3 replies to this topic

[Viru9145]

During ethane and naphtha cracking , which furnace is produce soft (for oxidation) coke .
Ethane or naphtha?

I am asking about coke deposition before decoking activity.

[Pilesar]

Ethane cracking furnaces and naphtha cracking furnaces both form coke. Coking rate depends on furnace design and operating parameters as well as feedstock.

[Viru9145]

Which coke produced from ethane cracking and naphtha cracking is hard to decoke in general considering optimal run length and cracking conditions.

Edited by Viru9145, 28 July 2026 - 04:00 PM.

[JuLCesHer]

Both Ethane and Naphtha furnaces produce coke.

Normally an anti-coking chemical (DMDS) is injected into the furnace stream to reduce coking. There are ways to mitigate the coking phenomena during operation. Operator may increase the S/C ratio, reduce COT, expose radiant coils to contraction and expansion  

 

Ethane cracking produces a harder coke layer.

 

We design ethylene furnaces to meet an annual ON STREAM time and number of decoking cycles per year. For example Ethane furnaces typically are designed to run 60 to 90 days before decoking. Naphtha furnaces may be designed to meet a R/L of 45 to 60 days between decoking cycles.

Ethane furnaces are designed for a 0.3 wt S/C ratio, while naphtha furnaces use 0.5.