Optimum arrangement of tube coil in radiation type of tubular furnace

Tube coil arrangement dominantly influences the thermal-hydraulics characteristics of furnace and its economy. The presented method is based on standard long-used design methods (Lobo-Evans method, Belokon method). It is shown how these standard global design methods can be (for common-operating conditions) suitably generalized and simplified. It allows (for the purpose of optimum design of coil arrangement) to arrange the basic heat transfer equation for radiant chamber. In connection with investment cost relations for individual furnace subsystems (tube coil, burners, lining, etc.) and operating cost relations (fuel consumption, fluid pumping cost), the final objective function of total cost can be obtained. This objective function then allows finding the optimum coil arrangement from minimum total cost point of view. Moreover, the obtained results allow one to formulate some general recommendations suitable for furnace designers. The developed method can be used for the individual solution of a radiation-type of tubular furnaces and also for the first (preliminary) design stage usually connected with a proposal for the customer when only basic process and furnace design data are known. The developed method can be also used for the effective solution of the integration of radiation furnaces into processes. The application of the developed method is demonstrated through a case study-the optimum arrangement of coil in a gas plant regeneration furnace.