IMPROOF Project
A European research initiative to modernize furnace technology and reduce environmental impact.
Steam cracking is one of the most energy-intensive processes in the petrochemical industry. As part of the EU-funded IMPROOF project (Integrated Model Guided Process Optimization of Steam Cracking Furnaces), Schmidt + Clemens contributed advanced materials and coil design expertise to help increase furnace efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower CO2 and NOx emissions. The project focused on implementing new technologies into industrial-scale furnaces without compromising operational flexibility.
The IMPROOF project aimed to develop and validate advanced technologies that would:
- Increase overall furnace energy efficiency by at least 20%
- Reduce CO2 and NOx emissions per ton of ethylene by 25% or more
- Extend continuous operation (time-on-stream) by a factor of 3
- Enable the use of renewable fuels such as biogas and bio-oil
- Improve cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility in existing assets
[Translate to Englisch:] Project Participants
A Joint Effort of Academia and Industry[Translate to Englisch:] The IMPROOF project was coordinated by Ghent University and brought together a diverse consortium of industrial and academic partners.
The consortium consisted of universities, research centers, technology developers, and end-users from across Europe. Each partner contributed specific expertise in combustion modeling, catalyst development, materials science, and industrial furnace operation. Schmidt + Clemens was selected for its long-standing experience in high-alloy tube systems and its leading role in high-temperature metallurgy for steam reforming and cracking applications.
[Translate to Englisch:] S+C Contribution
Advanced Tube Materials and Design for Modern Steam Crackers[Translate to Englisch:] Schmidt + Clemens contributed two core technologies to the IMPROOF project:
- Centralloy® HT E – a high-temperature Ni-based alloy with a stable aluminum oxide layer, ensuring prolonged tube life, reduced carburization, and enhanced resistance to coking under cyclic operation.
- SCOPE® Fusion HT E – a patented internal profile geometry that enhances feed gas flow, improves heat transfer, and lowers skin temperatures. The combination of material and geometry significantly increases tube longevity and energy efficiency.
These technologies were evaluated against alternative solutions and ultimately implemented in the project’s demonstration furnace.
Results from the Field: Lower Coking, Higher Efficiency
Benchmarking S+C technology in the world’s most efficient steam cracker.During the course of the project, SCOPE® Fusion HT E was benchmarked against conventional tube systems. Results showed:
- Significantly lower coke formation
- Improved feed conversion and product selectivity
- Lower tube wall temperatures
- Extended operational cycles without tube failure
The technology was installed in the project’s demonstration furnace, which was later named “the world’s most efficient steam cracker.” Performance targets were not only met but exceeded in key areas such as emission reduction and thermal efficiency.
After laboratory-scale trials, an end-user’s steam cracker was equipped with SCOPE® fusion HT E Coils. The result left no room for doubt. Compared to standard materials, S+C’s technology significantly reduces the greenhouse gasoutput, while at the same time raising the efficiency of the cracker.

Point of contact
Advanced Engineering Services
Contact Department
Phone: +49 2266 92-929
Email: salespetro(at)schmidt-clemens.com
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