Abstract: A reformer furnace is provided for use in converting a hydrocarbon feed into a synthesis gas stream. The reformer furnace includes at least one bayonet reformer tube located at least partly within an enclosed volume. The reformer furnace includes a first support arranged to support the second end portion of the at least one bayonet reformer tube against the second endwall of the reformer furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus contains at least one pressure-rated apparatus shell and at least one modular framework system containing ceramic fiber composite materials and arranged within the apparatus shell. A modular lining apparatus includes the modular framework system and refractory bricks. The apparatus can be used for high-temperature reactors, especially electrically heated high-temperature reactors.

Abstract: A reformer furnace having a reaction space formed with reaction tubes, a firing space fitted with burners and a flue gas channel in fluid connection with the firing space. The burners are arranged at a first end face of the reformer furnace and produce flames oriented towards a second end face to fire the reaction tubes. The flue gas channel has a transition region and a withdrawal region, wherein the flue gas channel is connected to the second end face of the firing space via the transition region and the transition region of the flue gas channel has a reduced channel diameter compared to the withdrawal region of the flue gas channel. The transition region has a constriction relative to the withdrawal region which results in a hydraulic decoupling between the firing space and the withdrawal region of the flue gas channel.

Abstract: A reactor and a method for centrifuge pyrolysis of a feedstock. The reactor may comprise a cylindrical reactor vessel, a heated surface, a cylindrical rotor and rotor blades and is configured to provide centrifugal force and axial propagation to a solid feedstock for centrifuge pyrolysis. A method for centrifuge pyrolysis is also provided. The method may comprise providing a reactor, providing a feedstock, producing heat in the inner wall of the reactor, rotating a rotor of the reactor and collecting the pyrolysis product. The reactor and the method of the invention may be used for ablative centrifuge pyrolysis of feedstock. The feedstock may be any organic feedstock such as biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic reactor comprising a combustion reaction chamber with catalytic reactor tubes filled with catalyst elements and metal radiation surfaces arranged in the chamber to improve heat transfer.

Abstract: High purity hydrogen is produced by a steam reforming hydrogen production unit with at least one of a bayonet reactor for reforming steam and a hydrocarbon, a recuperative burner, and a regenerative burner such that the steam reforming unit produces little or no steam in excess of the steam reforming process requirements. High purity hydrogen is separated from the syngas exiting the reformer via a pressure swing adsorption unit and combined with high purity nitrogen from an air separation unit as feedstock to a Haber process ammonia synthesis unit. Compressors for the ammonia synthesis unit are driven by higher efficiency drivers than are possible using the low temperature steam conventionally exported from a steam reforming unit. Compression power requirements are reduced.

Abstract: A gas manifold allows each distribution chamber to be fed with fuel gas at an appropriate flow rate irrespective of an increase in the number of distribution chambers included in the gas manifold. Fuel gas flowing through in an inlet is distributed to a plurality of distribution chambers through a main channel. A bypass channel parallel with the main channel also feeds fuel gas to a maximum distribution chamber. This can prevent the feeding of the fuel gas to the maximum distribution chamber from being affected by and reduced by the feeding of the fuel gas to the bypassed distribution chambers. This also prevent the feeding of the fuel gas to the other distribution chambers from being affected by and reduced by the feeding of the fuel gas to the maximum distribution chamber. The plurality of distribution chambers are thus fed with fuel gas at appropriate flow rates.

Abstract: gasifier and a gasification process provides a long, uniform temperature zone in the gasifier, regardless of the particle size, chemical composition, and moisture content of the fuel by sandwiching a reduction zones between two oxidation zones. The gasifier and gasification process produces a char that is more energy-dense and almost devoid of moisture, affording an additional (char) oxidation zone with a temperature that is higher than a first oxidation zone which is closer to an evaporation and devolatilization zone. As such, the additional (char) oxidation zone contributes to augmenting the reduction zone temperature, providing a favorable dual impact in improving syngas composition and near-complete conversion of the tar.

Abstract: A furnace for performing an endothermic process, comprising tubes containing catalyst for converting gaseous feed, wherein tubes are positioned inside the furnace in rows parallel to refractory walls along X axis, wherein burners are mounted either to the furnace floor or to the furnace ceiling, inner burners being mounted in rows between the rows of tubes and outer burners being mounted in rows between tubes rows and the wall along X axis, and close to said wall along X axis, wherein the outer burners are positioned such that the distance b2w between the outer burner and the wall along X axis is smaller than or equal to equivalent burner nozzle diameter øb of said outer burner (b2w/øb?1).

Abstract: A hydrogen generator having a reforming catalyst that causes hydrocarbon gas and steam to carry out a reforming reaction and reform into a hydrogen rich reformed gas, a reformer that is filled with said reforming catalyst and in which said reforming reaction is carried out, and a combustion chamber for combusting a fuel gas and obtaining reaction heat that is applied to said reforming reaction. At least the reforming region carrying out the reforming reaction is disposed inside the combustion chamber. A steam generator that introduces steam into the reformer is provided outside the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising the temperature of superheated steam includes an inlet into which superheated steam is introduced, a body to raise the temperature of the superheated steam heated by an external heat source and introduced through the inlet, and an outlet provided inside the body and discharging the superheated steam temperature-raised by the body to the outside, in which an inner surface of a sidewall of the body is formed with an inner protrusion for heating the superheated steam while spirally rotating the superheated steam. The Apparatus enhances the flow of superheated steam in the process of raising the temperature by further heating superheated steam caused by waste heat generated in a waste combustion apparatus or the like, and at the same time, increases the area of contact of the superheated steam with a heat source to improve the temperature-raising efficiency.

Abstract: A molecular pyrodisaggregation system having a loading column for loading materials to be disaggregated into the pyrodisaggregator, a thermal propeller for generating hot fumes to circulate in the pyrodisaggregator, and a condenser connected to an exit from the pyrodisaggregator for cooling gases from the pyrodisaggregator. The pyrodisaggregator has a furnace having a furnace wall defining a chamber within the furnace, a fuser tube within the furnace chamber, a channel within the furnace chamber between the fuser tube and the furnace wall, an Archimedes screw within the fuser tube for moving material to be disaggregated through the furnace, a first exit for inert materials from the fuser tube, a second exit for gases from the fuser tube, and a third exit for fumes circulating through the channel in the furnace.

Abstract: A highly compact heat integrated fuel processor, which can be used for the production of hydrogen from a fuel source, suitable to feed a fuel cell, is described. The fuel processor assembly comprises a catalytic reforming zone (29) and a catalytic combustion zone (28), separated by a wall (27). Catalyst able to induce the reforming reactions is placed in the reforming zone and catalyst able to induce the combustion reaction is placed in the combustion zone, both in the form of coating on a suitable structured substrate, in the form of a metal monolith. Fe—Cr—Al—Y steel foils, in corrugated form so as to enhance the available area for reaction, can be used as suitable substrates. The reforming and the combustion zones can be either in rectangular shape, forming a stack with alternating combustion/reforming zones or in cylindrical shape forming annular sections with alternating combustion/reforming zones, in close contact to each other.

Abstract: Described herein are processes and related devices and systems for the conversion of higher hydrocarbons, such as in the form of waste plastics, petroleum sludge, slope oil, vegetable oil, and so forth, into lower hydrocarbons, which can be used as fuels or raw materials for a variety of industrial and domestic uses.

Abstract: A system for the production of conversion products from synthesis gas, the system including a mixing apparatus configured for mixing steam with at least one carbonaceous material to produce a reformer feedstock; a reformer configured to produce, from the reformer feedstock, a reformer product comprising synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the reformer feedstock; a synthesis gas conversion apparatus configured to catalytically convert at least a portion of the synthesis gas in the reformer product into synthesis gas conversion product and to separate from the synthesis gas conversion product a tailgas comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane; and one or more recycle lines fluidly connecting the synthesis gas conversion apparatus with the mixing apparatus, the reformer, or both.

Abstract: Described herein are processes and related devices and systems for the conversion of higher hydrocarbons, such as in the form of waste plastics, petroleum sludge, slope oil, vegetable oil, and so forth, into lower hydrocarbons, which can be used as fuels or raw materials for a variety of industrial and domestic uses.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing activated carbon that has a reactor vessel for containing carbon based feedstock and a processor that encloses the reactor vessel. An insulating barrier is disposed between the reactor vessel and the processor for defining generally vertical outer and inner pathways that are communicably interconnected. The reactor vessel has a gas receiving intake port in communication with the inner pathway. First and second inlet conduits are formed through the processor and into the reactor for respectively introducing a first ignition gas into the reactor to ignite the feedstock and a second gas into the first pathway. The second gas circulates through the outer and inner pathways and enters the reactor vessel through the gas receiving intake port. The exhaust gas is circulated through a catalyst chamber/cartridge/bed. At least one exhaust port discharges gas from the vessel exteriorly of the processor.

Abstract: A method of configuration of combustion process control. The method includes providing a combustion system having a plurality of burner elements, a plurality of gas injection points and a controller. The gas injection points are configured to provide a support gas. One or more tasks for operation of the combustion system are determined. A plurality of groupings of the gas injection points are determined for each of the one or more tasks. An individual ranking for each of the plurality of groupings is determined in response to the one or more tasks. A composite ranking of injection points in response to the individual rankings and the controller is configured to operate the plurality of gas injection points in response to the composite ranking. A combustion system and a method for operating a combustion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a reactor for the gasification of solid and liquid fuels in the entrained flow at temperatures between 1200 and 1900° C. and pressures between ambient pressure and 10 MPa with an oxidizing agent containing free oxygen, the cooling screen is connected in a gas-tight manner to the pressure shell via a bellows compensator to accommodate linear deformation. Continuous sweeping by gas of the annular gap between pressure shell and cooling screen is unnecessary and backflow by producer gas is prevented.

Abstract: In a reactor for gasification of entrained solid and liquid fuels at temperatures between 1,200 and 1,900° C. and at pressures between ambient pressure and 10 MPa using an oxidizing agent containing free oxygen, the cooling screen is connected to the pressure shell in a gastight manner via a sliding seal in order to allow length changes. Continuous gas purging of the annular gap between pressure shell and cooling screen is unnecessary and gasification gas is prevented from flowing behind.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that overcome the deficiencies of traditional steam engines and internal combustion engines. In an embodiment, a system is disclosed for generating reaction products having elevated temperature and pressure. The system comprises a first chamber including a reactor to decompose hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen and water vapor. The system further comprises a second chamber including a reactor to catalytically combust a mixture of the generated oxygen and a fuel to generate reaction products having elevated temperature and pressure. The system further comprises a passageway to receive reaction products exiting the second chamber and to channel the reaction products to come into contact with external surfaces of the first and second chambers to thereby transfer heat to the first and second chambers, and an outlet to allow the reaction products to exit the system.

Abstract: A method for regenerating activated coke used for treating wastewater or sewage is provided. The method includes loading the activated coke to an environment under 150 to 250° C., heating the activated coke to a temperature of 700 to 850° C. for about 40 to 90 minutes; and providing a steam to the activated coke with a rate of 0.1 to 0.5 m3/(ton of activated coke). When the activated coke is being heated at the temperature, it generates a gas mixture including a steam portion and at least a paraffine gas. The gas mixture flows along a reverse direction relative to a flow of cooling water, so that the steam portion is converted into a part of the cooling water for recycling. The paraffine gas is used as a fuel. An apparatus for regenerating the activated coke used for treating wastewater or sewage is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the operating temperature of a catalytic reactor using a closed-loop system that provides for varying the reactor input and other operating parameters in order to maintain the operating temperature of the reactor at or near the initial setpoint temperature for operation of the reactor. In one example, maximum and minimum operating temperatures with a catalytic partial oxidation reactor are controlled, as well as maintaining control over the corresponding minimum required ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms, such that the operating temperature within the reactor is maintained below the material limits but above threshold temperatures for coking.

Abstract: A method of operating a furnace having process tubes and multiple burners where it is desired to conform the temperatures of the process tubes to selected target temperature criterion. The present method provides a systematic and quantitative approach to determine how to adjust burner flow rates to result in desired tube wall temperatures, for example to minimize the temperature deviation between tube wall temperatures at a predetermined elevation in the furnace.

Abstract: A reformer for a fuel cell system, and a method of controlling the reformer. The reformer includes a cylindrical reforming catalyst; a burner disposed inside of the reforming catalyst and comprising a plurality of nozzles to direct flames at the reforming catalyst; a nozzle covering element to selectively cover a portion of each of the nozzles; a combustion fuel supply valve to change the amount of a combustion fuel that is supplied to the burner; and a controller that controls the nozzle covering units and the combustion supply valve. The method of controlling the reformer includes: moving the nozzle covering element to cover a decreasing portion of each of the nozzles in response to an increasing amount of the combustion fuel being supplied to the burner; and moving the nozzle covering element to cover a increasing portion of each of the nozzles in response to a decreasing amount of the combustion fuel supplied to the burner.

Abstract: A containment vessel having a spiral plate heat exchanger, a central catalyst chamber packed with particulate catalyst, a central heater, a plenum providing conductive flow access for a hydrocarbon-air mixture to and from the containment vessel interior, and essential flow pathways interconnecting the plenum section, heat exchanger, catalyst chamber and central heater. The spiral plate heat exchanger, catalyst chamber, and heater assembly occupy successively smaller annular regions within the containment vessel.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes an oxidation reaction unit in which an oxidation catalyst is formed, a reforming reaction unit in which a reforming catalyst is formed, and an ignition unit for igniting a hydrocarbon-containing fuel and an oxidant and preheating the oxidation catalyst in an early driving stage. The oxidation reaction unit has a first section and a second section respectively formed opposite to each other with the oxidation catalyst interposed therebetween and forms a stream of the fuel and the oxidant flowing to the second section through the oxidation catalyst from the first section, the ignition unit being located in the second section.

Abstract: A cracking furnace having a firebox provided with cracking coils is described. The cracking coils have at least one inlet, at least one inlet section, at least one outlet and at least one outlet section, and burners, and the parts of the coils are shielded. A process for cracking hydrocarbon feeds, and making use of a furnace with the thermal shielding are also described.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided simplified systems and methods for catalytically deactivating, removing, or reducing the levels of reactive component(s) from the vapor phase of fuel storage tanks. The simple apparatus described herein can be utilized to replace complex systems on the market. Simply stated, in one embodiment of the invention, the vapor phase from the fuel tank is passed over a catalytic bed operated at appropriate temperatures to allow the reaction between free oxygen and the fuel vapor by oxidation of the fuel vapor, thus deactivating reactive component(s) in the gas phase.

Abstract: A reformer includes a burner that generates thermal energy, and a reforming reaction unit that is supplied with thermal energy from the burner to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from a fuel, wherein the burner includes a burner main body having first and second portions that are constructed by bending the burner main body to form bended portions and coupling the bended portions together, wherein the burner main body is disposed in an inner portion of the reforming reaction unit, and wherein a first catalyst is filled in an inner portion of the burner main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to piping for use as a pyrolysis tube in a cracking furnace. The tube is formed such that it has at least one section whose centreline curves in three dimensions, to induce swirl flow in the tube. Preferably, the tube is formed as a helix, more preferably a low-amplitude helix.

Abstract: A system 100 is described for the treatment of multiphase residues having unlimited content of water, oil and solids to obtain hydrocarbons and other products, said system comprising multiphase residue feed system 10, inert gas system 20 and reduced pressure system 30, tubular reactor 40 provided with three heating zones Z-1, Z-2 and Z-3 with a temperature gradient and transportation helicoid 42 to displace the residue mass throughout the reaction zones, the hydrocarbon products and water being collected in a system 60 of condensers 61, 62 and 63 linked to a system 70 of bubbling vessels 71, 72 and 73, reactor 40 being operated in the sealed mode and being provided with a multiphase residue inlet 43 and exit 44 of solid product. The solid product is collected in a system 50 comprising upper valve 51 and lower valve 52, and intermediate silo 53 and then directed to post-treatment system 90 for activation aiming at industrial utilization. The process using the system 100 of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A heat transfer system and use thereof. The heat transfer system provides for the combustion of a fuel and the use of heat energy released by the combustion to heat a process fluid and to preheat the fuel and oxidant prior to their combustion. The heat transfer system includes three tubes with a fuel introduction tube surrounded by an oxidant introduction tube that is surrounded by a process tube. A heat transfer system having the appropriate geometry may provide for the flameless combustion of the fuel. The heat transfer system may also be integrated into other systems such as heat exchangers and catalytic process systems.

Abstract: A reforming device includes a reforming portion generating reformed gas from a mixed gas, in which fuel and steam are mixed and including a reforming portion loop-back channel provided at the reforming portion so as to extend along an axis line thereof, a combusting portion provided at an inner circumference of the reforming portion in order to generate combustion gas, a combustion gas channel including a loop-back channel within which the combustion gas flows, an evaporating portion generating steam by heating water and supply steam to the reforming portion; and a carbon monoxide reducing portion provided at an outer circumferential wall of the evaporating portion in order to reduce a level of carbon monoxide in the reformed gas that has been exhaled by the reforming portion, and in order to supply such reformed gas to a fuel cell.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided simplified systems and methods for catalytically deactivating, removing, or reducing the levels of reactive component(s) from the vapor phase of fuel storage tanks. The simple apparatus described herein can be utilized to replace complex OBIGGS systems on the market. Simply stated, in one embodiment of the invention, the vapor phase from the fuel tank is passed over a catalytic bed operated at appropriate temperatures to allow the reaction between free oxygen and the fuel vapor by oxidation of the fuel vapor, thus deactivating reactive component(s) in the gas phase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chamber in which a chemical reaction is carried out in the presence of catalyst and reagents, comprising at least one catalytic tube (10) into which is placed an internal tube (12) for evacuating the gas that is produced, means for introducing reagents (15) and means for introducing the catalyst (16) that are located in the upper portion of the chamber (1), means for heating the catalytic tube (10) that are arranged in the lower portion of the chamber (1), and in which the catalytic tube (10) comprises, in its upper portion above the catalyst (13), means that promote heat exchange between the reagents and the gas that is produced. The invention also relates to the process that uses this chamber.

Abstract: A syngas reforming reactor has a shell-and-tube configuration wherein the shell-side fluid flow path through the tube bundle has a longitudinal configuration. The reactor can include a shell-side inlet fluid distributor plate below the lower end of the tube bundle, and a flow sleeve in an enlarged-diameter discharge annulus at an upper end adjacent the tube sheet to prevent short-circuiting of the shell-side fluid into the shell-side fluid outlet. The tube bundle can include a plurality of ring baffles and lattice baffles. The longitudinal flow configuration can provide a lower shell-side pressure drop and lower cost compared to a conventional cross-flow reforming exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel reformer which is relatively simple in structure and can be manufactured at a low cost is provided.

Abstract: A reaction furnace utilizing high-temp steam and recirculated heat source to separate mercury and crack dioxin and organic substances contained in waste includes a first combustion chamber having a burner for producing high-temp hot gas, which is sent to a second combustion chamber for heating a reaction chamber and a high-temp steam generator therein. High-temp steam produced by the high-temp steam generator is introduced into the reaction chamber for decomposing or distilling waste being treated. Gas mixture produced in the reaction chamber is discharged to a gas mixture treatment system for separation. Fuel gas and fuel oil separated from the gas mixture are introduced into the burner for producing the high-temp hot gas, and waste water separated form the gas mixture is led to the high-temp steam generator for producing the high-temp steam. And, soil in the waste that has been treated is discharged via a discharge outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ablative thermolysis reactor (12) comprising a reaction vessel (20), and inlet (14) into the reaction vessel (20) for receiving feedstock, and an outlet from the reaction vessel (20) for discharging thermolysis product. Within the reaction vessel (20), is provided an ablative surface (20a) defining the periphery of a cylinder, and heating means (22) are arranged to heat the ablative surface (20a) to an elevated temperature. In addition at least one rotatable surface (28) having an axis of rotation coincident with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder. The rotatable surface (28) is provided relative to the ablative surface (20a) such that feedstock is pressed between a part of the rotatable surface (28) and said ablative surface (20a) and moved along the ablative surface (20a) by the rotatable surface (28), whereby to thermolyse said feedstock.

Abstract: A reactor air supply system including a first air inlet configured to receive air supplied from a first air supply. The system includes a burner having a burner nozzle configured to discharge fuel for mixing with the first air and configured to ignite the fuel/air mixture. A second air inlet is provided that is configured to receive heated air supplied from a second air supply, and a duct is provided to receive the ignited fuel/air mixture and the heated air supplied from the second air supply. The duct has an outlet configured to connect to a reactor. The duct is configured to receive the heated second air such that the heated second air mixes with the ignited fuel/air mixture at a location downstream of the burner.

Abstract: A subsurface thermally autogenous reactor and method has downgoing and upgoing flow passages connected at the bottom to form a U-tube and in heat exchange relation to each other. The downgoing and upgoing flow passages each have an upper heat exchange section and a lower reaction section. An air injection system injects air into the downgoing flow passage between the heat exchange and reaction sections. The cross sectional area of the upgoing heat exchange section is greater than the cross sectional area of the downgoing heat exchange section to balance the downgoing and upgoing flow velocities. The downgoing heat exchange section has multiple tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

Abstract: The invention relates to both a method and apparatus for thermal cracking hydrocarbons. The apparatus includes a rotating conical drum assembly within a vessel containing a hydrocarbon feedstock. The conical drum assembly is internally heated to cause cracking of hydrocarbons adjacent the conical drum surface and the formation of coke on its external surface as the conical drum rotates. Coke is removed from the drum surface by a coke removal system and cracked hydrocarbon product is collected as a vapor.

Abstract: A fuel modification apparatus is equipped with evaporators for evaporating a raw fuel as a fuel to be modified, a super heater for elevating the temperature of the above evaporated raw fuel to a temperature required for the modification, a modification vessel for modifying the above raw fuel having an elevated temperature to form a modified gas, and a pre-heater for preheating a heating fluid for evaporating the above raw fuel in the evaporator. The evaporators are arranged on a concentric circle, surrounding the superheater.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the preparation of synthesis gas by catalytic steam and/or CO2 reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the following steps: (a) heating the reaction mixture of hydrocarbon and steam and/or CO2 in a heated steam reforming unit integrated with the flue gas containing waste heat section from the fired tubular reformer in which reforming of the reaction mixture takes place by contact with a solid reforming catalyst (b) feeding the partially steam reformed mixture to the fired tubular reformer and further reforming the mixture to the desired composition and temperature, wherein the heated steam reforming unit comprises a piping system containing reaction sections with solid reforming catalyst comprising catalyst pellets and/or catalysed structured elements, the piping system being part of the process gas piping system integrated with the flue gas-containing waste heat section.

Abstract: A synthesis furnace has a furnace chamber surrounded by a circumferential furnace wall, in which burners are disposed essentially in one plane, with burner exit direction directed downward, and reaction tubes are disposed essentially vertically and parallel to one another. The reaction tubes are heated externally by the ignited burners. To improve the heat distribution and the entire heat transfer in as simple a manner as possible, in terms of design and control technology, at least the outer burners disposed in the vicinity of the furnace wall have a burner exit direction that runs at an incline away from the center of the furnace in relation to the vertical.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of microorganisms on a product using ultrasonic energy is disclosed. The process comprises contacting a product with an ultrasonic horn assembly and generating ultrasonic energy sufficient to result in a microorganism destruction rate of at least a 1-log kill.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for converting a hydrocarbon-containing flow of matter (4) to a hydrogen-enriched fluid flow (10) includes a heating apparatus (5) for production of a heating stream (6), whereby the flow of matter (4) is converted to the hydrogen-enriched fluid flow (10) in a first converter (2) as well as in a second converter (3) arranged behind the first converter in a flow direction. A heating element (8) that is flowed-through by the heating stream (6) is provided for heating at least one of the two converters (2, 3). The invention provides an improved system efficiency, in that a disadvantageous cooling of the second converter (2) is effectively avoided. This is achieved according to the present invention in that at least in one operating phase, the heating stream (6) flows to the second converter (3) completely in a counterflow to the flow of matter (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to piping for use as a pyrolysis tube in a cracking furnace. The tube is formed such that it has at least one section whose centreline curves in three dimensions, to induce swirl flow in the tube. Preferably, the tube is formed as a helix, more preferably a low-amplitude helix.