Expert-level understanding of the complex systems prevalent in the petrochemical industry is crucial to the work we do at B&W Energy Services. Ethylene systems are just one example of the areas in which our teams stand out from the rest.
The production of ethylene and propylene through olefin manufacturing accounts for the third-largest share of the petrochemical industry, closely behind ammonia manufacturing and petroleum refining. Annual global ethylene production totals about 120 million tons, with a continuous increase of 4-5% annually.
Engineering an Effective Chemical Cleaning Program & Pipeline Chemical Cleaning Equipment
Ethylene and other olefins are produced by thermal cracking of gaseous feedstock in the radiant coils of a pyrolysis furnace, where the gas flows at low pressure and at high temperatures. The olefins are chemically unstable at these temperatures, so the highly reactive cracked gas is rapidly cooled. All of this happens within milliseconds.
Due to how quickly this process occurs, a deep knowledge and understanding become critical for planning the pre-commissioning cleaning of new ethylene furnaces. Typically, an ethylene furnace has many sections, and it’s essential to be able to navigate the flow paths to clean these unique, multi-segmented systems effectively.
Furnaces have unique requirements for pipeline chemical cleaning equipment or commissioning equipment. Therefore, a complete understanding of each furnace design becomes critical in the engineering of effective pre-operational chemical cleaning concepts. Understanding the furnace vendor’s cleaning specifications, as well as the flow characteristics for each furnace (and the corresponding metallurgy), will enable proper determination and discussion. It’s imperative to have a complete understanding of the chemistries required to properly design flow paths for critically timed events.
Considering the complicated workflows involved in chemical cleaning, you need to have full confidence in your cleaning vendor. B&W Energy Services offers decades of experience combined with a track record of success, guaranteeing we will get the job done right and on time.
Expertise Offered Around the Globe
With the in-depth knowledge, expertise and rapid mobilization capabilities B&W Energy Services brings to the table, we’re the clear partner for projects across the globe. We set ourselves apart in the industry through expansive service offerings and quickly responding and arriving at your expansion project anywhere in the world.
Reach out to our team—we would love the opportunity to partner with you on your next successful ethylene project.