Multi-scale modeling and optimization of furnace design and reformers

Process heaters and furnaces are commonly used in petrochemical plants to convert feedstock into valuable products such as hydrogen. However, they face many challenging design obstacles due to their high temperature environment and complex chemical reactions within multiple components. Some of these furnace design components include the firebox where combustion occurs, heater duct, and the process burner.

In this case study, you will learn how CFD analysis and Design Space Exploration were applied to optimize each furnace design component in a multi-scale, multi-physics coupling approach to alleviate operational performance concerns. These processes reduced the number of prototypes and testing, while delivering improved designs in less time and lower cost.