Cracking · Petrochemicals
Quench & Compression
The hot cracked gas is cooled fast to stop the reactions, then compressed in several stages before separation.
What it does
A quench tower cools the cracked gas and stops the reactions; heavies and water drop out. The cracked gas is then compressed, washed with caustic to remove acid gases, and dried before the cold separation section.
Basics
| Quench | Quench tower with quench water |
| Compression | Cracked gas compressor, several stages |
| Acid gas removal | Caustic wash |
| Drying | Dryers before the cold section |
Common failures
- Fouling in the quench system or compressor from heavy polymer and tar
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Compressor performance falling over time
- Likely cause
- Fouling on internals or coolers
- What to check
- Review fouling control and plan cleaning