Olefin unit primary fractionator on-line Petro-Blast Lancing
- OxyChem, Alvin, TX (United States)
Today`s commodity chemicals market forces companies to find innovative ways to extend unit on line operation between turnarounds such that they will remain economically competitive. At the OxyChem Chocolate Bayou facility the Primary Fractionator, quench oil column, fouling defined the length of the run between Olefin Unit turnarounds. Polymer growth on the valve trays restricted vapor flow through the column. This increased the column pressure drop which resulted in severe flooding. The inability to cool the furnace effluent while separating the fuel oil and gasoline components would cause premature shutdowns. Fouling locations were defined using gamma scan techniques and pressure surveys. Nozzles were welded and hot tapped at strategic locations around the column. A high pressure Petro-Blast Lancing technique, inserted through the nozzles, was then used to clean the trays. The operation has extended the unit run length although the column may require additional Petro-Blast Lancing before the next scheduled plant turnaround. If this schedule holds, a two year extension in the unit run length will be realized.
- OSTI ID:
- 288674
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9404309-; TRN: IM9639%%383
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 6. ethylene producers conference, Atlanta, GA (United States), 17-21 Apr 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of 6. ethylene producers` conference: Proceedings. Volume 3; PB: 721 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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