Lummus/Braskem to partner on electrified cracking heater in Brazil

Tech firm Lummus Technology and Braskem, the largest bio-based polymer producer in the world, say that they will carry out joint studies related to the industrial demonstration of Lummus’ SRT-e electric cracking heater to decarbonise one of Braskem’s sites in Brazil. The study will set the basis for the eventual negotiation between Lummus and Braskem of a definitive agreement that will, among other things, establish the general guidelines by which such implementation will take place.

The SRT-e electric cracking heater leverages Lummus’ proven Short Residence Time (SRT) technology modified to operate using electricity and incorporates a modular unit-cell design that can be replicated for plants to accommodate any commercial capacity. The technology uses all commercially demonstrated components, plus an optimum heat flux profile leading to a longer radiant coil life and longer run length. In addition, decoking can be carried out on a unit-cell basis so maintaining a spare heater is not required.

This initiative is part of Braskem’s ambitions to combat climate change, which includes reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Our ambition is to considerably reduce CO2 emissions and increase the sustainability of our products through innovation, in-house developments, and important partnerships. Lummus’ SRT-e technology will help Braskem achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, which will help increase energy efficiency at our crackers,” said Antonio Queiroz, Braskem VP for Innovation, Technology and Sustainable Development. “Expanding the use of renewable electricity and renewable materials will enable Braskem to reduce its carbon footprint in the production of ethylene, propylene and other chemicals.”

Lummus has supplied heat transfer equipment and systems to the process and power industries for more than 80 years. Specialising in heat transfer solutions and systems for critical process environments, Lummus has produced industry-leading technology for fired heaters, including the Short Residence Time (SRT) pyrolysis furnace, and heat exchangers, including the Helixchanger heat exchanger and Lablex and Polaris Lummus advanced breech-lock exchanger.