Energy Management in Olefins Units

Abstract

The previous generations of olefin units were typically importers of utilities such as high pressure steam and electricity. But, in the new generation of units, diligent energy conservation efforts have reduced the high pressure steam demand to the point where waste heat from pyrolysis generates more than enough steam to power the olefins unit recovery section. Furthermore, incorporating gas turbine driven electrical generators or process compressors adds to the utility export potential of the unit. It is necessary, therefore, to consider utility export as a valuable byproduct of olefins production and incorporate it within the utility network of the petrochemical complex. As with any byproduct of a process, it is necessary to be able to control its production and distribution.