Coke formation - Nozzle factor

Operational issues of any Petrochemical plant or Oil and gas field, upstream issues, etc.
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tuan
Posts: 63
Joined: 27 May 2025, 14:07
Area of interest: Chemical Engineering

Coke formation - Nozzle factor

Post by tuan »

What are the best practices to have a defined interval to avoid coking within the ethylene cracking furnace tubes?
mechcolor
Posts: 258
Joined: 17 May 2010, 18:05
Area of interest: Manufacturing Engineering

Re: Coke formation - Nozzle factor

Post by mechcolor »

This relates to the formation of coke deposits on the inner surface of the furnace tubes whereby, a de-coking process is necessary.
The best practices include utilizing the most effective ways available for de-coking. Steam-air being the frequent one choice however not effective all the times.
The major risk linked with not having effective de-coking is not only the unavailability of furnace for continuous operation but the damages of the tube material due to heavy coke deposits inside upon shutting down the unit.
ben
Posts: 214
Joined: 24 Aug 2010, 03:11
Area of interest: Mechanical Engineering

Re: Coke formation - Nozzle factor

Post by ben »

Ineffective decoking can lead to:
1. Increased decoking time.
2. Reduced operational length.
3. Mechanical cleaning may be required (extra time needed).
4. Mechanical damage of coils from local overheating.
You may need to review the practices based upon the current operational run, effectiveness of decoking and coking formation /deposits properties.
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