1D Model for Coupled Simulation of Steam Cracker Convection Section with Improved Evaporation Model

Abstract

AbstractThe radiation and convection section of a steam cracker are thermally coupled. Optimization and design requires a coupled simulation of both sections. In this work a 1D model for the convection section, CONVEC‐1D, is developed. Several models for the different heat transfer phenomena are implemented and evaluated. For flow boiling, an empirical and a mechanistic model are developed and compared for both single‐ and multicomponent hydrocarbon feeds. The latter is performing best over a wide range of operating conditions, taking into account the different two‐phase flow regimes. The coupled iterative procedure is demonstrated for ann‐pentane steam cracker convection section.