Comprehensive Simulation and Optimization of an Ethylene Dichloride Cracker Based on the One-Dimensional Lobo–Evans Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2013, 52 (2), pp 645–657, DOI: 10.1021/ie302436r
Comprehensive Simulation and Optimization of an Ethylene Dichloride Cracker Based on the One-Dimensional Lobo–Evans Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Abstract
Chaochun Li , Guihua Hu , Weimin Zhong *, Hui Cheng , Wenli Du , and Feng Qian *
fqian@ecust.edu.cn
wmzhong@ecust.edu.cn
Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Optimization for Chemical Processes, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
Abstract
Researchers performed coupled simulations of an ethylene dichloride (EDC) cracking furnace and reactor with one-dimensional Lobo–Evans and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. They optimized using the first model, where the fuel gas allocation operator α was examined to improve performance such indices as selectivity, conversion, and fuel gas consumption. They determined that the optimum coil outlet temperature (COT) can be used to make a good compromise among the performance indices.
They employed a CFD model to validate the optimized results. They applied a standard k−ε two-equation model to simulate turbulence, and  finite-rate/eddy dissipation to model a premixed combustion of the sidewall burners. They applied a discrete ordinate model to simulate the radiative heat transfer of a furnace in a CFD simulation. The EDC cracking process in the reactor, as well as the flow, combustion, and radiative heat transfer in the furnace, is provided in the CFD model.
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