The project resulted in a new method of modifying the surface of
a stainless steel matrix to make it inert to coke formation in steam
crackers. The modified coils were installed at the Joffre plant and
tested and fine-tuned over a three-year period. The results far
exceeded expectations. NOVA Chemicals has achieved run lengths of more
than 400 days in its plants. This performance is far superior to that
of all commercially available technologies, such as additives and
coatings, which have not achieved a run length of more than 100-120
days. The new technology also has reduced fixed costs, extended the
life of the furnace coils, improved energy efficiency, and reduced
greenhouse gas emissions.
NOVA Chemicals commercialized its
unique furnace coil technology in 2003 by selling licence rights to
Kubota Metal Corporation, which is marketing it worldwide under the
trade name of ANK400. Six commercial sales have been realized to date.
Project team:
- Dr. Michael Oballa, Principal Engineer, NOVA Research & Technology Centre
- William Wong, Process Engineer, NOVA Chemicals Corporation
- Chi Wong, Chemical Engineer, NOVA Research & Technology Centre
- Les Benum, 1st Class Power Engineer, Furnace Advisor, NOVA Chemicals Corporation