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Petrochemical Industry

Pressure Vessels in Petrochemical Industry

The petrochemical industry transforms crude oil and natural gas into fuels and chemical products through complex chemical and physical processes. Pressure vessels are fundamental to this system, enabling critical functions such as reaction, separation, heat exchange, and storage. They form the backbone of safe and efficient plant operation.

Project Cases

Here are selected project cases demonstrating our capability in delivering pressure vessels for complex petrochemical units.

ClientEquipment NameSpecWeight / Material
Hengyi (Brunei)Reactor / Scrubber Towerφ6600 × 56 × 40209 mm302.7T (Shell Structure) Material Sections: Φ4000×3+20 / Φ5038×6+28 / Φ5450×24 / Φ3650×16×70328mm
Hengyi (Brunei)GasifierΦ13360 × 36 × 24722 mm430T Q345R
Hengyi (Brunei)HeaterΦ9365 × 28 / Φ4330 × 20 × 35679 mm280T Q345R
Yantai Yida New Materials Co., Ltd.Coke Drumφ6600 × 56 × 40209 mm350T 14Cr1MoR
Liaoning Bora Bioenergy Co., Ltd.Coke Drumφ6600 × 36/38/42/52/64 × 47600 mm375T 14Cr1MoR
Shandong Yida New Materials Co., Ltd.Coke DrumΦ6100 × 58/52/48/42 × 33533 mm278.4T 15Cr1MoR
Hebei Xinji Chemical Group Co., Ltd.Gasifier Shellφ2700 / φ2690 × 50 / (50+5) × 14191 mm76T 15CrMoR; 15CrMoR + S31603 (Stainless Cladding)
Hengli PetrochemicalMTO Reactorφ7925 / φ5000 × δ63 / 123 / 80 / 46 × 43467 mm Quantity: 1 UnitSA516 Gr70
Yichang Xingxing Lantian Technology Co., Ltd.Primary Shift ConverterΦ3200 × 15850 mm150T 14Cr1MoR
Yichang Xingxing Lantian Technology Co., Ltd.Secondary Shift ConverterΦ3200 × 14570 mm169T 15CrMoR
Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co., Ltd.Waste Heat Boiler143-E102 φ2600×60/80×19500 mm188.8T Q345R Pressure Vessel Steel

Pressure vessels are widely deployed across major units in petrochemical plants. Each vessel is customized for its operating environment, fluid characteristics, and pressure-temperature conditions.

Process UnitPressure Vessel Application
Crude Oil DistillationDesalters, Flash Drums, Atmospheric/Vacuum Tower Bottoms
Catalytic Cracking (FCC)Strippers, Fractionator Bottom Drums, Steam Drums
Hydroprocessing (HDS/HCU)Hydrocracking Reactors, HP Separators, Recycle Drums
Delayed Coking (DCU)Coke Drums, Vapour-Liquid Separators
Olefins (MTO/MTP/Steam Cracking)MTO Reactors, Quench Separators, Three-Phase Separators
Sulfur Recovery (Claus)Claus Reactors, Sulfur Condensers, Reheaters
Gas Treatment & PurificationAmine Absorbers, Regenerators, Knockout Drums
Product Storage & LogisticsSpherical LPG Tanks, Vertical Diesel/Gasoline Storage Tanks

 

Each pressure vessel serves a distinct role depending on its integration point in the process. Functional categories include:

FunctionDescriptionTypical Equipment
ReactorsDrive chemical transformation under severe conditionsHydrocracking Reactor, Claus Furnace
SeparatorsPhysically divide gas/liquid/solid phasesHP Separator, Flash Drum, 3-Phase Drum
Heat ExchangersTransfer thermal energy to improve process efficiencyShell & Tube Exchangers, Condensers
Storage TanksTemporarily hold gases or liquids under pressureSpherical Tank, Horizontal Tank
Buffer/Surge VesselsStabilize flow and pressure variationsSurge Drum, Recycle Gas Drum

Pressure vessels in petrochemical applications must be structurally adapted to space, process, and mechanical requirements.

Structure TypeDescriptionTypical Use
Horizontal CylindricalMost common; robust and cost-effectiveReactors, Separators
Vertical TowerSpace-saving, ideal for separation towersDistillation Column, Absorber
Spherical TankIdeal for high-pressure storage with uniform stressLPG, LNG, Butadiene Storage
Modular Skid-MountedPreassembled, reduces site construction timePackaged Units for Offshore or Remote Use

Petrochemical media often contain hydrogen, H₂S, chlorides, CO₂, and other corrosive agents. Material selection must ensure safety, integrity, and long-term performance.

MaterialKey PropertiesApplication Area
12Cr2Mo1R / 15CrMoRHigh-temperature, high-pressure resistanceReactors, High-Pressure Drums
Q345R / 16MnRGeneral carbon steelLow-pressure separators, storage vessels
304 / 316L Stainless SteelExcellent acid and chloride resistanceAmine towers, H₂S gas treatment
Duplex Steel (2205/2507)Strong + chloride stress corrosion resistanceWet sour gas, marine or acidic service
Inconel / HastelloyPremium alloys for extreme corrosionSulfur recovery units, Claus furnaces

Pressure vessels for petrochemical plants must meet the most stringent global codes and undergo rigorous quality assurance procedures.

Standard/CodeDescription
ASME Section VIII Div.1/2Global code for pressure vessel design and fabrication
GB150 / GB151Chinese national code for vessels and heat exchangers
API 510 / API 579In-service inspection and fitness-for-service
API 650 / API 620Welded storage tank standards
NACE MR0175 / ISO15156Materials for H₂S environments and sour gas service

Quality Control Includes:

  • 100% Radiographic & Ultrasonic Testing
  • Welding Procedure Qualifications (WPS/PQR)
  • Material Traceability & PMI
  • Hydrostatic & Pneumatic Testing
  • Full manufacturing records and QA documentation

Petrochemical environments present extreme technical challenges. We meet them with proven engineering expertise and advanced fabrication capabilities.

ChallengeEngineering Solution
Ultra-thick wall welding (>200mm)SAW + multi-layer preheat, 100% RT, post-weld heat treatment
Hydrogen service corrosionHIC-resistant alloys + overlay welds
Sour gas cracking (H₂S/Cl⁻)NACE-compliant materials + dual-layer cladding
Transport & erection of large vesselsModular fabrication + section-by-section transport
Life-cycle reliabilityAPI 579 FFS assessment + digital monitoring systems

As the petrochemical sector embraces decarbonization and digitalization, pressure vessels are also evolving toward smarter, greener, and more integrated systems.

TrendDescription
ModularizationFactory-assembled units to reduce site construction
IoT-Enabled MonitoringReal-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance
Green ManufacturingLow-carbon steel, reduced welding emissions
Localization & SubstitutionDomestic production of large critical reactors
Functional IntegrationMulti-process vessels (reaction + separation + heating)

Conclusion

Pressure vessels are indispensable to the petrochemical industry, providing structural integrity and process reliability under the most demanding conditions—high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive environments. From hydrocracking reactors to sulfur recovery drums, these vessels serve as the backbone of complex chemical conversions and energy transformations.

As the industry moves toward cleaner fuels, digitalization, and higher safety standards, pressure vessel technology must continue to evolve—embracing smarter monitoring, modular fabrication, and sustainable materials. With deep engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a commitment to global quality standards, we are proud to deliver pressure vessel solutions that empower the future of petrochemicals.

If your project involves pressure vessel design, selection, or turnkey delivery, our expert team is ready to support with end-to-end solutions tailored to your operational needs.

Why Choose Us?

Certified Safety, Reliable Quality, Custom-Engineered Pressure Vessels.

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