Abstract: The reboiler of the dilution steam generation system in an ethylene plant has frequent leakage problems, which restricts the stable and long-term operation of the plant. By analyzing the corrosion morphology of the reboiler, the tube bundle material, the process medium and the overall condition of corrosion, this paper determines that the presence of corrosive medium in the process water system is the cause of the leakage. And the operation of the process anti-corrosion measures is not smooth, which causes the process water system to be an acidic or alkaline corrosive environment. And under certain temperature, pressure and flow rate, plus a superposition of cavitation effect, this results in serious local corrosion leakage in the reboiler tube bundle. Combining with the actual situation, this paper provides some suggestions for leakage prevention.

Key words: reboiler, process water, corrosion, leakage