Protection of Burners and Combustion Equipment

Fuel gas in a refinery or a gas plant is a mixture of off-gases from processes in the plant. Since these processes are vulnerable to upset conditions, the composition of the fuel gas is frequently changing. Fuel gas can contain high concentrations of condensable hydrocarbons and carried over amine. These liquids are in a fine aerosol form and very difficult to separate with knock-out drums or packed vessels. As liquids and solids enter combustion equipment, they foul burner nozzles and combustors. This results in frequent maintenance and replacement of the burners, poor burner efficiency and increased fuel gas consumption. Plugged nozzles can change the flame pattern in the combustion equipment resulting in catastrophic damage. Burners should operate for up to a year before seeing any signs of nozzle plugging. If plugging and regular maintenance occurs more frequently, the fuel gas contains too many liquid and solid contaminants which should be removed. (more)