Abstract: By comparing the effect of changing parameters in a range on overall cost of an absorption tower with a side-draw in the energy conservation process, key parameters which influence the economic benefit of the absorption-stabilization system were indentified. The effect of changes of olefin and energy prices on parameters identification was also studied. Case study showed that, regardless of how the olefin prices and energy prices changed, the condensed oil tank temperature and supplementary absorbent flow rate are two key parameters. Desorption tower pressure, feed temperature of stabilization tower, and side draw flow rate and location of absorption tower have larger effects on the total cost. While the feed location on stabilization tower and hot feed proportion of desorption tower have little effect.

Key words: absorption and stabilization system, computer simulation, key parameter identification