(91b) Operational Experience with Low NOX Burners in Steamcracking Service at OMV Schwechat Refinery

The authors report on approaches to NOx emission reduction in steamcracking and steamreforming furnaces in OMV's Schwechat refinery since 1986. In 2005 a major expansion project of the steam cracker brought two new cracking furnaces on line. A NOx emission level of less than 100 mg/Nm3 (50 vppm) (as NO2) @ 3% O2 dry basis had to be met. The author reflects on the basics of NOx reduction technology, former experience, design considerations and post start up operational enhancements.