SOLVING OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS IN A NAPHTHA SPLITTER

摘要

This paper sets out how the polymerization process of Reboilers of the (A-100) Crude Naphtha Fractionation Unit of Braskem UNIB 3 ABC can be controlled by applying polymerization inhibitors developed by GE Water & Process Technologies Ltda and Braskem's engineering solutions. These heat exchangers have a high degree of polymerization because of the content of olefinic compounds present in the feed composition which, when in contact with high temperatures in the heat exchange areas of reboilers, tend to polymerize. The joint solution of GE technology and Braskem engineering solutions applied to this system ensures regular operation of such equipment for periods of time greater than those hitherto recorded without manifesting loss of heat transfer efficiency. In the 2012 shutdown while the opening of these reboilers was being inspected, it was observed that pipes had not been clogged nor was surface fouling present, which is a very positive state when compared to the historical records of previous campaigns. The strategy adopted by GE/Braskem to ensure a longer campaign for these pieces of equipment was based on the quality control of feeding by adjusting dosages and monitoring performance using statistical analysis tools. The use of statistical models based on Multivariable Regression Analysis (MRA) to evaluate performance, which is validated by inspecting reboilers internally, has been an efficient way to determine the degree to which the system has been fouled and also to schedule shut-downs for cleaning the mechanical parts.