Shell Global Solutions’ super-fractionator
distillation technology
Take advantage of excellent performance
A C3 splitter produces propylene (98 to 99.9% purity) as
chemical feedstock. The feed (60 to 95% propylene) can
be taken from refinery catalytic cracking units and chemical
plants. The C3 splitter can operate conventionally or at a
lower pressure by using heat-pump technology to achieve
lower investment and operating costs (see Figure 1).
Furthermore, the Shell designs can achieve the highest
capacity with the lowest capital expenditure.
Why use Shell Global Solutions’ super-
fractionator technology?
■ Significant capital expenditure savings for new installations
can be made by using Shell high-capacity trays.
■ Cost-effective, tailor-made designs for revamps will
provide a significantly higher column capacity for a
given diameter through the application of Shell high-
Heat-pumped C3 splitter in a fluid catalytic cracking unit work-up capacity trays.
section in Japan.
■ Shell Global Solutions’ employees have extensive
A super-fractionator using Shell Calming Section† or experience with heat-pump technology.
Shell HiFi† trays provides the highest plant capacity on ■ Lower reboiler and condenser duties are achievable
a revamp or the lowest column cost for a new plant. because of the high tray efficiency (giving significant
This advantage is based on the superior performance energy savings, reduced cooling water requirements
characteristics (capacity and efficiency) of the Shell trays and smaller peripheral equipment).
and their associated internals. ■ The technology has been proven in operation.
Process description Experience
Typical examples of super-fractionators where Shell trays Shell Global Solutions’ staff have extensive experience of
have been used successfully are propane-propylene (C3) designing and operating super-fractionators and can draw
splitters (150 to 250 trays) and ethane (C2) splitters (100 on the design and documented operational experience of
to 175 trays). C2 splitters are incorporated in ethylene about 20 C3 splitters, some of which have been revamp
cracker plants for producing polymer-grade ethylene projects (see Table 1 for the latest propane splitter designs
(99.9% purity). and revamps). Post start-up advice and technical services for
existing units are also available from Shell Global Solutions.
†
Shell Group trademark
Table 1: C3 splitters designed and/or
revamped by Shell Global Solutions.
Compressor
C3 Country Year Diam., Project
splitter Offgas mm type
Feed UK 1988 4000 Design
South Africa 1991 2060 Design
Trim
Australia 1991 3000 Design
cooler
Australia 1992 2560 Revamp
Propane Reboiler CW
to storage Netherlands 1994 5000 Design
condenser
Japan 1996 3720 Design
Propylene
to treating Malaysia 1999 3350 Design
Netherlands 2000 5944 Revamp
Figure 1: Schematic of a C3 splitter with heat-pump technology. Austria 2000 4830 Revamp
Germany 2001 3256 Revamp
USA 2001 2290 Revamp
Thailand 2002 4600 Revamp
China 2003 5200 Design
6900
Please contact Shell Global Solutions for further information
Shell Global Solutions International BV
Tel: +31 70 377 2470 Shell Global Solutions is a network of independent technology companies in
the Royal Dutch/Shell Group. In this fact sheet, the expression ‘Shell Global
Shell Global Solutions (Singapore) (Pte) Ltd Solutions’ is sometimes used for convenience in contexts where reference is
Tel: +65 6384 8803 made to these companies in general, or where no useful purpose is served
by identifying a particular company.
Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc.
This document is intended for general information purposes only and does
Tel: +1 281 544 8844
not in any way constitute an offer to provide specific services. Some services
Email us at distillation@[Link] may not be available in certain countries or political subdivisions thereof.
Or visit our website at [Link] OG010210090703-En(A)