Simulator for teaching process heater operating principles

Abstract

Process heaters are used in the hydrocarbon and chemical processing industries (HPI/CPI) to heat hydrocarbon fluids that are being converted into fuels like gasoline or chemicals like ethylene. Process heater operation involves combustion, heat transfer, and fluid flow principles. It is not practical to use an actual working heater to teach these principles. This paper describes an electronic process heater simulator that was developed for instructing engineers and operators on heater and burner operation. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.