(33a) Compressor Wash Oil Impact on Process Gas Compressor Efficiency and Vibration

Organic fouling in process gas compressors (PGC) is an important issue that many olefin plants must manage. When it occurs PGC efficiency drops and compressor vibration increases. Minimizing fouling is critical to limiting production losses and high maintenance costs in existing or new steam crackers. The introduction of lighter feed stocks from shale gas is expected to increase the probability of fouling in PGCs. There are numerous factors to consider when managing PGC organic fouling and compressor wash oil (CWO) plays a vital role in compressor reliability. In this paper, key wash oil properties, general operational concepts, and two cases relevant to PGC efficiency and vibration will be discussed.