0
$\begingroup$

While I’m studying about a fired heater (furnace) in chemical engineering , I learnt that the process fluids enters from the convection section and leaves at the radiant section of the furnace.

Why is this the case ?

How is this linked to the temperature of the hot flue gas rising up? The temperature of the hot flue gas is lower in the convection section. So how does it link to why the process fluid is entering from the convection section and not radiant section ? Thanks.

enter image description here

The picture shows the process fluid entering from the convection section and leaves at the radiant section. So to clarify, my question is asking why does it enter from the convection section and not the radiant section. ?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I think you need to provide a labelled and annotated diagram to explain this. $\endgroup$
    – Solar Mike
    Commented Jan 15, 2018 at 11:40
  • $\begingroup$ @SolarMike alright $\endgroup$
    – user175089
    Commented Jan 15, 2018 at 11:44

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

It is just getting as much heat as possible.

Heat flows from hot to cold. The convection section is a much lower temperature. The convection section is basically waste heat in flue gas. The cold process fluid is (pre) heated to recover some of the waste heat.

The exit process fluid may be hotter than the flue gas.

In any heat exchanger you should save the hottest heat for last.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ this is referred to as a "counterflow" design. it is very common in heat exchangers of all types. $\endgroup$
    – niels nielsen
    Commented Jan 15, 2018 at 22:04

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.