Ethylene plants play an important role in chemical production, and the corrosion problem of heat exchange tubes in steam generators seriously affects the safe and stable operation of the plants. This article starts from an experimental perspective and studies the corrosion and leakage mechanism of heat exchange tubes in the process flow of ethylene plants through water quality testing, golden image experiments, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. The results of water quality analysis indicate that acid is generated inside the steam generator. The golden image and scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicate corrosion leakage of the heat exchange tube, while XRD experiments show the presence of S element in the corrosion products. Based on the entire process flow of the ethylene plant, it is speculated that the heat exchange tubes are corroded by low molecular weight organic acids inside the tubes. The research method presented in this article provides a unique analytical approach for leaks in ethylene plants and offers a fresh perspective on the corrosion mechanism of heat exchange tubes. The relevant research provides experimental reference for the safe operation of ethylene plants. This provides a reference for the field of equipment failure in the petrochemical industry.