Electrification of steam cracking furnaces
Cutting carbon emissions by 95% or more!
This new steam cracker technology has the potential to reduce the direct carbon emissions released by steam crackers by 95 percent or more. The remaining carbon emissions include emissions by decoking or unavoidable small flaring activities during start-up and shut-down for regular turnarounds.
The electrical power is fully utilized in the cracking coils, without noticeable heat losses. By contrast, a conventionally fired furnace can typically use only 40 to 45 percent of the fired duty in the cracking coils. The remaining heat must be recovered from the flue gas for other purposes.
Uniform heat patterns may enhance cracking performance and lower coke build-up in the reactor. This extends on-stream time between decoking operations, further contributing to carbon abatement.
Since the plant is not heated by fuel gas, methane and hydrogen formed within the process can be utilized for other value-adding applications – for instance to replace natural gas as a chemical feedstock.
The project demonstrates the power of global cooperation between leading players in their respective fields. BASF and SABIC have extensive know-how and intellectual property in the development of chemical and petrochemical processes. They also have proven experience in the operation of steam crackers. As the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner, Linde is contributing know-how and intellectual property in the development and delivery of steam cracker furnace technologies. In short, a powerful alliance that is helping to propel industry towards net zero.