Discussion on the advanced control applications in ethylene cracking units

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Large-scale ethylene cracking units are equipped with advanced process control systems (APC), but the extent to which these systems are utilized may vary from one facility to another. I believe that the most complex form of control involves using advanced software to analyze the current prices of raw materials used in cracking, as well as products such as ethylene, propylene, and tetrahydrocarbons, in order to determine the optimal degree of cracking for each raw material. The best cracking temperature is then used as a target for real-time control adjustments, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the entire ethylene chemical processing system. However, it is understood that at present, advanced control of pyrolysis units in China has not reached such a level; at most, the control objective is to maximize the diene yield. This kind of control is feasible when the value of dienes is high at present, but it is not appropriate if the benefits from further processing products such as propylene and C4 compounds are much greater than those from further processing ethylene. We hope everyone will share what they know in the following areas: the application of advanced control systems for ethylene cracking, personal insights on advanced control systems, as well as any control software they are familiar with and recommend. I also need to learn more about this area.