Abstract: The operation and running of the ethylene plant are greatly affected by changes in raw materials, which can cause changes in the load of various systems and equipment in the ethylene plant, thereby affecting the operating efficiency and product quality of the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct targeted accounting for each system of the device to ensure that each unit can adapt to new operations after changes in raw materials. Taking a domestic ethylene plant as an example, a detailed comparison is made on the impact of light and heavy raw material conditions on various systems of the separation unit, and specific analysis is given on the adjustments required for each system. The results indicate that the changes in raw materials in the ethylene plant have different degrees of impact on each process unit. The comprehensive impact of raw materials on ethylene production is reflected in the energy consumption of the ethylene plant, that is, the production cost of ethylene. When the raw materials have a certain amount of lightweight space, the ethylene yield is higher, the energy consumption is reduced, and the operating cost of the plant is reduced.

Key words: ethylene plant, raw material, load, operating efficiency, product quality