Process Consideration Related to Compression Equipment in Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plants

Ethylene compression in Low Density Polyethylene Plants (LDPE) occurs at very high pressures and adverse operating conditions, necessitating special machinery design with fully tested components for safe and reliable operations. The authors highlight platform, plant and machinery challenges associated with ethylene compression in LDPE production plants. Braskem’s Etileno XXI project case is presented to showcase efforts in Booster/Primary and Hyper compressor machinery optimization and integration into the overall plant. The authors introduce details on acoustical simulation of the plant and special design considerations to improve plant reliability and availability.