Research Progress on Replacement and Production Technology for Long-Distance Liquefied Ethane Pipelines.

Ethane is used as raw material to produce ethylene, which is the most important basic raw material for the petrochemical industry. The liquid phase ethane transportation method has the advantages of large transportation capacity and high economy. In this paper, the research progress of long-distance ethane pipelines is reviewed from the aspects of construction, phase change characteristics, standards and specifications, replacement, and production technology. The phase change characteristics of ethane-nitrogen mixed gas in the replacement process are discussed. In addition, the applicability of existing standards, specifications, and related replacement production technologies to liquefied ethane pipelines was analyzed, and operational recommendations have been given. Suggestions for future research are put forward to promote the application of pipeline replacement and production technology for ethane long transportation.