Improving Process Heating System Performance

Course Summary:

This course provides process heating system stakeholders with a reference describing basic process heating processes and equipment, and outlines opportunities for energy and performance improvements. The course also discusses the merits of using a systems approach in identifying and implementing these improvement opportunities. It is not intended to be a comprehensive technical text on improving process heating systems, but serves as a document that raises awareness of potential performance improvement opportunities, provides practical guidelines, and offers suggestions on where to find additional help. The course consists of the following sections:

Section 1: Process Heating System Basics
For users unfamiliar with the basics of process heating systems, or for users seeking a refresher, a brief discussion of the equipment, processes, and applications is provided.

Section 2: Performance Improvement Opportunities
This section discusses key factors for improving the performance of process heating systems.

Section 3: Best Practices Process Heating Performance Improvement Tools
This section describes several resources and tools developed through the best practices initiative within DOE’s Industrial Technologies Program.

Section 4: Process Heating System Economics
To support the improvement opportunities presented in Section 2, this section provides recommendations to justify process heating improvement projects using economic reasoning.

Section 5: Where to Find Help
In addition to a comprehensive listing of resources and tools, this section contains a directory of associations and other organizations engaged in enhancing process heating system efficiency.

Learning Objective:

• Process Heating System Basics
  • Overview
  • Systems Approach
  • Components of a Typical Process Heating System
  • Common Types of Process Heating Systems and Equipment
  • Process Heating Equipment Classification
  • Process Heating Energy Sources
  • Basic Process Heating Operations
• Performance Improvement Opportunities
  • Heat Generation
  • Heat Transfer
  • Heat Containment
  • Heat Recovery
  • Enabling Technologies
• Best Practices Process Heating Performance Improvement Tools
  • Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST)
  • NOx Emission Assessment Tool (NxEAT)
  • The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) System Application Toolfor the Process Heating Industry
• Process Heating Systems Economics
  • Understanding Corporate Priorities
  • Measuring the Dollar Impact of Efficiency
  • Presenting the Finance of Efficiency
  • Relating Efficiency to Corporate Priorities
  • Call to Action
• Where to Find Help
  • The Industrial Technologies Program and Best Practices
  • Directory of Contacts
  • Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA)
  • Other Process Heating System Contacts
  • Resources and Tools

Review the quiz before studying the course.

Course Content

Course Author: US Department of Energy