Abstract:

This article analyzes the causes of high CO₂ content in the ethylene plant of SINOPEC Guangzhou Company. It is concluded that the high sodium content of the naphtha used as cracking raw material is the reason for the high CO₂ content. At the same time, the high sodium content of naphtha may cause problems such as short operation cycle of furnace tube and CO₂ penetration of caustic wash system. Some adjustment measures are proposed including the quality control of raw materials, the scrubbing and soaking during the coke burning of furnace tubes and the optimization of caustic wash tower, so as to ensure the safe and stable operation of the ethylene plant.

Key words: ethylene plant, naphtha, sodium salt, carbon dioxide/CO₂