The Myths and Realities of Utilizing a Reference Cracker Design for Grass Root Project

Technip is the major licensor of steam cracker technology.  When clients approach the contractor, depending on the feed type, the starting point is always a previously designed cracker with a similar feed type.  Recently on the Gulf Coast with the ethane crackers, Technip has referred to this cracker as a “Reference Cracker Design”, but in doing so, this has led to certain expectations from the clients. The purpose of this paper will be to highlight the advantages of having a “Reference Cracker Design” as the starting point. However, it will also try to define what have been some of the key expectations by the client that using a “Reference Cracker” mean and dispel the myths that accompany those expectations. It will identify five key areas that need will make every project unique where duplication may not be the right answer. The presentation will try to highlight how this methodology can also apply to smaller project within manufacturing and point out the process design implications if the areas are not considered.