Lummus Technology, a global pioneer in process technologies and sustainable energy solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its journey towards decarbonizing petrochemical manufacturing. The company has successfully started up its commercial demonstration unit for the SRT-e electric heater technology at its research and development center in Pasadena, Texas.

The SRT-e technology leverages electricity as a heat source, a departure from traditional fossil fuel-based heating methods.

Rutger Theunissen, Chief Business Officer at Lummus Technology, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “The successful demonstration startup of the SRT-e design closes the gap in helping our customers lower their greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging our proven SRT heater technology, customers can reduce emissions while maintaining the safety, reliability and performance expected from our cracking heater solutions.”

The SRT-e technology is designed to handle a variety of feedstocks, including waste plastic pyrolysis oil and bio-feedstocks, further enhancing its sustainability credentials. Its modular, unit cell design offers scalability, making it suitable for both new capacity expansions and asset replacements. This design also allows for a smaller footprint, addressing space constraints in existing facilities.

One of the key advantages of the SRT-e system is its independent heat input, which ensures uniform heat distribution and enhances process control. This feature also eliminates the need for large spare heaters, streamlining operations and reducing capital expenditure. The system is engineered for safe, continuous, and reliable operation, aligning with the demanding requirements of modern petrochemical plants.

The SRT-e technology builds upon Lummus’ well-established Short Residence Time (SRT) technology, which has been successfully deployed in hundreds of operating units worldwide. This foundation of proven performance and reliability underscores the potential of SRT-e to become a cornerstone of sustainable petrochemical manufacturing.

Lummus Technology’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its continuous development of advanced technologies. With over 80 years of experience in providing industry-leading heater and heat exchanger technology for the process and power industries, Lummus is well-positioned to lead the transition towards a more sustainable future. The successful startup of the SRT-e demonstration unit is a testament to the company’s dedication to developing solutions that address the environmental challenges facing the industry.

This milestone is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric heating in petrochemical manufacturing, paving the way for a significant reduction in the industry’s carbon footprint. As the demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow, Lummus Technology’s SRT-e technology is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the petrochemical industry.