Qenos SCAL-1 Conversion Project
In 2000, investigations were made into facilities modifications necessary for Qenos Olefins (Altona) to meet recently imposed and likely gasoline quality requirements. The necessary investment was not sustainable for such a small capacity plant, which also suffered reduced value from coproduct derivatives from its gasoil feed.
Instead the concept of converting the 50 year old gasoil cracker, at minimum investment, to ethane & LPG feed was selected and subsequently developed to greatly reduce or eliminate coproducts. An integrated team of Qenos engineers, parent company technology specialists and the WorleyParsons / Transfield alliance developed the project from concept to start-up. Numerous technology issues were identified, options screened and solutions engineered including:
- Complete replacement of process gas compressor rotors and stators in existing 50 year old casings.
- Front-end, raw-gas, isothermal acetylene converter to reduce fouling pre-cursors to reused absorber de-ethaniser
- Addition of low temperature absorber overheads stage and lean oil recovery to minimise lean oil losses.
- Completely new C2- chill train
The plant is now in commercial operation (since early 2006). Operations experience will be presented. The conversion demonstrates the technical and operations capability and innovation of Qenos and the engineering development and project management capability of WorleyParsons through all stages of development.