Dynamic simulation, a powerful tool for flare minimization in CPI during plant start-up and process upset.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to minimize flaring in the chemical process industry (CPI), especially during plant start-up, shutdown, and process upset (SU/SD/UP). The main focus of this study is the ethylene plant.; During plant start-up, shutdown and process upset conditions; the off-spec product having Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds (HRVOC) components is routed to flare. The HRVOC released in the atmosphere through the flare results in increase in Ozone (O3) formation, which leads to ozone spikes in the area.; In this study, dynamic process simulation, Aspen DynamicsRTM is used to critically examine the potential process and procedure modifications in order to minimize flaring during SU/SD/UP. The benefits from this study are not only for environment and society (less flaring and ozone spikes) but also for the economics and sustainability (saves raw material and energy) of the process industry.