Issuing body
API
Latest edition
5th Edition (2016, A1 2020)
Region
USA, Global
Equipment items
3
Scope
Direct-fired heaters used in refining and general process service. Identical to ISO 13705.
Key requirements (10)
- Fired heaters for refining and petrochemical service.
- Types: cabin (vertical), box (horizontal tube radiant), cylindrical (vertical or horizontal).
- Heat flux limits (radiant): typical 30,000 BTU/hr·ft² (95 kW/m²) for crude/vacuum; up to 50,000 for ethane cracking.
- Tube design temperature: peak film temperature + 25 °F (14 °C) margin typical.
- Tube life / creep: per API 530 — Larson-Miller parameter.
- Burner sizing: 1.2 × maximum design heat release.
- Excess air: 15% for fuel gas, 20% for fuel oil typical at full load.
- Casing temperature: < 82 °C (180 °F) at design.
- Flame impingement: tube clearance ≥ 1× tube OD typical.
- Convection section: extended-surface (finned/studded) tubes; first row typically bare.
Related standards (2)
Applied to 3 equipment items
Fired Equipment
Insulation & Refractory