(146c) Robotic Convection Bank Cleaning

Ethylene cracking heaters like other box fired heaters in the refining and petrochemical industry represent a significant investment in a plant.  Proper maintenance of these assets assures their long term, safe and reliable operation.  The convection section of a heater is subject to varying levels of external fouling from refractory dust and the combustion process. Maintenance of the convection banks is critical for optimum operation and longevity.

This paper presents the design and operation of equipment that addresses the issue of accessibility to the convection bank for proper cleaning. This is accomplished by using a self-propelled robotic cleaning vehicle that reaches deep between every row of finned or studded tube to remove the most tenacious fouling bringing the unit back to near new performance.