Purging and pressure relief of the electric heater's radiant housing.

Abstract

Electrical heater systems including one or multiple electrical heaters and a stack for combusting materials leaked into and vented from the electrical heaters. Configurations may include fluid conduits, pressure doors and other equipment for controlling a flow of leaked process fluid between the heater enclosure and the stack. Configurations may also include a purge gas distribution system for purging heater enclosures and preventing thermal shock of electrical heating elements.

Description

1 / 31 “PURGING AND PRESSURE RELIEF OF THE RADIANT BOX OF THE ELECTRIC HEATER” FIELD OF DISSEMINATION

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure are generally related to electric heaters and their use in the processing and heating of hydrocarbons and other substances. The embodiments described herein also allow for the effective treatment of leakage or rupture of the process coil within electric heaters. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric heaters have become an important option for CO2 reduction in petrochemical industries and other sectors where fossil fuels, primarily those containing carbon, are used as an energy source. In a conventional heater, carbon-containing fossil fuels are burned in the heater to provide energy to raise the temperature of the process stream or to support endothermic chemical reactions. Burning carbon-containing fuel will result in CO2 emissions. To minimize CO2 emissions, low-carbon fuel combustion options, such as high-hydrogen fuel or pure hydrogen or ammonia fuel, are being intensively evaluated. Furthermore, when low-carbon fuels are not readily available, the use of electric heating becomes an important option.The supply of electricity can come from green energy or from a source where CO2 can be captured using more economical technologies.

[0003] In the case of electric heaters, the energy comes from electricity and there are no combustion exhaust gases. The electric heating elements radiate energy to the radiant heating surface and to the refractory. The radiant heating surface receives energy from the heating elements and the refractory. Since there is no fuel combustion involved, there will be no combustion gas and therefore a convection section will not be installed. There are also electric heaters in which both the heating elements and the refractory are present. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 121 / 167 2 / 31 heating occurs when the heat-receiving surfaces are immersed in a heat transfer fluid, whereby the electrical energy from the heating elements heats the surrounding heat transfer fluid by heat conduction and / or convective heat transfer, and then the heat transfer fluid transfers the energy to the heat-receiving surface.

[0004] To increase heat transfer efficiency and minimize heat loss and capital cost, electric heaters will have a relatively more compact radiant casing and minimal ambient air movement through the radiant casing. In this way, air leakage into or out of the radiant casing will be controlled.

[0005] However, the electric heater may be handling a combustible hydrocarbon stream or a high-temperature, high-pressure stream. When the process coil carrying the fluid to be heated experiences a mechanical failure, such as cracks or ruptures in the tubing, the process flow may leak into the radiant housing or the electric heater housing. This can result in pressure increases in the radiant or electric heater housing, which can cause a failure in the electric heater structure, or the high-temperature / pressure flow may escape from the radiant housing through steel connection joints in the structure or a penetration area of ​​the coil or heating element, which can lead to open flames or a hazardous working environment around the electric heater area.

[0006] Previous practices for dealing with these leaks may include the use of explosion-proof doors or connecting electric heaters to a combustion heater. Explosion-proof doors, when functioning properly, will protect the heater from excessive pressure. The previous technique of connecting the electric heater to a combustion heater may cause a sudden and unexpected combustion or explosion in the connecting duct before the combustible gases from the electric heater reach the combustion heater. Conversely, the combustible gases from the electric heater may cause overheating in the combustion heater. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 122 / 167 3 / 31 SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED MODALITIES

[0007] The embodiments presented here are directed to electric heaters configured to purge or remove any potential buildup of combustible or hazardous gas within the radiant housing. The embodiments described herein provide a design that will allow purging of the radiant or electric heater housing and pressure relief that directs any combustible or hazardous gas, if leaked into the radiant or electric heater housing, to a safe location. The embodiments described herein also provide a neutral pressure environment under normal operating conditions to minimize any air leakage into or out of the radiant or electric heater housing.

[0008] In one aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to an electric heater system. The electric heating system includes an electric heater comprising a cabinet containing a refractory lining, electric heating elements, and a process coil. The electric heater system also includes a chimney with an air inlet near the bottom of the chimney and a flue gas outlet at the top of the chimney. A fluid conduit fluidly connects the cabinet to the chimney, mediating the air inlet and the flue gas outlet. A pressure relief mechanism is also provided, configured to exhaust fluid from the cabinet into the fluid conduit. The system also includes a flame arrestor configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid conduit into the chimney while simultaneously restricting air or flame flow into the fluid conduit.A pilot light is positioned inside the chimney near the flame support to ignite the fuels that pass from the fluid conduit into the chimney.

[0009] In another aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein refer to an electric heater system. The electric heater system includes an electric heater comprising a cabinet containing a refractory lining, electric heating elements, and a process coil. The electric heater system also includes a chimney with an air inlet near the bottom of the chimney and a combustion gas outlet at the top of the chimney. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 123 / 167 4 / 31 chimney. A fluid conduit fluidly connects the cabinet to the chimney. In addition, a pressure relief mechanism is provided for exhausting fluid from the cabinet to the fluid conduit, and a purge gas distribution system is arranged in a cabinet floor or in a wall along the cabinet floor.

[0010] In another aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein refer to an electric heater system. The electric heater system includes two or more electric heaters, each consisting of a cabinet containing refractory material, electric heating elements, and a process coil. The electric heater system also includes a chimney with an air inlet near the bottom of the chimney and a flue gas outlet at the top of the chimney. A fluid collection system fluidly connects each of the cabinets to the chimney, including fluid inlet conduits, a collector, and a collector outlet.The fluid collection system comprises: a pressure relief mechanism disposed near a fluid outlet of each cabinet, each pressure relief mechanism configured to exhaust fluid from a respective cabinet into a respective fluid inlet conduit; and a manifold fluidically connecting two or more fluid inlet conduits, configured to receive fluids from each of the two or more fluid inlet conduits and direct a flow of received fluids to the manifold outlet. A flame arrester is provided to allow fluid to flow from the manifold outlet to the chimney while restricting airflow or flame in the fluid conduit, and a pilot is disposed within the chimney near the flame arrester.

[0011] In another aspect, the embodiments described herein are directed to a method of operating an electric heating system that includes a cabinet containing refractory material, electric heating elements, and a plurality of process coils. The method includes supplying electrical energy to the electric heating elements to provide radiant energy to the plurality of process coils and passing a process fluid through the plurality of process coils and heating the process fluid by means of radiant energy. During operation, the method may include the detection of a Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 124 / 167 5 / 31 Leakage or rupture of a first process coil, introducing a leaking process fluid into the cabinet. The method then involves directing the leaked process fluid through an outlet from the cabinet to a fluid conduit and from the fluid conduit to a refractory inlet of a chimney, the refractory inlet being disposed between an air inlet and a flue gas outlet of the chimney, and igniting the leaked process fluid inside the chimney by means of a pilot light placed near the refractory inlet.

[0012] In another aspect, the embodiments described herein are directed to a method of shutting down an electric heating system that includes a cabinet containing a refractory lining in the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cabinet, electric heating elements, and one or more process coils. The method includes supplying electrical power to the electric heating elements to provide radiant energy to one or more process coils and to the refractory lining, including the refractory floor; and terminating the supply of electrical power to the electric heating elements. The method further includes heating a purge gas in a distribution system located in the refractory floor and introducing heated purge gas into the cabinet.

[0013] Other aspects and advantages will be evident from the following description and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a combustion heater of the prior art.

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates an electric heater of the prior art.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates an electric heater system according to one or more embodiments of this document.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement of a multiple electric heater system according to one or more of the embodiments in this document.

[0018] Figure 5 illustrates a pressure relief system. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 125 / 167 6 / 31 which is useful with electric heaters and multiple electric heater systems according to one or more embodiments of this document.

[0019] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a design configuration for a chimney of electric heating systems according to one or more of the embodiments in this document.

[0020] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate useful purge systems with the embodiments of electric heater systems according to one or more embodiments of this document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The embodiments described herein generally refer to systems and processes for purging and relieving pressure in electrically heated radiant box heaters.

[0022] As discussed earlier and illustrated in Figure 1, a combustion heater 10 includes a burner 12 that produces a flame 14. The combustion gases then exit through a chimney 16. The plurality of process coils 18 transport the fluid to be heated or processed through the radiant housing of the heater 10. If a process coil leaks or ruptures, the burners and flame will burn the leaked materials, and their combustion products will be carried out of the chimney.

[0023] A conventional heater has a radiant box and an optional convection section for maximum waste heat recovery. Burners are installed in the radiant section. Combustion air enters the heater through the burner wind box, and combustion exhaust is released through a chimney, either by natural draft or by an induced draft fan. The pressure in the radiant box is regulated by a damper inside the chimney or by the induced draft fan.

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 2, an electric heater 20 may include a heater housing 22 and electric heating elements 24 that provide radiant energy to heat the plurality of process coils 26 that carry the fluid to be heated or processed through the Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 126 / 167 7 / 31 heater. In the absence of any means of remediation, the leakage or rupture of a process coil will result in the accumulation of leaked materials within the heater casing, causing damage to the heater itself, the electric heating elements, or both. Furthermore, this accumulation may result in a hazardous area, unsuitable for entry for maintenance of electric heating elements, coils, or refractories, among other heater components, as well as a potential for fire or explosion.

[0025] With an electric heater, there will be no fuel combustion. Air for the radiant box is neither necessary nor preferable to minimize heat transport by air. As there is no combustion gas, a chimney will not be necessary under normal operating conditions. However, when there are cracks or ruptures in the process coil, the process flow will leak into the electric heater box and cause a pressure increase. Therefore, pressure relief is necessary when a crack or rupture occurs in the process coil.

[0026] When an electric heater is designed with a suspended or freestanding chimney, the chimney generates an extra airflow to the radiant box, which causes aerodynamic buoyancy within the radiant box. Furthermore, unburned fuel can only be burned after exiting the chimney, where oxygen will be available. Combustion will depend on a pilot light that can become unstable when the environment changes and may fail to ignite fuel leaking from the chimney.

[0027] When an electric heater is connected to a combustion heater, the leaking fuel may be ignited and burned by the hot combustion gas from the combustion heater. Depending on the fuel concentration and oxygen content in the heater's combustion gas, the fuel may result in high emissions of CO and unburned hydrocarbons, or fail to ignite and cause uncontrolled pollution from combustible hydrocarbons.

[0028] In contrast to what has been said above, the Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 127 / 167 The 8 / 31 embodiments presented here are geared towards electric heaters and their use in the efficient processing and heating of hydrocarbons and other materials, as well as for handling undesirable situations such as the rupture of a process coil. The electric heaters, according to the embodiments described here, include one or more pressure relief ports in a duct, and the duct is connected to a chimney. When there is a pressure increase in the electric heater, the pressure relief port will open and direct the high-pressure flow to the chimney through the connecting duct. The duct and chimney are connected in such a way as not to cause any open flame or result in any hazardous working environment around the electric heater. Thus, the fuel or high-pressure flow will be released in a safe location. The chimney will also include a pilot flame to minimize fuel release into the environment.Furthermore, the system will not accumulate any fuel due to the continuous intake of air inside the heater body or duct, therefore it will not create an explosive mixture.

[0029] The modalities described here also include unique features for controlling the draft of the radiant box. Under normal operating conditions, without cracks or ruptures in the coil, the duct and pressure relief chimney will not induce any extra airflow in the radiant box. When the ambient condition fluctuates, this has no or minimal impact on the aerodynamics of the radiant box; ambient air or hot furnace gas will be less likely to leak through any connection joint of the heater housing, coils, or penetration area of ​​the heating elements.

[0030] When cracks or ruptures occur in the coil, the pressure relief door will open with a relatively low excursion of the radiant box pressure. The fuel or high-pressure / temperature flow will be contained in a controlled environment leading to a chimney. This will not result in an open flame or a hazardous zone near the open explosion doors.

[0031] After the combustible material flows into the chimney, the combustible material, if it has not already combusted with the oxygen in the hot radiant box and hot gas duct, will be ignited by a Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 128 / 167 9 / 31 pilot located at the first point of exit for airflow through the chimney.

[0032] The chimney will generate the necessary airflow to induce ambient air through the regulating dampers at the bottom of the chimney. The more hydrocarbons that leak into the chimney, the higher the combustion temperature and, consequently, the greater the draft and induction of ambient air. This will be self-regulated according to the ambient airflow to complete the combustion of the fuel.

[0033] Furthermore, when a crack or rupture occurs in the process coil, combustible or hazardous fluid may fill the radiant box completely or partially. An improperly introduced purge gas may cause thermal shock to the heating surface of the heating elements. Purging the radiant box will also be necessary before restarting the heater or changing the heater's operating environment. The embodiments described herein may include features for purging the sealed electric heater box enclosure during cooling / shutdown or before startup.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an electric heater system 50 according to some of the embodiments in this document. The system includes an electric heater 52, a chimney 54 and a fluid conduit 56 connecting the electric heater and the chimney. One or more embodiments described herein also include a purge gas distribution system 57.

[0035] The electric heater 52 includes a cabinet 59, along the walls, ceiling and / or floor, in which a refractory (not shown) is disposed. Inside the cabinet are disposed several electric heating elements 58. Also housed inside the cabinet is a plurality of process coils 60, arranged in relation to the electric heating elements so as to be heated by the radiant energy of the electric heating elements, thus supplying energy to a process fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or other reagent or substance, flowing through the process coil.

[0036] Fluid conduit 56 provides a passage of Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 129 / 167 10 / 31 flow connecting an outlet 62 of the cabinet with an inlet 66 of the chimney 54. A pressure relief mechanism 64 and a flame arrestor 67 are provided to control the flow of fluids between the cabinet outlet 62 and the chimney inlet 66. The cabinet outlet 62 may also be called the fluid conduit inlet 62; similarly, the chimney inlet 66 may be called the fluid conduit outlet 66.

[0037] The chimney 54 includes an air inlet 68, near a lower end 70 of the chimney. The chimney 54 may be located on a horizontal plane, in the ground or on an elevated structure. The chimney 54 also includes a combustion gas outlet 72 at an upper part 74 of the chimney. A pilot 76 is provided near the chimney inlet 66 to burn flammable materials flowing from the fluid conduit 56 into the chimney with air received from the draft air inlet 68. The size of the draft air inlet 68 may be fixed or adjustable by a manual or automatic mechanism. The draft air inlet 68 may also be configured to prevent combustible or hot exhaust gases from escaping from the chimney 54. Although not shown in the figure, the draft air inlet 68 may be fluidly connected to a blower that may blow air or other gases into the chimney 54.Finally, the cross-section of the chimney 54 can be configured in a circular, rectangular, or any other shape suitable to the exhaust flow requirements and mechanical constraints. Optionally, an additional pilot 78 can be provided near the flue gas outlet to burn off any incompletely burned materials within the flue gas chimney.

[0038] The systems described herein, such as that illustrated in Figure 3, may also include a pilot flame monitoring device (not shown). For example, a flame rod or a UV scanner may be used to ensure that the pilot is lit and in service, operating as expected. In addition, the systems contained herein may include one or both manual and automated controls (not shown) to set the position of the draft air inlet 68. During normal operation (without ventilation), the door may be kept Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 130 / 167 11 / 31 at a predefined minimum opening and can be fully opened when a leak or coil rupture is detected, controlled by an operator or automatically linked to the leak detection system (sensors etc. placed near the heater outlet, as described above). After resolving the leak or rupture and purging the radiant box, the draft air inlet can return to the normal position.

[0039] Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement of a multiple electric heater system according to the embodiments in this document. Although Figure 3 illustrates a single heater 52 connected to a chimney 54 according to the embodiments in this document, other embodiments include multiple electric heaters connected to a single chimney.

[0040] Figure 4 shows several radiant or electric heating boxes 101 with electric heating. Each electric heater box has at least one pressure relief mechanism (Figure 5, 201). The pressure relief mechanism is located within a duct 102 connected to a manifold, which, as illustrated, includes a common bypass duct 103 connected to a main duct 104. The main duct 104 will connect to a chimney 105 that provides an induced air current to move the fuels or high-pressure / temperature flow to a safe location. The heaters and chimney may be similar to those described in Figure 3. In such an arrangement, the pressure relief mechanisms and the air current flow rate can prevent combustible material from one electric heater box from entering another electric heater box via ducts 102, 103, and 104.The main duct 104 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or have any other shape suitable to the exhaust flow requirements and mechanical constraints. One or more purge connections 106 disposed in the common bypass duct 103 and / or the main duct 104 may be present to maintain conditions in the duct environment.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a pressure relief mechanism 201, such as a pressure relief port, useful in the embodiments of the electric heater systems described herein. Each heater may have one or more Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 131 / 167 12 / 31 ports 201, depending on the pressure relief requirement and the operating conditions of the system. Instrument connections 202 can be used for sampling to detect any leaks in the process flow, such as combustible material or specific components in the process flow. The connection and associated sensors can also be used to detect system pressure variation or temperature excursion. In some embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 201 may be in the closed position to allow isolation of the heating box 101 from other heating boxes in Figure 4. In other embodiments, the pressure relief mechanism 201 may be in the open position when the heating box 101 is under positive pressure exceeding the pressure relief set point or when the pressure relief mechanism 201 receives a positive pressure signal.The pressure relief mechanism 201 can be connected to a mechanical member configured so that the door of the pressure relief mechanism 201 remains intact after being moved to the open position, thus preventing the door or any mechanical part from flowing down the duct when moving to the open position. When the pressure relief mechanism 201 is in the open position, the door can be repositioned from the open to the closed position, manually or automatically. The door of the pressure relief mechanism 201 may include a position indicator (not shown) that can indicate the door's position. The material of the door of the pressure relief mechanism 201 may include insulating material or any other material suitable for the service temperature.

[0042] Downstream of the pressure relief port, there may be an isolation valve, such as a 203 gate valve, a knife valve, a gate valve, or other mechanisms known in the market for use in isolating or blocking gas flow in a conduit. When the radiant box needs to be isolated from the rest of the system for maintenance or when the electric heater is out of service, a positive isolation gate valve can prevent any hazardous gas from migrating to the isolated electric heater. When necessary, a gate valve may be installed, alternatively or additionally, upstream of the pressure relief port. These valves Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 132 / 167 13 / 31 isolation valves can be operated manually or remotely and, in some cases, the valve operation can be performed automatically after an air purge from the radiant box.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a chimney design configuration for electric heating systems according to the embodiments of this document. Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the chimney inlet area.

[0044] Figure 6 shows details of the chimney design. Before the combustible material enters the chimney, there will be a flame support 301. The flame support 301 will create a pressure drop when there is any flow through the flame support, mainly to prevent combustion air from moving to the main duct 104 from the chimney 105. When the combustible material enters the chimney, the pilot 302 near the flame support 301 will ignite the combustible material with oxygen from the bottom of the chimney, or air intake, and it will flow to the chimney outlet 105.

[0045] The amount of ambient air (oxygen) will be determined by the airflow generated by the chimney. When there is no crack or rupture in the coil, there will be no flow of hot gas from the radiant box to the ducts and chimney. The chimney airflow depends primarily on the movement of air around the chimney. When there is a crack or rupture in the coil, combustible material or high-pressure / temperature flow will flow into the chimney due to the higher pressure in the radiant box than the pressure inside the chimney. The hot gas flow will result in an airflow inside the chimney. If the combustible material is ignited, combustion will further increase the airflow due to the temperature rise. A higher airflow will lead to a greater flow of ambient air into the chimney through the lower port 303.

[0046] Ambient air containing a quantity of oxygen will flow upward and mix with the combustible material passing through the flame holder 301. To ensure that all combustible material is burned before being released into the atmosphere, an optional pilot or flame jet 304 may be used. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 133 / 167 14 / 31 installed near the chimney outlet or connected as needed.

[0047] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate useful purge systems with the embodiments of electric heater systems according to the embodiments of this document. Figure 8 shows a possible purge arrangement of the radiant box. The electric heater typically has a narrow protective box for maximum heat transfer and lower heating element temperature to minimize capital cost. A purge flow, such as air, nitrogen, steam, or other gas flow, will flow into the radiant box. The relatively cold purge gas can cause thermal shock on the heating surface or heating elements. To minimize thermal shock, the purge flow release nozzles will be widely distributed across the unoccupied heater floor or end wall.

[0048] The purge system design will have one or more nozzles 401 outside the heater casing. Once opened, the purge flow will flow inside the radiant box through a channel 402 with openings 403. The opening may have different sizes or different numbers to ensure proper flow distribution. The purge flow will be heated by the heat contained in the refractory. In addition, the purge flow will be distributed at a lower speed compared to a single or few nozzle connections. In this way, thermal shock and atmospheric disturbance (turbulence) inside the heater can be avoided. Under normal operating conditions, the nozzle will be in the closed position with blind flanges or valves 404. When purging is required, the nozzle can be opened.

[0049] Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of a useful purge system with embodiments of electric heater systems according to the embodiments of this document. Similar to Figure 8, a nozzle or a plurality of nozzles 401 provides a purge gas flow to a distribution system. In this embodiment, the channel 402 is provided through the refractory and an arrangement of distributor nozzles 403 is provided to distribute the purge gas in the cabinet. To control the purge gas flow in the cabinet, the distributor nozzles 403 may have varying sizes distributed along the length (width or Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 134 / 167 15 / 31 diameter, as applicable) of the distribution area to provide a uniform amount of flow per nozzle based on the pressure drop across the distributor nozzle openings. Although only one 401 nozzle is shown in the figure, each heating box may have one or more 401 nozzles.

[0050] As briefly described with regard to the Figures in the description above, electric heater systems according to the embodiments presented herein include an electric heater, a chimney, and a fluid conduit. Electric heater systems, according to some embodiments presented herein, include two or more electric heaters fluidly connected to a chimney by fluid conduits that feed a common chimney manifold.

[0051] The electric heater (or heaters) includes a cabinet containing refractory material, electric heating elements, and a process coil. The cabinet may be a sealed cabinet, thus limiting the entry and exit of gases, such as ambient air. While it is useful to contain some amount of oxygen within the cabinet for normal operation, it is undesirable for the cabinet to “breathe,” as this could introduce hazardous compositions into the operating area around the cabinet during a leak or rupture event of the process coil. Instead, a sealed cabinet is desirable so that any components that might be introduced into the cabinet by a leak or rupture of the process coil can be removed via the fluid conduit and sent to the chimney for proper combustion of combustible components, such as hydrocarbons, and expulsion of high-temperature / high-pressure fluids, such as superheated steam within the heater, to the atmosphere in a safe location.

[0052] The refractory lining can be arranged along the walls, ceiling and / or floor of the interior of the cabinet. The electric heating elements can also be arranged along the walls, ceiling and / or floor of the cabinet, spaced from the refractory lining. The electric heating elements can be suspended inside the cabinet, such as hanging from the ceiling, connected to the walls or connected to the floor of the cabinet. Alternatively, the electric heating elements can Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pages 135 / 167 16 / 31 can be suspended within the cabinet, such as hanging from the refractory along the ceiling, connected to the refractory along the walls, or connected to the refractory along the cabinet floor. Appropriate electrical connections may also run through the cabinet and the refractory to supply and distribute power to the electric heating elements.

[0053] One or more process coils may be arranged within the cabinet. The process coils may include, for example, coils that can be used to heat hydrocarbons, heat water, boil water, superheat heating steam, crack hydrocarbons, or provide energy to many other fluids, as is known in the art. Various arrangements of the coils and their disposition within the cabinet are also known for efficiently capturing and transferring radiant energy from the electric heating elements and the refractory to the process fluid.

[0054] In addition to the other components described above, the sealed enclosure also includes an outlet for ventilation of the enclosure, as well as an inlet for the controlled introduction of air or a purge gas into the enclosure. The enclosure outlet is connected to a fluid conduit to direct the exhaust flow from the enclosure to the chimney, which may be located at a certain distance from the enclosure. This distance may be based on the materials being processed in the process coils and the associated hazard classification, the maximum flow through a ruptured coil, and the maximum thermal energy that may result from combustion within the chimney, among other factors.

[0055] To control the fluid flow from the cabinet to the chimney and to limit or eliminate the possibility of backflow from the chimney into the fluid conduit, electric heater systems according to the embodiments in this document include a pressure relief mechanism and a flame arrestor. The pressure relief mechanism may be disposed at the cabinet outlet or slightly below the cabinet outlet and may be configured to maintain a pressure within the electric heater cabinet of a few inches of water, such as from more than 0 to 1.25 kPa (zero to about five inches) of water (gauge pressure, one Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 136 / 167 17 / 31 slightly above atmospheric pressure). The pressure relief mechanisms useful in the embodiments described herein may include a pressure gate, which may be gravity- or spring-operated to maintain the desired backpressure, a backpressure flap, or other types of backpressure valves or regulators known in the art and suitable for use with the fluid conduit or pipeline. In addition to the gate mechanism, the pressure gates useful in the embodiments described herein may include any mechanical member that includes a shaft through the gate so that the gate does not detach when in the open position, and may be operated manually or by an actuator to open and close the gate, or both, and may include flexible strips between the gate or a structure fixed to the pipeline. The gate mechanism may be composed of any material suitable for the service temperature, including, but not limited to, insulating material.Furthermore, the pressure relief mechanism door can normally operate in the closed position and can only be in the open position when the heater housing reaches a positive pressure that exceeds the pressure setpoint of the pressure relief mechanism or when the pressure relief mechanism receives the necessary positive pressure signal. The pressure relief mechanism door may enter the closed position due to gravity or an external force. Finally, a position indicator may be included in the pressure relief mechanism to indicate the door's position status, i.e., whether the door is in the open or closed position.

[0056] The flame support may be disposed at the outlet of the fluid conduit (chimney inlet). Similarly, a pilot may be disposed within the chimney near the chimney inlet, close to the flame support, thereby igniting any combustible material received from the fluid conduit within the chimney. The pilot may be an electric igniter, an open flame, or other ignition devices known in the art.

[0057] The flame arrester allows the flow of vapors from the fluid conduit to the chimney, while restricting the flow of vapors from the chimney to the fluid conduit. In other words, the pressure inside the fluid conduit and the pressure drop across the flame arrester must be sufficient in Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 137 / 167 18 / 31 comparison with the pressure inside the chimney near the flame support to prevent the flow of oxygen and other vapors into the fluid conduit. It is desirable to prevent the flame front from shifting into the fluid conduit towards the heater cabinet, keeping the flame within the chimney location, and therefore the configuration and design of the flame support must be sufficient to keep the flame only within the chimney (no open flame towards the chimney). The flame support can be, for example, a porous flame support, a honeycomb refractory, a metallic flow spoiler, or a device to create a stable flow recirculation zone, among other possible configurations similar to a porous refractory wall or a refractory wall with openings.

[0058] The flue inlet in the chimney may be located between the top and bottom of the chimney. An air inlet, which supplies combustion air to the chimney, may be located at a lower end of the chimney, allowing the influx of cold air. The size of the air inlet may be fixed or adjustable by manual or automatic methods. In embodiments where the size of the air draft inlet is adjustable, the device that allows adjustment of the air draft inlet size may additionally prevent the escape of any combustible or hot exhaust gas from the chimney. Furthermore, the air inlet may be fluidly connected to a blower configured to blow air or other gases into the chimney. The chimney may also include a combustion gas outlet at the top of the chimney.As noted above, the airflow within the chimney, from the airflow inlet to the flame support and the flue gas outlet, should have essentially no impact on the airflow within the heater housing or fluid conduit. A neutral airflow within the heater housing and fluid conduit is desired during normal operation. At most, during normal operation without ruptures or leaks, the slight heating of the air within the chimney provided by the pilot light may cause a slight pull on the fluid conduit due to the Bernoulli effect. However, this pull should be minimal, and the flame support can be designed to prevent the flow within the chimney from affecting the airflow. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 138 / 167 19 / 31 inside the fluid conduit and heater box. Before the fuel flows into the chimney, the flame support will create a pressure drop when there is any flow through it, mainly to prevent combustion air from moving into the chimney fluid conduit. When the fuel flows into the chimney, the pilot light near the flame support will ignite the fuel with the oxygen flowing from the bottom of the chimney to the chimney outlet.

[0059] The amount of ambient air (oxygen) will be determined by the airflow generated by the chimney. When there is no crack or rupture in the coil, there will be no flow of hot gas from the radiant box to the ducts and chimney. The chimney airflow depends primarily on the movement of air around the chimney. When there is a crack or rupture in the coil, combustible material or high-pressure / temperature flow will flow into the chimney due to the higher pressure in the heater box than the pressure inside the chimney. The hot gas will result in an airflow inside the chimney. If the combustible material is ignited, combustion will further increase the airflow due to the temperature rise. A larger airflow will lead to a greater flow of ambient air into the chimney through the bottom port. The ambient air containing a quantity of oxygen will flow upwards and mix with the fuel passing through the flame support.To ensure that all fuels are burned before being released into the atmosphere, an optional pilot light or flame jet can be installed near the chimney outlet or switched on as needed (at the flue gas outlet or near the top of the chimney).

[0060] Although described above with respect to a lower, upper, and intermediate part of the chimney, it should be recognized that the chimney inlet must be located at an appropriate height so that airflow develops properly within the chimney, in order to avoid flame extinction, fuel backflow, or other undesirable effects. Thus, locating the chimney inlet intermediate between the draft air inlet and the flue gas outlet allows for proper flow and combustion of fuels within the chimney. With the chimney inlet and combustion occurring within the chimney, Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 139 / 167 20 / 31 for example, slightly above or below the average chimney height, the configurations described here also allow combustion to be maintained at a higher temperature and, at the same time, provide additional residence time for combustion at the higher temperature before the flue gas is expelled into the atmosphere. This can provide more complete combustion as well as a smaller radiant zone around the chimney, which can have advantages in the design and location of the plant layout. In this way, the draft air inlet is located near a lower part or the bottom of the chimney, the flue gas outlet is at the top of the chimney, and the chimney inlet / flame holder / pilot is arranged between the draft air inlet and the flue gas outlet. Finally, the chimney can have any shape that is suitable for the exhaust flow and mechanical requirements, and the chimney can be located on a horizontal plane in the ground or on an elevated structure.

[0061] The heater enclosure, as mentioned above, includes an inlet for the controllable introduction of a purge gas. The purge gas may be, for example, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other suitable gases that can be used to establish an environment within the enclosure during startup, to sweep the enclosure during a leak or rupture event, and / or to control or establish an environment within the enclosure during shutdown or maintenance. The purge gas may be introduced as needed by means of natural or forced air draw from an appropriate source.

[0062] Although the introduction and control of the environment within the cabinet can be provided by introducing purge gas anywhere in the cabinet, some embodiments described herein take advantage of the natural airflow within the cabinet, sweeping from or near the floor of the cabinet to the cabinet outlet, which may be located at or near the ceiling of the cabinet, such as near the top of a cabinet wall. In this way, the heat from the heating elements can cause a natural airflow within the cabinet, going from the lower inlet to the upper outlet. In some embodiments, the cabinet bleed inlet is located on a floor of the cabinet. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 140 / 167 21 / 31 In other configurations, the cabinet purge inlet is located along a wall close to the floor, such as along the wall just above the floor, intermediate between the floor and the lowest electric heating elements.

[0063] The purge inlet of the cabinet, according to the embodiments described herein, is configured to provide a distributed flow of purge gas to the cabinet. By distributing the flow along or through the floor of the cabinet, it is possible to provide a relatively low velocity of the purge gas, limiting disturbance (turbulence, flow eddies) within the cabinet, which can affect the efficiency of the sweep.

[0064] The distribution of the purge gas flow can be provided, for example, by flow conduits, tunnels or channels within or under the refractory wall or floor. In some embodiments, a porous refractory can allow the distribution of the purge gas through the wall or floor. In other embodiments, a network of pipes, channels or tunnels under or within the refractory can be provided to receive and distribute the purge gas in the cabinet.

[0065] Arranging the purge gas distribution near (inside or below) the refractory is advantageous when introducing the purge gas when the electric heating elements are hot. As the purge gas travels through the distribution network, it can be heated by the refractory before exiting the distributor into the cabinet. In this way, thermal shock to the heating elements can be avoided. Furthermore, distributing the flow over a larger area provides a relatively low velocity, further limiting the shock that can occur due to any temperature difference between the introduced purge gas and the nearest electric heating elements.During shutdown procedures, the natural airflow, distributed flow, and heat exchange with the refractory during distribution can also provide an overall slow cooling effect on the heater, which may limit or prevent negative impacts on the electric heating elements. Although not expected to be necessary, the embodiments in this document also contemplate preheating the purge gas before introducing the purge gas into the distributor. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 141 / 167 22 / 31

[0066] As mentioned above, the purge gas can be distributed through the floor and / or the lower parts of the cabinet walls. The refractory bricks can be porous refractories, under which tunnels, channels, or piping can be provided to distribute the purge gas under or within the porous refractory. In other embodiments, a perforated pipe can be provided under the refractory. In other embodiments, the refractory bricks or concrete can be provided with openings to distribute the purge gas flow in the cabinet. In embodiments with perforated piping or spaced openings, the openings or perforations near the primary flow inlet can be smaller, and the openings or perforations distal to the primary flow inlet can be larger, thus equalizing the purge gas distribution along the network, introducing a reasonably uniform flow rate throughout the distribution area.

[0067] In some embodiments, the purge gas distribution system may be fluidly connected to an air supply and a nitrogen or carbon dioxide supply. It may be preferable to purge with nitrogen, for example, limiting any possible reaction or combustion until the flow reaches the chimney. However, for maintenance purposes and safe entry into the cabinet, it may be necessary or preferable to have a breathable environment inside the cabinet. In addition, some amount of oxygen may be required for typical electric heater operations, such as an environment with at least 12% by volume of molecular oxygen, and therefore the ability to introduce air or oxygen into the cabinet, or to introduce air or oxygen in a controllable manner into the cabinet, may allow the atmosphere to be set or reset for each startup, normal operation, purge, shutdown or maintenance.Since the cabinet is a sealed enclosure with minimal or no airflow during normal operations, the purge gas supply system allows for easy control or adjustment of the environment inside the cabinet.

[0068] Sensors can be supplied inside the enclosure, inside the fluid conduit and / or inside the chimney to measure an environment close to the sensor. The sensors, for example, can be supplied to measure a Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 142 / 167 23 / 31 or more temperature, pressure, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content, fuel content, nitrogen content, flow, or other diverse environmental conditions. The sensors may be located, for example, immediately upstream of a pressure relief mechanism, near the cabinet outlet. As another example, the sensors may be located immediately downstream of a pressure relief mechanism. In other embodiments, the sensors may be located both upstream and downstream of the pressure relief mechanism.

[0069] Small, continuous leaks, for example, can consume some of the oxygen present in the heater cabinet. Thus, a sensor can detect a change in oxygen content, a change in carbon dioxide content, or an increase in temperature or pressure, indicating a possible leak that can be investigated. Even with a small leak, the small increase in pressure can result in a small discharge through a pressure port, and therefore a sensor located inside the pressure relief mechanism or even downstream of it can be used to monitor the cabinet environment for leaks. A ruptured pipe will be more apparent.

[0070] Sensor readings can be provided to a control system. The control system can enable monitoring and control of heater operations, such as monitoring inlet and outlet temperatures, pressures, electric heating element operations, and other heater aspects. Additionally, the control system can be configured to infer a condition or a change in a condition from an environment within the cabinet. For example, a small change in the carbon dioxide content of a sensor within the cabinet or downstream of the pressure relief mechanism could trigger a control system to send a visual or audible alarm indicating a possible leak in the process coil.

[0071] As described above for a single heater, multiple heater arrangements, such as those illustrated in Figure 4, may include, for each individual heater of the multiple heaters, relief mechanisms of Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 143 / 167 24 / 31 pressure, sensors, and purge gas distribution systems. Furthermore, while a pressure port near a cabinet outlet can prevent backflow of exhaust from one heater to another, multiple pressure relief mechanisms (multiple pressure ports) can be provided along the manifold along the flow path from a heater bank to the chimney to effectively limit the potential for backflow in one or more heater banks. The manifold along the flow path from a heater bank to the chimney can be a duct of any shape suitable to the exhaust flow requirements and mechanical constraints, including but not limited to cylindrical or rectangular. Additionally, there may be purge connections at one or more points along the duct to allow for maintenance of the duct environment.

[0072] As described above for the electric heater, the radiant box purge and pressure relief will be useful for the safe operation of the heater. The purge and pressure relief need to be reliable and safe. On the other hand, the system should not interfere with the normal operation of the heater. The embodiments described here provide purge and pressure relief only when necessary and do not interfere with the normal operation of the heater. When the purge and pressure relief system is activated, it will not cause any thermal shock to the heating surface or heating elements. The pressure relief will not create an open flame to impose any hazardous environment that could endanger operators or nearby equipment. The release of hazardous fuel or flow will be channeled to a safe location.In particular, the pressure relief will be self-regulating and will require minimal operator intervention, which increases safety protection for the operator and for surrounding equipment or structures.

[0073] As described above, the embodiments described herein are directed to an electric heater system. In some embodiments, the electric heater system includes an electric heater and a chimney. The electric heater may include a cabinet containing a refractory lining, electric heating elements, and a process coil. The chimney has an air inlet near the bottom of the chimney and a gas outlet. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 144 / 167 25 / 31 Combustion at the top of the chimney. A fluid conduit connects the cabinet to the chimney at an intermediate location between the air inlet and the combustion gas outlet. A pressure relief mechanism is disposed of at an outlet on the cabinet or within the fluid conduit, configured to exhaust fluid from the cabinet into the fluid conduit and thence into the chimney. A flame support within the chimney is configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid conduit into the chimney while simultaneously restricting air or flame flow into the fluid conduit. Additionally, a pilot light is disposed within the chimney near the flame support to ignite the fuels flowing from the cabinet into the chimney.

[0074] In some embodiments, the flame support comprises a porous flame support, a honeycomb refractory, a metallic flux spoiler, or a device for creating a stable flux recirculation zone. In some embodiments, the system also includes a pilot located at the flue gas outlet or near the top of the chimney.

[0075] The pressure relief mechanism of some embodiments of this document comprises a pressure port, a backpressure valve, a backpressure regulator or a backpressure flap.

[0076] Electric heating systems according to the embodiments described herein may include a purge gas distribution system located on a cabinet floor. In other embodiments, the electric heating systems described herein may include a purge gas distribution system located on a wall along a cabinet floor. Each heating box in the electric heating system may include one or more purge gas connections from the purge gas distribution system.

[0077] The systems according to the various embodiments described herein may also include a sensor disposed within the enclosure, wherein the sensor is configured to measure one or more properties of an environment within the enclosure. In other embodiments, the systems described herein may additionally or alternatively include a sensor disposed within the fluid conduit near the pressure relief mechanism, wherein the sensor is configured to Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 145 / 167 26 / 31 measure one or more properties of an environment within the fluid conduit.

[0078] Several embodiments of the systems described herein also include an intermediate isolation valve between the enclosure and the pressure relief mechanism, an isolation valve downstream of the pressure relief mechanism, or both.

[0079] The system embodiments described herein may also include a control system configured to infer an environmental condition within the cabinet based on a sensor reading located within the fluid conduit. Some embodiments of the control systems described herein, such as a distributed control system or other computerized control systems commonly used in commercial installations, may include programming or stored instructions to perform various operations related to the startup, operation, and shutdown of the heating systems described herein. For example, the control systems contained herein may be configured to do one or more of the following: control an electrical power supply to the electric heating elements; control a fluid flow to one or more process coils; control a purge gas flow to the cabinet; control an air or oxygen flow to the cabinet;To control the cooling rate of electric heating coils during heating system shutdown; to infer an environment inside the cabinet or within fluid conduits near a cabinet outlet; to detect or infer a leak or rupture of a process coil; to control the position of isolation valves arranged along the fluid conduit; to control the position of the draft air inlet; to determine the operating condition of the pilots; as well as to provide a graphical display of the operating conditions of the electric heating system, the chimney and associated equipment, and to provide audible or visual alarms for a measured, detected or inferred condition that requires operator action.

[0080] The control systems according to the embodiments in this document can be configured to operate an electric heating system as described in this document. For example, the system of Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 146 / 167 The 27 / 31 control system can be configured to control the supply of electrical power to the electric heating elements to provide radiant energy to the plurality of process coils. The control system can also be configured to control a fluid flow passing through the plurality of process coils being heated by radiant energy. Furthermore, the control system can be configured to detect or infer a leak or rupture of a process coil that is introducing leaked process fluid into the cabinet. In the event of a leak or rupture, the leaked process fluid will be directed through an outlet in the cabinet to the fluid conduit and from there to the chimney, where the pilot will ignite the combustible components of the leaked process fluid.

[0081] The control system can also be configured to interrupt a fluid flow to a leaking or ruptured coil. After interrupting the leaking fluid flow in the cabinet, the control system can initiate a purge gas flow into the cabinet. The purge gas will be heated via a distribution system in a refractory floor, thus introducing heated purge gas into the cabinet through various outlets of the distribution system. The purge gas and any entrained process fluid can then be drawn into the fluid conduit and from there to the chimney. To avoid thermal shock, heating the purge gas using heat supplied by the refractory can provide limited thermal shock. However, the control system can be configured to control the purge gas flow rate in the cabinet and to control the cooling rate of the electric heating elements.After purging the cabinet and determining, through sensors, that the process fluid has been flushed, the control system can adjust the environment inside the cabinet, for example, by controlling the flow of air or oxygen into the cabinet, and then it can isolate the cabinet from the fluid conduit and the chimney, thus allowing safe entry into the cabinet for repair or replacement of the leaking or ruptured coil.

[0082] The control systems according to the modalities of this document can also be configured to turn off a Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pages 147 / 167 28 / 31 heater for which electrical power is being supplied to the electric heating elements and a flow of fluid to be heated is being supplied to the process coils. Shutdown of the electric heating system may include: termination of the electrical power supply to the electric heating elements; heating of a purge gas in a distribution system disposed in the cabinet refractory, such as a cabinet refractory floor; and introduction of the heated purge gas into the cabinet. The control system, as described above for leak or rupture events, may be configured to control a purge gas flow rate in the cabinet, control a cooling rate of the electric heating elements, as well as interrupt a purge gas flow in the cabinet, adjust an environment within the cabinet, and isolate the cabinet with fluid.

[0083] In another aspect, the embodiments described herein are directed to an electric heater system that includes an electric heater with a cabinet containing a refractory, electric heating elements, and a process coil. The system also includes a chimney with an air inlet near a lower part of the chimney and a flue gas outlet at the top of the chimney. A fluid conduit fluidly connects the cabinet to the chimney, and a pressure relief mechanism is provided to exhaust fluid from the cabinet to the fluid conduit. The system further includes a purge gas distribution system disposed in a cabinet floor or in a wall along the cabinet floor. In several embodiments, the purge gas distribution system comprises one or more pipes, tunnels, or channels within or under the refractory. In some embodiments, the purge gas distribution system is disposed under a perforated or porous refractory.The purge gas distribution system of other modalities in this document comprises a primary inlet and a plurality of outlets, with the plurality of outlets increasing in size between the primary outlet and a distal outlet.

[0084] In another aspect, several embodiments of this document are directed to an electric heater system that includes two or more electric heaters, each comprising a cabinet containing Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 148 / 167 29 / 31 refractory, electric heating elements and a process coil. The electric heater system also includes a chimney with an air inlet near the bottom of the chimney and a flue gas outlet at the top of the chimney. A fluid collection system fluidly connects each of the cabinets to the chimney; the fluid collection system includes fluid inlet conduits, a collector, and a collector outlet. The fluid collection system may also include a pressure relief mechanism disposed near a fluid outlet of each cabinet, each pressure relief mechanism configured to exhaust fluid from a respective cabinet into a respective fluid inlet conduit.The manifold seamlessly connects two or more fluid inlet conduits, configured to receive fluids from each of the two or more fluid inlet conduits and to direct a flow of received fluids to the manifold outlet and then to the chimney for combustion of fuels within the received fluids.

[0085] As described for heater systems in other embodiments, the multiple heater systems described herein may be configured so that each of the two or more electric heaters includes a purge gas distribution system. The purge gas distribution system may be disposed of on a cabinet floor or on a wall along the cabinet floor.

[0086] In addition, multiple heater systems may include a sensor placed in each of the two or more electric heaters, in each fluid conduit near a respective pressure relief mechanism, or in both. The sensors may be configured to measure one or more properties of an environment near the respective sensor.

[0087] In addition, the multiple heater systems described herein may include a control system configured to infer an environmental condition within a cabinet based on a reading from the respective sensor, and in that case, the control system is also configured to automatically purge and isolate a cabinet upon detection of a leak or coil rupture. The control system may also include other aspects, Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 149 / 167 30 / 31 as described above, to operate the multiple heater system, detect a leak or rupture and take action after detecting the leak or rupture, as well as purge, isolate with fluid and adjust an environment inside the cabinet. For example, the system may include an isolation valve arranged upstream, downstream or both, in relation to each pressure relief mechanism associated with each cabinet, and the control system may be configured to control the position of the isolation valve during electric heater shutdown.

[0088] In some embodiments, the manifold is fluidly connected to a first plurality of electric heaters by means of a first fluid conduit, and the manifold is fluidly connected to a second plurality of electric heaters by means of a second fluid conduit. The system in these embodiments may further include a pressure relief mechanism disposed in each of the first and second fluid conduits to restrict fluid flow in an upstream direction from the manifold to the first and second fluid conduits.

[0089] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by someone versed in the technique to which these systems, apparatus, methods, processes and compositions belong.

[0090] The singular forms “um”, “uma”, “o” and “a” include plural referents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0091] As used in this document and in the attached claims, the words “comprises”, “has” and “includes” and all grammatical variations thereof are each intended to have an open and non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements or steps.

[0092] “Optionally” means that the event or circumstances described below may or may not occur. The description includes cases where the event or circumstance occurs and cases where it does not occur.

[0093] When the word “approximately” or “about” is used, this term may mean that there may be a variation in the value of up to Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 150 / 167 31 / 31 ±10%, up to 5%, up to 2%, up to 1%, up to 0.5%, up to 0.1% or up to 0.01%.

[0094] Intervals can be expressed from about one particular value to about another particular value, inclusive. When such an interval is expressed, it should be understood that another modality goes from one particular value to another particular value, together with all particular values ​​and combinations thereof within the interval.

[0095] Although the disclosure includes a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art who have benefited from this disclosure will consider that other embodiments may be devised that do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope shall be limited only by the appended claims. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 151 / 167

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. An electric heater system, characterized in that it comprises: an electric heater comprising a cabinet containing a refractory lining, electric heating elements and a process coil; a chimney with an air inlet near a lower part of the chimney and a combustion gas outlet at the top of the chimney; a fluid conduit connecting the cabinet to the chimney, mediating the air inlet and the combustion gas outlet; a pressure relief mechanism configured to exhaust fluid from the cabinet to the fluid conduit; and a flame support configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid conduit to the chimney while restricting air or flame flow to the fluid conduit; and a pilot disposed within the chimney near the flame support.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the flame support comprises a porous flame support, a honeycomb refractory, a metallic flow spoiler or a device for creating a stable flow recirculation zone.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pilot located at the exhaust gas outlet or near the top of the chimney.

4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure relief mechanism comprises a pressure port, a backpressure valve, a backpressure regulator or a backpressure flap.

5. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a purge gas distribution system disposed in a cabinet floor. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 152 / 167 2 / 7 6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a purge gas distribution system arranged in a wall along the floor of the cabinet.

7. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor disposed within the enclosure, the sensor configured to measure one or more properties of an environment within the enclosure.

8. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor disposed within the fluid conduit near the pressure relief mechanism, the sensor configured to measure one or more properties of an environment within the fluid conduit.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a control system configured to infer a condition of an environment within the cabinet based on a reading from a sensor disposed within the fluid conduit.

10. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate isolation valve between the housing and the pressure relief mechanism, an isolation valve downstream of the pressure relief mechanism, or both.

11. Electric heater system, characterized in that it comprises: an electric heater comprising a cabinet containing a refractory lining, electric heating elements and a process coil; a chimney with an air inlet near a lower part of the chimney and a combustion gas outlet at the top of the chimney; a fluid conduit that fluidly connects the cabinet to the chimney; a pressure relief mechanism configured to exhaust fluid from the cabinet to the fluid conduit; and a purge gas distribution system disposed in a floor of the cabinet or in a wall along the floor of the cabinet.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the purge gas distribution system comprises one or more pipes, tunnels or channels within or under the refractory.

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the purge gas distribution system is arranged under a perforated or porous refractory.

14. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the purge gas distribution system comprises a primary inlet and a plurality of outlets, wherein the plurality of outlets increases in size between the primary outlet and a distal outlet.

15. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid conduit is fluidly connected to the intermediate chimney of the air inlet and combustion gas outlet by means of a flame arrester.

16. System according to claim 15, characterized in that the chimney includes a pilot light located near the flame support.

17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the chimney comprises a second pilot located at the combustion gas outlet.

18. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the chimney includes a second pilot located near the top of the chimney.

19. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid conduit fluidly connects the cabinet to the chimney, mediating the air intake and the exhaust of combustion gas.

20. System according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises a flame support configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid conduit to the chimney while restricting air or flame flow to the fluid conduit. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 154 / 167 4 / 7 21. An electric heater system, characterized in that it comprises: two or more electric heaters, each consisting of a cabinet containing refractory material, electric heating elements and a process coil; a chimney with an air inlet near a lower part of the chimney and a combustion gas outlet at the top of the chimney; a fluid collection system that fluidly connects each of the cabinets to the chimney and includes fluid inlet conduits, a collector and a collector outlet, the fluid collection system comprising: a pressure relief mechanism disposed near a fluid outlet of each cabinet, each pressure relief mechanism configured to exhaust the fluid from a respective cabinet into a respective fluid inlet conduit;A manifold that fluidly connects two or more fluid inlet conduits, configured to receive fluid from each of the two or more fluid inlet conduits and direct a flow of received fluid to the manifold outlet; a flame support configured to allow fluid to flow from the manifold outlet to the chimney while simultaneously restricting the flow of air or flame to the fluid conduit; and a pilot disposed within the chimney near the flame support.

22. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the manifold outlet to the chimney and the flame support are positioned between the air inlet and the combustion gas outlet.

23. System according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises a pilot located at the exhaust gas outlet or near the top of the chimney.

24. System, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that each of the two or more electric heaters comprises a purge gas distribution system.

25. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the purge gas distribution system is arranged in a cabinet floor or in a wall along a cabinet floor.

26. System according to claim 21, characterized in that a sensor is disposed in each of two or more electric heaters, in each fluid conduit near a respective pressure relief mechanism, or in both, the sensors configured to measure one or more properties of an environment near the respective sensor.

27. System according to claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises a control system configured to infer an environmental condition within a cabinet based on a reading from the respective sensor, and wherein the control system is further configured to automatically purge and isolate a cabinet upon detection of a leak or coil rupture.

28. System according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises an isolation valve arranged upstream, downstream, or both, with respect to each pressure relief mechanism.

29. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the flame support comprises a porous flame support, a honeycomb refractory, a metallic flow spoiler or a device for creating a stable flow recirculation zone.

30. System according to claim 21, characterized in that the manifold is fluidly connected to a first plurality of electric heaters by means of a first fluid conduit and is fluidly connected to a second plurality of electric heaters by means of a second fluid conduit, the system further comprises a pressure relief mechanism disposed in each of the first and second fluid conduits to restrict the flow of fluids in an upward direction from the manifold to the first and second fluid conduits.

31. Method of operation of an electric heating system comprising a cabinet containing refractory material, electric heating elements and a plurality of process coils, wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises: supplying electrical energy to the electric heating elements to supply radiant energy to the plurality of process coils; passing a process fluid through the plurality of process coils and heating the process fluid by means of radiant energy; detecting a leak or rupture of a first process coil of the plurality by introducing leaked process fluid into the cabinet; directing the leaked process fluid through an outlet of the cabinet to a fluid conduit and from the fluid conduit to a refractory inlet of a chimney, wherein the refractory inlet is disposed between an air inlet and a flue gas outlet of the chimney;and ignite the leaked process fluid inside the chimney by means of a pilot light placed near the refractory inlet.

32. A method according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises: initiating a purge gas flow; heating the purge gas by means of a distribution system disposed in a refractory floor of the cabinet to produce a heated purge gas; and introducing the heated purge gas into the cabinet by means of several outlets of the distribution system; and removing the purge gas through the cabinet outlet to the fluid conduit and then to the chimney.

33. Method according to claim 32, characterized in that it further comprises: interrupting a fluid flow to the first of several process coils; isolating the cabinet from the fluid conduit and chimney; and repairing the first of the plurality of process coils.

34. Method according to claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises adjusting an environment within the cabinet by means of the distribution system and detecting, by means of a sensor located within the cabinet, that the environment is suitable for entry to perform the repair.

35. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises fully opening a chimney air inlet after detecting a leak or rupture.

36. A method for shutting down an electric heating system, characterized in that it includes a cabinet containing a refractory material arranged in the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cabinet, electric heating elements, and one or more process coils, the method comprising: supplying electrical power to the electric heating elements to provide radiant energy to one or more process coils and to the refractory material, including the refractory floor; shutting down the electrical power being supplied to the electric heating elements; heating a purge gas in a distribution system arranged in the refractory floor; and introducing the heated purge gas into the cabinet.

37. Method according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises controlling a purge gas flow rate in the cabinet and controlling a cooling rate of the electric heating elements.

38. Method according to claim 37, characterized in that it further comprises interrupting the flow of purge gas to the cabinet and fluid isolation of the cabinet. Petition 870250081375, dated 10 / 09 / 2025, pp. 158 / 167

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