CO gas from an FCC or Coker unit can be utilized for energy recovery by means of both sensible heat and heat of combustion. Waste heat can be recovered for the heating of process fluids or the production of steam. Depending on the application, the equipment will be designated as a CO fired heater [COFH] or a CO fired boiler COB.

Both applications will use essentially the same equipment arrangement and design. CO gas is incinerated in an adiabatic combustor using support fuel such as refinery fuel gas or natural gas. Heat recovery takes place in a convective heat transfer section where a process fluid is heated. When steam is produced, the CO heater is more commonly referred to as a CO boiler. This type of equipment saw its developement from natural draft units firing fuel and natural gas.

The extension to CO gas firing requires a pressurized unit and gives rise to major integrity issues. The pictures below show testing of the unit for cabin integrity prior to commissioning. Leakage occurred at all joints and required extensive repairs prior to startup. These were successful and the unit has given long term superior performance in spite of an inauspicious beginning.

Under Construction - front view	Under Construction - front view	Legacy model
Under Construction - front view	Under Construction - front view	Completed construction
Testing of Flue gas side ducting	Cabin manway door leakage	Burner front condition
more to come !