Innovations in a Cleaner Ethane Cracking Process

This article details a net-zero ethane cracker, which uses commercially proven technologies to achieve zero CO₂ emissions.

Ethylene is produced by thermal cracking of hydrocarbons — primarily ethane — in a fired heater. Downstream of the fired heater, ethylene is recovered from the other cracking byproducts using cryogenic separation techniques. Ethylene production is one of the most energy-intensive operations in the chemical industry, with operating temperatures above 1,000°C on the hot end and below –140°C on the cold end (1).

Ethylene is the primary building block for many plastics, like polyethylene, which is the foundation for plastic bags, bottles, and films. It is also an essential precursor for many chemical intermediates used in a variety of applications. However, the steam cracking process required for its production makes ethylene production a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions. As the chemical process industries (CPI) set goals to limit greenhouse gas emissions, ethylene production is one area of significant focus.

This article describes Lummus Technology’s design for a net-zero ethane cracker. All design elements associated with the net-zero ethane cracker are proven, and this solution is now offered for commercial use...