Abstract: Relying on a transformation project of EO/EG unit, a new ethylene oxide (EO) purification system was installed to operate with the existing one in series, so that over 80% of the EOE (ethylene oxide equivalent) capacity of the reactor could be used for PEO production, thus switching EG production to PEO production for the first time. High efficiency trays were installed in the new EO column to meet the requirements of capacity expansion, the heating control system was optimized to adapt to the more complicated feed composition, and an integrated aldehyde removal system was developed to control the aldehyde concentration in the new EO column.

Key words: PEO, EO purification column, aldehyde removal, heating control, high efficient tray