Selective Acetylene Hydrogenation with OleMax207 for Back End Units

Selective acetylene hydrogenation is widely used to reduce acetylene in the ethylene stream to meet the specifications of polymer grade ethylene. For a backend selective hydrogenation system, frequent catalyst regeneration is typically required due to the relatively fast catalyst fouling. The new generation backend catalyst, OleMax^®207 supplied by Clariant, has reduced green oil formation and consequently led to much longer cycle time. In this presentation, we would like to share Dow’s experience of using this catalyst. In a Dow cracker, OleMax^®207 has been functioning well for multiple years without regeneration.  Possible plant events which can affect acetylene removal in the backend operation will also be discussed.