Mathematical Modelling of Coke Formation in Thermal Cracking Units

Thermal cracking of ethane (from natural gas) is used to make ethylene, a chemical used for producing plastics. Thermal cracking occurs in metal tubes that pass through a furnace, where heat generated in the combustion chamber outside of the tubes makes the cracking reactions inside the tubes occur at high rates. Coke is an undesirable side product that deposits on the inner surface of the tubes during ethane cracking, influencing rates of chemical reactions and the distribution of chemical products that emerge from the reactor. Companies who operate thermal cracking furnaces want to have a thorough understanding of the chemical reactions and operating conditions that influence ethane cracking, coke formation and coke removal. The objective of this research is to develop and validate a model (i.e., a set of mathematical equations inside a computer program) that NOVA Chemicals will use to predict coke formation and removal in industrial cracking furnaces. The model will account for a detailed list of chemical reactions and will predict coke accumulation in response to changes in reactor operating conditions and furnace design.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kim McAuley

Student:

Partner:

NOVA Chemicals

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

Queen's University

Program: