New solution for optimizing the operation of the bottom coil boiler to increase heat exchange

Abstract

Steam injection is sometimes used to extract the crude oil, especially when it has high viscosity, as it is the case with the oil scaffolding. The paper presents an improved solution for the bottom coil boiler of the furnace to improve heat exchange. This method can also be used at installations in old buildings that have classic basement boilers, with are of low efficiency and high fuel consumption, compared to current the European standards. This model of boiler was tested for heating a three-room house, measuring the temperature at some key points of the boiler and house. At the oil scaffolding, the recovery boiler produces part of the steam necessary for the technological extraction process, being integrated in a cogeneration power plant. First, the mathematical model is presented, associated with certain technical specifications of the fuel, air, and flue gases. The changes implemented lead to the maximization of the operating time and yields, even if the supplying agent is inadequately prepared and the assembly and operating conditions are deficient. By calculating the total heat transfer coefficient and validating the overall thermal balance, it proves to be a better solution for this type of boiler. The mathematical model is well structured, because the differences between the values calculated by numerical modeling and those measured in specific nodes are below 4.2%. Due to the proposed change in the bottom coil the efficiency of this type of boiler has increased by about 7.1%.