NOx/CO emissions and control in ethylene plants

The principal emission source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) from ethylene plants is the pyrolysis furnace. This paper addresses NOx/CO emissions and controls for gas fired pyrolysis furnaces. Typical NOx and CO generation rates for furnaces are quantified. The impact of fuel coposition on NOx generation is discussed. Commercially available and emerging control technologies are reviewed. The relative costs of these controls are compared. Case‐by‐case considerations will dictate the selection of the control technology required to comply with the environmental demands of the specific site.