Title: Flare minimisation via dynamic simulation

Authors: Amarnath Singh, Kuyen Li, Helen H. Lou, J.R. Hopper, Hardik B. Golwala, Sandesh Ghumare, Thomas E. Kelly

Addresses: Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA. ' Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA. ' Equistar Chemicals, Houston, Texas, USA

Abstract: This paper describes a project of flare minimisation during plant startup by using dynamic simulation. Dynamic simulation was developed for recovery area in an olefin plant and used to examine startup procedures: approaching shutdown; startup with recycle ethane; starting the cracked feed and increasing the feed to normal production rate. The dynamic simulation gives an insight into the process dynamic behaviour that is not apparent through the use of steady state simulation. This information is crucial for plant startup in order to minimise the flaring. This project demonstrated a feasibility of pollution prevention through flare minimisation for an olefin plant.

Keywords: pollution prevention; emission reduction; flare minimisation; dynamic simulation; environmental pollution; plant startup; ethane recycling; olefin plants.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2007.012794

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2007 Vol.29 No.1/2/3, pp.19 - 29

Published online: 15 Mar 2007 *

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