The sense-diagnose-remediate system tracks the build-up of fouling deposits on charge gas compressors in ethylene manufacturing lines, deposits that can reduce manufacturing efficiency or force unplanned shutdown of the plant production if left to grow unchecked.
The new fiber optic sensors integrated with machine monitoring and diagnostics technology enable plant managers to operate the unit more smoothly and for a longer time even in the presence of wide fluctuations in production requirements.
In a typically sized ethylene production plant, each 1% efficiency gain can save between $300,000 and $500,000 per year or more, depending on local energy costs.
The new technology, developed at the GE Global Research Center, uses advanced fiber optic sensor technology to monitor foulant build up, cracked hydrocarbon gas composition and machine-operation conditions.
PKN Orlen is a producer and dealer of refinery and petrochemical products.
