3. Synthesis Gas Coolers

3. Synthesis Gas Coolers

The non-catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons by partial oxidation of natural gas, oil etc. is carried out at temperatures up to 1,500°C and pressures up to 8,000 kPa. Besides the resulting reaction components CO, CO2, H2, H2O and H2S the process gas is loaded with soot and ash. Depending on the type of feedstock, other impurities like vanadium, nickel and iron can also be expected. Due to these impurities, the high particulate burden of the gas and the hydrogen sulfide the waste heat boiler must be highly resistant to erosion, corrosion and fouling.

The waste heat boiler is designed as a fire-tube boiler. The hot synthesis gas enters the heating surfaces with a temperature of about 1,400°C and is cooled down in these tubes to approximately 300°C. The heat from the synthesis gas is used for generating saturated steam