion reactant injection velocities, the traditional stable flame front of a burner may be removed and from this a low peak temperature, distributed combustion results. This significantly reduces the formation of thermal and prompt NOx to levels not attainable with conventional staged combustion methods. Achieving this, however, is far simpler on pilot furnaces and smaller single burner operations where the intricate fluid dynamics of the interaction are more easily influenced. The application in large scale, multiple burner, industrial furnaces such as those used in the pyrolysis of ethane and naphtha, is far more difficult. In spite of these challenges, steps are being taken to move traditionally accepted technology in this direction. A significant move has been made by Hamworthy Combustion Engineering Ltd (HCEL) utilising its Enviromix Split Phase® pyrolysis furnace burner (ESP®). While not a true flameless combustion burner the design of the ESP® integrates many of the key aspects of flameless combustion to provide a unique solution to the current requirements of pyrolysis furnace licensors and end users. The final move to flameless combustion, or indeed to an accepted pseudoflameless combustion scenario, will rely significantly on the furnace to burner synergy. The goal, therefore, of this investigation is to promote discussion between all parties, licensor, EPC and burner vendor around integration of the technology and the pooling of resources to find a mutually beneficial outcome. |
