Fired heaters harness the heat of combustion to increase the temperature of fluid flowing through internal tubing. The design requires a sophisticated analysis of the inlet conditions, oil properties, desired outlet conditions, and fuel source. Several variables, including water content and the presence of vapors, must also be accounted for to ensure maximum efficiency and proper functioning of a fired heater.
SPS Systems designs and fabricates fired heaters as part of our crude oil topping units. We can incorporate fired heaters into the larger process systems that we produce, or customize and manufacture fired heaters to be used as components in our customers’ systems.
SPS can manufacture direct-fired heaters in box, cabin, and cylindrical styles. All fired heaters include three sections. The radiant section, where about 70% of the heating occurs, includes large-diameter tubing in multiple passes that can be arranged horizontally, vertically, or in a spiral configuration with one or more burners. Our convection sections have a unique serpentine design that allows for a metallurgical gradient and increases the available surface area for heating. The stack section releases flue gas high into the atmosphere where it will not endanger personnel. A stack damper regulates the interior pressure and the amount of heat leaving the furnace.
Due to the high temperatures involved, stainless steel is used for all internal tubing, and the design is carefully considered to ensure that the tubing will remain durable. We build our own burner management systems with top-quality components from leading manufacturers.
SPS Systems is an ASME code facility and builds fired heaters to API 560 standards. We can design and fabricate the furnace, install the insulation, and build the controls system in-house, keeping costs down for our customers while ensuring high quality and excellent delivery times.