Sulfur As a Contaminant in Ethylene Feedstocks

New information has been developed on the impact of sulfur contamination on furnace efficiency of Ethylene crackers. Conventional thinking is that the primary impact of excess sulfur contamination is mostly in the rate of coking. However, data generated in pilot studies and field experiences are now available to show that excess sulfur can impact furnace efficiency, impacting in best practices for feed and control of sulfiding agents.

This paper presents a review on the current literature for the impact of sulfur on the furnace performance. Pilot plant and field data will also be shared, relating the sulfur addition on furnace with the efficiency of the furnaces, and how to minimize negative effects of excess sulfur.