Tüpras, Izmir refinery, increased the radiant heat transfer efficiency of their SMR by applying a high emissivity ceramic coating to the refractory lining of the radiant section.

SMR Fired Heater

This SMR is a terrace-wall design with two radiant chambers. 144 burners on two floors provide the heat and the feed is composed of the hydrocarbon feed mixture and high pressure (HP) steam.

Radiant Section

The burners are directed to the angled walls in the radiant sections and the radiation is transferred to the process tubes. The efficiency of the radiant heat transfer is related to the emissivity of the refractory surfaces. The higher the emissivity value, the greater the radiant heat transfer efficiency.

Increasing Radiant Section Efficiency

The application of a Cetek high-emissivity coating onto the refractory surface increased the amount of heat re-radiated to the process tubes in the radiant section. As a result, more heat is absorbed by the tubes, but less heat travels to the convection section, slightly decreasing steam production.

Post Coating Evaluation

Tüpras report that the  bridgewall temperature has decreased by 26C, a positive indication the high emissivity ceramic coatings are performing. The amount of heat transferred to the radiant section has increased by 2.9% leading to the reported decrease of energy consumption of 6.8% (released) and 8.3% (absorbed).

Economic Returns

The application of Cetek high-emissivity refractory coating has helped the refinery achieve a fuel saving of $240,000 per year. The coating will continue to deliver benefits for approximately two turnarounds or eight years. After this period, it may require a reapplication to continue delivering fuel saving or increased capacity benefits.

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