CONTROL OF A CRACKING FURNACE

Measurements of process variables associated with a cracking furnace are utilized to calculate the actual maximum tube skin temperature for the cracking furnace. The thus calculated actual maximum tube skin temperature is then utilized to derive a control signal which may be utilized to manipulate the rate at which heat is supplied to the cracking furnace. The accurate prediction of the actual tube skin temperature based on actual process measurements enables the conversion rate for the cracking furnace to be substantially maximized while preventing damage to the cracking tubes.