PTQ Q3 2025 Issue

Figure 6 Filter elements before and after treatment

Figure 7 DSG internals before and after treatment

of the reboilers. These reboilers are crucial for meeting the furnace’s DS requirement, and their enhanced per- formance ensures a steady output. Furthermore, when reboilers were opened for inspection, there were fewer deposits and less corrosion observed (see Figure 7 ), indi- cating improved operational efficiency and equipment longevity. • Enhanced safety: The improvements in turbidity reduc- tion and hydrocarbon control have not only contributed to better operational performance but also enhanced safety. With fewer organic material present in the system, person- nel working in/near these dynamic and high-temperature areas, such as around the reboilers, are exposed to less hazardous conditions. Hence, this reduction has helped ensure a safer work environment for all involved. Conclusion Effective plant design, proper chemical treatment, regular maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols are not just operational best practices; they are foundational pillars for achieving both production efficiency and environ - mental stewardship in today’s competitive petrochemical landscape. These integrated practices have consistently proven to be invaluable assets in the global chemical supply chain, enabling companies to meet demanding production targets while maintaining compliance with stringent envi- ronmental and safety standards. Collaborative efforts delivered financial savings exceed - ing $1.4 million per year, a testament to the strategic value of targeted fouling control and system optimisation. These savings were realised across multiple critical areas: u Energy efficiency: Lower consumption of medium-pres- sure steam to meet dilution steam demand at the furnace directly reduced energy costs and carbon footprint. v Effluent treatment optimisation: Improvements in the quench water loop and tank farm operations led to more efficient wastewater treatment and reduced blowdown, minimising both water usage and treatment costs. w Consumable reduction: Significant cuts in filter element replacement costs were achieved due to lower turbidity and hydrocarbon contamination, contributing to reduced waste generation and downtime. x Heat exchanger reliability: Extended run times and reduced fouling in reboilers minimised cleaning frequency and maintenance costs while improving thermal efficiency and plant uptime. Looking ahead, further enhancements are planned,

including the implementation of corrosion inhibitors and oxygen scavengers to address corrosion risks. In conclusion, effective fouling control is not just a main- tenance measure; it is a strategic lever for optimising overall plant performance. It directly contributes to lowering oper- ational costs, enhancing equipment longevity, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring safe and reliable oper- ation of petrochemical and ethylene plants. As the industry continues to evolve under the pressures of decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and regulatory compliance, adopting a proactive and sustainable approach to fouling management will remain essential for future-ready chemical operations. References 1 CGC fouling control for six year run length achievement in C 2 -C 3 feed gas cracker , The AIChE 2024 Spring National Meeting New Orleans, Louisiana, March 24-28th, 2024. 2 How efficient is my charge gas compression? , The 2021 AIChE Spring National Meeting (virtual). 3 Improved fouling and corrosion control in new ethane cracker reduces operating expenses by $1.4 million per year, The 2021 AIChE Spring National Meeting (virtual). Jorge Alfonso Garcia Mascareñas is the Industrial Director at Braskem Idesa, S.A.P.I. With more than 25 years of experience in the chemical and petrochemical industry, he has held management roles for the past 15 years, including production and operations manager. Garcia Mascareñas holds a chemical engineering degree from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Ciudad Madero (ITCM) and is certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt in Lean Manufacturing. Jorge Luis Cabrera Amador has worked for more than 15 years in the chemical and petrochemical industry, first in process design (ICA Fluor) and now in process engineering at Braskem Idesa. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Project Management Diploma (ITESM), Data Expert (Anahuac), MBA (ITESM). Baltazar Suárez is a chemical engineer with more than 12 years of experience in industrial technical solutions. Since 2015, he has focused on ethylene production plant treatments, enhancing operational effi - ciency, equipment reliability, and environmental compliance. Joice Gorete Boll is the Global Technical Lead for Petrochemical Business at Dorf Ketal. With more than 18 years of experience, she has worked with Latin American customers and, since 2017, sup- ported clients globally in technical assessment, troubleshooting, and new chemical treatments design. Gorete Boll holds a BS in industrial chemistry from UFRGS and an MBA from UNISINOS, both in Brazil.

PTQ Q3 2025