Issues with the recovery of heavy hydrocarbons from crude oil stabilizers?
Thread Content
The heavy hydrocarbon recycler that was installed on our unit’s original stabilization tower functions like a funnel; I didn’t get a chance to check it during that maintenance period. After it was put into operation, it was found that, based on the previous production parameters, the liquid level of heavy hydrocarbons couldn’t be maintained, and the heavy hydrocarbons exported became black and contained black particulate matter (resembling rust). Only by increasing the flow rate of the slurry could the liquid level be kept stable. There is also an increase in the composition of light hydrocarbons. Has the composition of the crude oil changed, or has the composition of the tower packing changed? What other reasons are there?
The equipment operation parameters prior to this maintenance cycle were as follows: outlet temperature of the heater at 215±5°C and tower temperature at 145±5°C. Currently, the outlet temperature of the heater remains unchanged; it is necessary to increase the reflux rate in order to control the tower temperature. A tower temperature of 125±5°C is required to maintain a stable level of heavy hydrocarbons for export. The output of heavy hydrocarbons exported has decreased even further than before. I’m very puzzled.