Using hydrogen-rich multifuel to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2emission for high-energy furnace

Abstract

The waste gas generated in petrochemical manufacturing processes, such as the catalytic reforming, catalytic cracking, and other petrochemical units contains complex components, which are worth recovery and reuse. In this research, replacing the natural gas (NG) partially with a hydrogen-rich multifuel (MG) is tested onsite to power a full-scale furnace (70% loading) used in a distillation operation. When the NG is mixed with MG, the mixture contains 30–80% H2 (average 60%), and its thermal NOx is the dominant NOx formation mechanism. The formation of nitrogen oxides increases by 42.0–42.1 mL/m3 (ppmv), thus reducing 2.2 × 103 tons of annual CO2 production or achieving savings of 5.7–5.9 × 103 m3/yr NG usage. However, if MG replaces NG as the major fuel gas, the prompt NOx is the dominant NOx formation mechanism. Therefore, the MG can be used as a low-cost alternative to achieve savings on fuel cost and reduce CO2 emission. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009