The Pilot Steam Cracker
LCT disposes of a pilot plant unit for the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons, next to a number of bench-scale units. These experimental set-ups are used to determine the kinetics of the cracking reactions and of coke deposition in both the radiant coil and the transfer line exchanger (TLE). Fouling inhibition in reactor and TLE is also studied. Major advantage of the pilot unit is its extremely flexibility. A wide variety of hydrocarbons, ranging from gaseous feeds to waxes, can be handled. Moreover, the reactor design allows to obtain a broad range of process conditions. The pilot plant also offers the opportunity to industrial groups to test industrially important and/or new feeds, additives, coatings etc. in pilot plant experiments done by LCT personnel.