Abstract: Targeting the operational issues in quench heat exchangers of ethylene cracking furnace, this paper systematically analyzes the key factors affecting the long-term operation with focused research on reducing coking rates, minimizing the damage of inlet heat exchanger tube and significantly decreasing leakage probability in the high-pressure water circuit. Based on the findings, effective optimization and improvement scheme is put forward from the aspects of design, operation and maintenance so as to ensure safe and stable operation of the quench heat exchanger, thereby providing robust support for long-term stable operation of ethylene cracking furnaces.

Key words: ethylene cracking furnace, quench heat exchanger, optimized design, safe operation