caustic Tower 1

[all2win]

In Ethylene Cracker Plants, Caustic tower is placed between Cracked GAs Compressor Final Stage and Pre Final Stage(eg 3rd and 4th).Is there any Technical reason behind it ? Or Its Just matter of Economics???

Your Views Please

 

[sshep]

Since you query for opinions I think that it is mostly economics to have the caustic tower at the high pressure end to reduce diameter. I think that a consideration for not having caustic scrubbing altogether after compression is to reduce water load on the driers via the compressor and its aftercoolers.

Its been several years since I worked in an ethylene plant, but this is what I think may lead to this common design. Others may have a even better reasoning.

best wishes,
sshep