Abstract: To address the issue of low-temperature heat being wasted in cooling within aromatics complex units, a steam generator and steam booster were added to utilize the low-temperature waste heat from the toluene column overhead. This system generates 0.6 MPa steam, which is then boosted to 1.8 MPa, achieving comprehensive utilization of low-temperature waste heat and energy-saving and emission-reduction goals in the unit. The operational requirements, operating parameters, and energy-saving and emission-reduction effects of the steam generator and booster unit were systematically analyzed, and optimizations were made for operational issues. The results show that the equipment in this low-temperature waste heat steam generation project operates stably and meets all design specifications. The 1.8 MPa steam produced reaches a flow rate of 25.57 t/h, enabling energy savings of 16150.5 tCE/a (1 kgCE = 29.3 MJ) and a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 40263.2 t/a. The economic and social benefits are significant.

Key words: aromatics complex unit, toluene column, low-temperature heat, steam generation, quality upgrading, energy conservation and emission reduction