Ethylene Industry ›› 2025, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (4): 10-14.

• INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Cause Analysis and Solutions to Increased Pressure Difference in Gasoline Fractionators#br#

Zhou Haiqiang   

  1. SINOPEC Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company,Ningbo,Zhejiang, P.C.315207
  • Received:2024-10-24 Revised:2025-03-10 Online:2025-12-25 Published:2025-12-30

Abstract:

Since the ethylene plant of a refinery was put into operation in June 2018 after overhaul, the pressure difference in the gasoline/diesel section of gasoline fractionator has gradually increased from 5.4 kPa at the initial startup to a maximum of 7.5 kPa, while the pressure difference in the pumparound section and the quench oil section remained relatively stable. In response to the increased pressure difference in the gasoline/diesel section of gasoline fractionator, relevant measures were developed to control the rising trend and stabilize the pressure difference within 6 kPa. The internal components of the tower were modified during the overhaul in 2023, successfully reducing the pressure difference to around 2.5 kPa.

Key words: gasoline fractionator, fouling, pressure difference, operation optimization, technical improvement