The present study proposes an optimized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling framework to provide a complete and accurate representation of combustion and heat transfer phenomena in the radiation section of an industrial top-fired steam methane reforming (SMR) furnace containing 64 reforming tubes, 30 burners and 3 flue-gas tunnels. The framework combines fully-coupled appropriate furnace-side models with a 1-D reforming process-side model. Experimental measurements are conducted in terms of outlet temperatures at the flue-gas tunnels, point-wise temperature distributions at the panel walls, and inside the reforming tube collectors which are placed at the refinery plant of Petronor. The final results are compared with the experimental data for validation purpose. The proposed fully coupled 3-D CFD modeling framework, which utilizes a detailed chemical-kinetic combustion mechanism, reproduces well basic flow features including pre-mixed combustion process, downward movement of flue-gas in association with large recirculation zones, radiative heat transfer to the reforming tubes, composition profiles along the reaction core of the reforming tubes, temperature non-uniformities, and fluctuating characteristics of heat flux. The reported non-uniform heat and temperature distributions might be optimized by means of the operating parameters in order to avoid a negative impact on furnace balancing and performance.

本研究提出了一种优化的计算流体动力学 (CFD) 建模框架，以完整准确地表示包含 64 个重整管、30燃烧器和 3 个烟气隧道。该框架将完全耦合的适当炉侧模型与一维重整过程侧模型相结合。实验测量是根据烟气隧道的出口温度、面板壁上的逐点温度分布以及位于 Petronor 炼油厂的重整管收集器内部进行的。将最终结果与实验数据进行比较以进行验证。建议的全耦合 3-D CFD 建模框架，它利用详细的化学动力学燃烧机制，很好地再现了基本流动特征，包括预混燃烧过程、与大再循环区相关的烟气向下运动、向重整管的辐射传热、沿反应核心的成分分布。重整管、温度不均匀性和热通量波动特性。报告的不均匀热量和温度分布可以通过操作参数进行优化，以避免对炉子平衡和性能产生负面影响。沿重整管反应核心的成分分布、温度不均匀性和热通量的波动特征。报告的不均匀热量和温度分布可以通过操作参数进行优化，以避免对炉子平衡和性能产生负面影响。沿重整管反应核心的成分分布、温度不均匀性和热通量的波动特征。报告的不均匀热量和温度分布可以通过操作参数进行优化，以避免对炉子平衡和性能产生负面影响。