At the low point of the dechlorination tank in the continuous reforming unit, a yellow, viscous substance is often found. What compound is this?
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I have installed a low-point drain in the dechlorination tank of the continuous reforming unit; over time, some yellow, viscous substance often leaks out from the valve packing and inside the valve； Due to the limited analytical capabilities of our factory, the composition of this compound could not be determined through sampling; we therefore seek advice from everyone.
We have never encountered such yellow, viscous substance. However, oil-like substances can be discharged as sludge, with an indistinct color. I guess what you encountered was a thick yellow substance formed as a result of the condensation of heavier hydrocarbons, mixed with fragments of adsorbents from the dechlorination tank as well as corrosion products. Also, check whether there is a possibility of oil leakage from the booster compressor lubricant into the system. The process gas used here generally has a low content of heavy components, and its carbon atom count is usually low, so it should not be too viscous. Given that such a situation has arisen, it is recommended that you check whether the HCl level in the gas exiting the dechlorination tank is above the permissible limit. I cannot guarantee that these sticky substances will not adhere to the surface of the adsorbent, thereby reducing its adsorption efficiency. Analyzing the composition of this substance is likely not easy; ordinary refineries probably won’t be able to do it. The oil is too heavy, and the internal solid content is likely high; the iron ion content may also be significant. Playing GC is probably something they wouldn’t dare to do. You can try reaching out to analysts in some university laboratories or research institutions to see if they can conduct the analysis.
Such substances were also found last month when cleaning the inlet filter of the recycle hydrogen compressor.