Chemical cleaning process for removing fouling
US6485578B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B2230/01
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed is a chemical cleaning process for removing fouling from process lines of oil refining or petrochemical plants. The process lines are in an on-line state and a chemical cleaning agent is circulated through the process lines to remove the fouling. It can effectively recover the thermal efficiency in oil refining processes or petrochemical processes within a short period of time, so that significant energy consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the chemical cleaning process requires a shorter cleaning period and therefore allows for a longer operating time. It can also dislodge fouling without opening heat exchangers or other equipment thereby preventing the release of VOCs. As a result, environmental pollution is not generated. The present invention is also ecconomically favorable as it extends the time between periodic maintenance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.