Module 1 - Fundamentals

Module from the Fired Heater Training Curriculum curriculum.

MODULE 1: FIRED HEATER FUNDAMENTALS · Learning Objectives · After completing this module, you will be able to: 1. Identify major heater components and their functions 2. Classify heater types by geometry and application 3. Explain the three modes of heat transfer in a fired heater 4. Define key heater parameters (duty, efficiency, flux, bridgewall temperature) 5. Read and interpret a heater design data sheet · Heater Type Classification

Type	Geometry	Tube Arrangement	Typical Application	Firing	Advantages	API 560 Class
Vertical Cylindrical	Cylindrical shell, vertical tubes	Vertical, against wall	Process heaters, reboilers	Floor-fired (upward)	Even heat distribution, compact footprint	Radiant wall
Cabin/Box	Rectangular box	Horizontal, multiple rows	Large process heaters, crude units	Wall-fired (horizontal)	High capacity, multiple passes	Box type
Arbor/Wicket	A-frame or inverted V	Horizontal, A-frame	Reformer furnaces	Top-fired (downward)	Very even tube-side temperature	Special
Helical Coil	Cylindrical, helical tubes	Helical coil around burner	Small duties, regen gas heaters	Center-fired	Compact, high surface/volume	Special
Double-Fired	Rectangular, tubes in center	Horizontal, center-fired both sides	Large capacity, crude/vacuum	Wall-fired from both sides	Maximum capacity per unit	Box type
Heat Transfer Modes in a Fired Heater
1. RADIATION (dominant in radiant section): Q_rad = σ × ε × A × (T_flame⁴ - T_tube⁴) • σ = Stefan-Boltzmann constant (0.1713 × 10⁻⁸ BTU/hr·ft²·R⁴) • ε = emissivity (flame gas: 0.3-0.6, tube: 0.8-0.95) • Fourth-power temperature dependence: small T change = large Q change • Radiant section absorbs 60-75% of total duty 2. CONVECTION (dominant in convection section): Q_conv = h × A × LMTD • h = convective heat transfer coefficient • Enhanced by extended surface (fins): 2-5× bare tube area • Convection section absorbs 20-35% of total duty 3. CONDUCTION (through tube wall): Q_cond = k × A × ΔT / t • Usually not limiting (thin metal wall, high k) • Becomes important with thick coke layer inside tubes (low k = insulating)

Source: Fired_Heater_Training_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Module 1 - Fundamentals

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