Crude oil pre-heat train with improved heat transfer

US8349267B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Ian A. Cody · Baton Rouge, US
• Amar S. Wanni · Fairfax, US
• Robert C. Welch · Baton Rouge, US
• James E. Feather · Burke, US
• Mark A. Greaney · Upper Black Eddy, US
• Limin Song · Plainsboro, US
• Jasmina Poturovic · Calgary, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 8, 2013
• Expiry date: Aug 19, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C10G9/16
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Targeted application of anti-fouling mechanisms in a heat exchange system produces higher rates of energy recovery. The anti-fouling mechanisms with high mitigation rates can be deployed at only the hottest portions of a pre-heat train that experience the highest rates of fouling and heat loss. In application, bundles of corrosion resistant smoothed tubes are deployed in the late pre-heat train to significantly reduce the formation of harder deposits. Vibration can be used as an adjunct approach in conjunction with the corrosion resistant, smooth tubes, or deployed alone on existing bundles. The use of high performing, more durable exchangers in select locations justifies the increased cost of these components.