Tower packings cut olefin-plant energy needs

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5265980

Sauter, J R; Younts, III, W E

Replacing trays with metal tower packings in ethylene plant hot-section towers results in significant pressure drop reductions. Major ethylene producers are applying this technology to achieve various process improvements. At E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.'s Sabine River works (Texas) ethylene plant, tower packing was installed in the top section of the water quench tower to reduce energy requirements and improve ethylene yield. The 89% lower pressure drop of the packed section, compared to that of the trays replaced, was utilized to reduce the load on the cracked-gas compressor and improve selectivity. The actual ratio of compressor horsepower savings to furnace selectivity savings depends upon the relative cost of products and feedstocks. At Union Carbide Corp.'s Taft, La., plant, low-efficiency contactors in the bottom section of the water-quench tower were replaced with metal tower packing in order to improved the heat transfer efficiency. The purpose of the revamp was to increase the bottom effluent temperature without sacrificing the top temperature approach. The hotter liquid effluent eliminated the need for auxiliary low-pressure steam which was required in another area of the plant.

• Research Organization: Norton Co., Akron, OH
• OSTI ID: 5265980
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 84:35; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020500* -- Petroleum-- Products & By-Products
ALKENES
CHEMICAL PLANTS
CHEMICAL REACTION YIELD
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ETHYLENE
HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PACKINGS
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
PRESSURE DROP
TOWERS
YIELDS