(36a) Enhancing Strategies for Feedstock Quality Management

Over the last decade, a number of new feed sources for steam cracking operators have become viable, ranging from ethane extracted from shale gas to the integration of petrochemical and refining operations. Uncertainty arises when considering impurities, both known and unknown, and how to establish feed quality. Stante et al (2014) have previously outlined strategies to address sampling and analysis for feedstock contaminants. These practices have been applied at NOVA Chemicals when faced with the advent of a new feed. A comprehensive protocol to assess feed quality was also recently established to provide guidelines on sample collection, an analytical program, how to communicate results, and what to do if a feed does not meet specifications. This paper will review recommendations for the development of such a protocol. It will also detail new approaches for sampling and analysis of elusive contaminants and processing of samples limited in size. Finally, the importance of tracking contaminants to monitor feedstock quality will be highlighted.