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A new approach to detect and identify hydrocarbon leaks in refinery cooling systems

Journal Article · · Materials Performance
OSTI ID:268147
 [1];  [2]
  1. Chevron Products Co., El Segundo, CA (United States)
  2. Betz Water Management Group, Long Beach, CA (United States)
Heat exchanger hydrocarbon leaks in refinery cooling water systems cause corrosion, fouling, and loss of heat transfer due to the presence of hydrocarbons and the resulting increased microbiological growth. Typical methods to control microbiological growth in the presence of hydrocarbons include the use of oxidizing and nonoxidizing biocides. Excessive use of these materials can cause additional corrosion and be prohibitively expensive. Common methods of checking exchanger inlets and outlets for hydrocarbon or oxidant residual are often unable to pinpoint a leaking exchanger. This article details two methods to positively identify light and heavy hydrocarbons, using activated carbon or a gas trap followed by gas chromatography. Once the hydrocarbon is identified, the task of finding the leaking exchanger is simplified and corrective measures can be taken.
OSTI ID:
268147
Journal Information:
Materials Performance, Journal Name: Materials Performance Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 35; ISSN MTPFBI; ISSN 0094-1492
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English