Contribution of furnaces retrofit to plant energy saving

The operational and geometrical limitations of an operated furnace are the reasons from which the retrofit of existing furnaces is a very difficult task. Therefore, the process retrofit is usually focussed on heat exchanger network (HEN) retrofit considering maximum furnace duty. However, the furnace retrofit should be considered wherever it is possible. In some older plants the placement of new shells or topology changes in heat exchanger networks can be expensive from various reasons and only minimum topology modifications are usually allowed. The furnace retrofit based on an advanced furnace integration approach considering furnace limitations can be feasible and can bring surprising results. Advantage of this approach is demonstrated through a case study - retrofit of furnace in petrol hydrogenation refining plant for energy efficiency improvement.