(31b) Gasoline Fractionator - Treatment Program to Extend Run Length

A gulf coast ethylene producer was experiencing delta P problems due to fouling in the upper section of the Gasoline Fractionator column. Mechanical damage to the upper packed sections further complicated the situation. While the rate of increase in delta P was lower than the previous run, the existing treatment chemistry did not slow the rate of fouling to acceptable levels. Based on the rate of fouling, there was a strong possibility that an unplanned shutdown would have to be taken before the next scheduled shutdown. This would have cost the producer millions of dollars. The presentation will discuss a chemical treatment program that was developed and successfully applied to extend the producers run length.