Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.

David A Bamford

Robert David Strack

Roy T Halle

Rimas V Vebeliunas

Sheri Renee Snider

Neil James Drummond

Process flow sequences for the reduction of equipment fouling in the fractional distillation of light end hydrocarbon components, such as those produced by pyrolysis or steam cracking, wherein conventional multiple hydrogenation unit configurations are replaced with upstream hydrogenation unit configurations. The upstream hydrogenation units of the invention are located at either side draws or in the reboiler circuit of deethanizers, in front-end demethanizer and front-end deethanizer sequences, or depropanizers, in front-end depropanizer sequences and obviate the need for most of the conventionally used hydrogenation units downstream.

Foulant reducing upstream hydrogenation unit systems

A process flow sequence for the reduction of polymer fouling while maintaining efficient production levels wherein a dual pressure, dual column configuration is used to effect the reduction in polymer fouling. The dual pressure, dual column configuration of the invention uses a high pressure and a separate low pressure to isolate the desired fractions while effecting a reduction in the production of fouling polymers.

Fouling reducing dual pressure fractional distillator

A process sequence for treating cracked gases of heavy feedstocks which preferentially produces propylene to the exclusion of propane, butanes and butenes. The process eliminates the need for a depropanizer with the attendant savings in capital and operating costs. In lieu of a conventional C3 splitter, the process features a depropylenizer, i.e. a distillation tower designed to separate propylene from propane, butanes and butenes. A hydrogenation unit to eliminate contaminants can be placed upstream of the depropylenizer or the depropylenizer can be split into two sections with the hydrogenation unit located between the two sections.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

David A Bamford