Safety and Efficiency Improvement of Reformer Mitigation of Post Combustion Problem

摘要

After a plant revamp, poor combustion in the radiant section of the Primary Reformer was observed largely as indicated by measured carbon monoxide (CO). Flame patterns were irregular, including flickering with visible flame impingement on the reformer catalyst tubes. Apart from low methane conversion, poor combustion in the radiant section was also causing post combustion in the convection section where the oxygen was in excess. The post combustion was raising the convection coils' temperature too high, close to their operating limits, and thus limiting plant load. This paper illustrates the findings leading to poor combustion in the Primary Reformer furnace, actions taken to fix the problem, and key learnings to avoid such problems during plant changes.