Optimized Process Furnaces, Inc. (OPF) was established in 1972 by Jack Phillips and John Miller. Both founders had acquired substantial background in the design and manufacture of fired heaters with Alcorn Combustion and Econo-Therm Corporations. As a result of Mr. Miller’s process experience and Mr. Phillips’ mechanical experience, they received their first major project, two 53 mm Btu/hr Debutanizer Reboilers, during that year.
Opportunity from Necessity
Due to the oil embargoes and rising fuel prices of the early 1970’s, it became apparent that increased efficiency of fired heaters, both new and in-service, was necessary. This necessity provided OPF the opportunity to do what it does best: “OPTIMIZE” designs. The company is now the leading supplier of modern air preheat systems and provides units with 94 percent or higher efficiencies. OPF is also one of the first heater manufacturers in North America to install cast tube and, later, plate-type heat recovery equipment in its air preheat systems.
