Chemical Engineering Stabilization Processes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Stabilization Section in scrubbers?

To deactivate aluminum alkyls and reduce clogging in downstream equipment.

What is the goal for paraffin content in the alpha olefin product after stabilization?

To reduce the paraffin content to 0.2% or less.

How does the Saturate Reduction System contribute to the alpha olefin product?

It reduces the paraffin content in the product.

What are the main components separated in D-310A/B (Reactor Effluent Separators)?

An overhead vapor ethylene stream and a bottom liquid product stream. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the overhead vapor from the TEA Scrubber (T-330)?

It is cooled and routed to remove any entrained liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nickel catalyst in the process?

To facilitate the reduction of paraffin content in the alpha olefin product. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of E-426 (C8 Tower Bottoms Cooler) in the scrubber process?

It cools a C10-C12 stream to remove entrained aluminum alkyls. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stream is primarily recycled back into the Ethylene Feed Section?

Excess vapor from D-330 (H.P. Recycle K.O. Drum). Signup and view all the answers

How is the liquid product heated before reaching the Static Mixer?

It is heated using 60 psig steam in the Catalyzed Product Heater (E-320). Signup and view all the answers

What downstream issue is prevented by removing aluminum alkyls in the scrubber?

It prevents the plugging of downstream equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of E-321 in the process flow?

E-321 cools the NAO product with cooling water. Signup and view all the answers

How is the nickel concentration in D-321 reduced?

The nickel concentration is reduced from 2% to 0.2% using C14 as a diluent. Signup and view all the answers

What role do P-321A/B serve in the process?

P-321A/B are the Catalyst Solution Injection Pumps that route the 0.2% nickel catalyst into the process stream. Signup and view all the answers

Why does D-322 need to be refilled after each blend from D-321?

D-322 provides storage for the 0.2% nickel catalyst to supply the injection pumps. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the nitrogen blanket in D-321 and D-322?

The nitrogen blanket operates at 20 psig to prevent oxidation and maintain stable conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the NAO product after cooling in E-321?

After cooling, the NAO product is routed to T-340 (Caustic Wash Tower). Signup and view all the answers

What type of catalyst is being used in D-321 and D-322?

A 0.2% nickel catalyst is used in both D-321 and D-322. Signup and view all the answers

In what form is the nickel catalyst received from the supplier?

The nickel catalyst is received in 55 gallon drums. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is used to mix the nickel catalyst in D-321?

M-321 is the Blend Drum Mixer used in D-321. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of routing the 0.2% nickel catalyst into the process stream?

It ensures the appropriate catalyst concentration is used for the desired reaction efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of the Stabilization Section - Scrubbers

Deactivates entrained aluminum alkyls to halt ethylene polymerization, preventing downstream equipment plugging.
Reduces paraffin content in alpha olefin product from approximately 1.2% to 0.2% or lower.
Reacts to dissolve and eliminate aluminum alkyls from the product stream.
Degasses and separates spent caustic for off-site storage.
Removes caustic and aluminates carried over from caustic wash in the product.

Process Flow Description

Reactor effluent exits the common header, processed in D-310A/B (Reactor Effluent Separators) into vapor and liquid product streams.
Overhead vapor, a recycled ethylene stream, is scrubbed in T-330 (TEA Scrubber) using a C10-C12 stream to remove aluminum alkyls.
Bottom liquid from D-310A/B is directed to the Saturate Reduction System for further aluminum alkyl removal.
Overhead vapor from T-330 is cooled in E-330A/B (Ethylene Recycle Coolers) before entering D-330 (H.P. Recycle K.O. Drum) to remove entrained liquid.
Most vapor from D-330 goes to E-373 (Purge Gas Heater), while excess is recycled back to D-110 (Charge Gas Compressor Suction Drum).
Bottom liquid streams from T-330 and D-330 are routed to T-340 (Caustic Wash Vapor Scrubber).

Saturate Reduction System

Introduced to lower paraffin content in the alpha olefin product.
Liquid from D-310A/B bottom is heated in E-320 (Catalyzed Product Heater) using 60 psig steam.
0.2% nickel catalyst is injected prior to M-320 (Static Mixer), mixed, and routed to D-320 (Catalyzed Mixing Vessel) for residence time.
After mixing, NAO product cools in E-321 (Catalyzed Product Cooler) before moving to T-340 (Caustic Wash Tower).

Catalyst Handling

2% nickel catalyst is received in 55-gallon drums, loaded into D-321 (Catalyst Blend Drum) with M-321 (Blend Drum Mixer).
Nickel concentration is diluted to 0.2% in D-321 using C14 as a diluent.
Process using P-321A/B (Catalyst Solution Injection Pumps) routes 0.2% nickel catalyst into the stream.
D-322 (Catalyst Drum) stores 0.2% nickel catalyst, ensuring supply while D-321 is isolated for blending.
Both D-321 and D-322 operate under a nitrogen blanket at 20 psig for safety and stability.

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Description

This quiz covers the purpose and function of the stabilization section in chemical engineering, focusing on scrubbers and their role in controlling ethylene polymerization and product quality. It addresses critical processes like removing aluminum alkyls and minimizing paraffin content in alpha olefin products.