Hydrocarbon caking problem
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After 250 days of operation in the hydrocarbonization process, wax formation was observed at the leakage points before water cooling; no overheating occurred. Have other operators and manufacturers involved in hydrocarbonization processes encountered such a situation? After water cooling, it’s ammonia cooling – how can this be handled without shutting down the system?
It’s normal for wax to form in the hydrocarbonation system, right? Our factory too. During maintenance, the wax that had accumulated inside the preheater tubes was almost blocking the tubes, which were as thick as a finger.
Wax formation due to hydrocarbonation and alkylation is quite normal, but it is closely related to the catalyst; it is recommended to choose a catalyst that has been thoroughly tested. It’s difficult to handle without stopping the machine; usually, a hot washing system while the machine is stopped is used.
How about checking the temperature before water cooling?
Please share the causes of wax formation in hydrocarbonation systems and the preventive measures. Thank you!
Replying to floor 2: Does a high preheater temperature also cause blockages?
Reply to 5# hnjslyj: The main reason for wax formation in the hydrocarbonization system is temperature; the hydrocarbonization catalyst tends to produce paraffin at around 180°C, so this temperature should be avoided as much as possible. Even during the heating of the catalyst, the rate of temperature increase in this range should be increased.
The waxing due to hydrocarbonization is normal; wax consists of long-chain hydrocarbons, and this is inevitable. The issue of melted wax is best dealt with by shutting down the plant. During normal operation, the wax dissolves in the water cooling system – but what happens afterward? It still needs to be precipitated
Wax formation is inevitable; leave a steam outlet before water cooling, and use steam for purging during maintenance.