Replacing trays with metal packing saves energy in an ethylene plant's hot section

Journal Article · Mon Sep 26 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6986603

Strigle, R F; Hirumatsu, K

Capital cost of new steam cracking plants has tripled in the decade from 1970 to 1980. Replacement of older ethylene plants is much more difficult to justify. As a result, revamping of existing older plants to achieve greater energy efficiency is economically attractive. Operating costs in the hot section can be reduced by replacing trays with tower packing in the primary fractionator and quench columns. Commercial plant operations have confirmed savings projected from pilot plant tests. Operation of a commercial ethylene plant has verified a pressure drop reduction of 78% in the primary fractionator and quench column after revamp with IMTP packing. The packed sections have maintained this lower pressure drop in continuous operation without fouling. The energy savings realized have recovered the cost of the revamp in only 14 months.

• Research Organization: Norton Co., Akron, OH
• OSTI ID: 6986603
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 81:39; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020500* -- Petroleum-- Products & By-Products
ALKENES
CAPITALIZED COST
CHEMICAL PLANTS
COST
COST RECOVERY
ELEMENTS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ETHYLENE
FOULING
FRACTIONATION
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
METALS
OPERATING COST
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
PILOT PLANTS
PRESSURE DROP
PRODUCTION
QUENCHING
RETROFITTING
SEPARATION PROCESSES