Abstract: In this review article, three major coke formation mechanisms in ethylene cracking furnace are introduced briefly, and then the key influencing factors on coke formation are discussed. Based on the discussion, a number of methods and new technology developed in recent years worldwide to suppress coke formation in the cracking process are summarized in detail, including optimization of feedstock and process conditions, use of coke inhibitive additives, surface pretreatment of furnace tube, advances in new alloy for tubes and technologies for enhanced heat transfer. However, it seems that using coke inhibitive additives in cracking system is easy to be realized in commercial unit, and with the development of high temperature coating technologies, pretreatment of tube surface becomes promising.

Key words: cracking furnace, inhibition, coke formation, ethylene