Optimization of SRT-VI Pyrolysis Furnaces of High-Capacity Ethylene Plant

Metallic Iron Nanocatalysts for the Selective Acetylene Hydrogenation under Industrial Front-End Conditions

“…Ethylene continues to be one of the most important commodity chemicals, with a global consumption of 164 million tons in 2018. 1 A key step in the primary production method via steam cracking is the removal of acetylene below 1 ppmv. 2−5 On an industrial scale, the selective hydrogenation of acetylene has been an established process for years, with two common operation methods: 2−5 front-end and tail-end hydrogenation, placing the hydrogenation unit either in front of the demethanizer or behind the de-ethanizer unit.…”

“…Ethylene continues to be one of the most important commodity chemicals, with a global consumption of 164 million tons in 2018 . A key step in the primary production method via steam cracking is the removal of acetylene below 1 ppmv. − On an industrial scale, the selective hydrogenation of acetylene has been an established process for years, with two common operation methods: − front-end and tail-end hydrogenation, placing the hydrogenation unit either in front of the demethanizer or behind the de-ethanizer unit. − The main difference between these processes is that under front-end conditions the feed contains a higher amount of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide, rendering the reaction control more challenging. ,− The disadvantage of the front-end option is the lower ethylene selectivity due to the high hydrogen fraction as well as the risk of hot spot formation and, hence, a more challenging process control by means of safety in order to avoid a reactor runaway by an uncontrolled temperature increase. ,− Therefore, the tail-end process is the most commonly used and researched process. ,− The benefit of front-end operations are, however, in addition to a more efficient process integration, considerably lower green oil (C 4+ byproducts) production, resulting in longer catalyst cycles. ,, …”