Abstract

The present invention comprises a method and system for the in-situ cleaning of a heat exchanger tube bundle of carbonaceous deposits. Using the method and system, an organic solvent is brought into fluid communication with one or more heat exchanger tube bundles in a closed system. The closed system is formed at the site of operation of the heat exchanger tube bundles and without having to remove the heat exchanger tube bundles from their shells or other associated equipment. Once the closed system is formed, the organic solvent is brought to a temperature at which it is effective to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle and flowed through the equipment associated with the heat exchanger tube bundles so as to contact the heat exchanger tube bundles and remove carbonaceous deposits that have formed therein. In some embodiments, the spent organic solvent may be recovered, such as through the removal of suspended hydrocarbons, and reused in the method and system for cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles.

IPC Classes  ?

• F28G 9/00 - Cleaning by flushing or washing, e.g. with chemical solvents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a method and system for the in-situ cleaning of a heat exchanger tube bundle of carbonaceous deposits. Using the method and system, an organic solvent is brought into fluid communication with one or more heat exchanger tube bundles in a closed system. The closed system is formed at the site of operation of the heat exchanger tube bundles and without having to remove the heat exchanger tube bundles from their shells or other associated equipment. Once the closed system is formed, the organic solvent is brought to a temperature at which it is effective to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle and flowed through the equipment associated with the heat exchanger tube bundles so as to contact the heat exchanger tube bundles and remove carbonaceous deposits that have formed therein. In some embodiments, the spent organic solvent may be recovered, such as through the removal of suspended hydrocarbons, and reused in the method and system for cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles.

IPC Classes  ?

• F28G 9/00 - Cleaning by flushing or washing, e.g. with chemical solvents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a method and system for the in-situ cleaning of a heat exchanger tube bundle of carbonaceous deposits. Using the method and system, an organic solvent is brought into fluid communication with one or more heat exchanger tube bundles in a closed system. The closed system is formed at the site of operation of the heat exchanger tube bundles and without having to remove the heat exchanger tube bundles from their shells or other associated equipment. Once the closed system is formed, the organic solvent is brought to a temperature at which it is effective to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle and flowed through the equipment associated with the heat exchanger tube bundles so as to contact the heat exchanger tube bundles and remove carbonaceous deposits that have formed therein. In some embodiments, the spent organic solvent may be recovered, such as through the removal of suspended hydrocarbons, and reused in the method and system for cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles.

IPC Classes  ?

• B08B 3/00 - Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
• F28G 9/00 - Cleaning by flushing or washing, e.g. with chemical solvents
• B08B 9/032 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
• B08B 9/023 - Cleaning the external surfaces
• B08B 3/08 - Cleaning involving contact with liquid the liquid having chemical or dissolving effect
• B08B 3/02 - Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
• B08B 3/14 - Removing waste, e.g. labels, from cleaning liquid
• B08B 9/027 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages
• B08B 9/02 - Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
• B08B 3/04 - Cleaning involving contact with liquid
• F28D 7/16 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation

Abstract

A method and system for removing hydrocarbon deposits from a heat exchanger tube bundle using an organic solvent. After contact with a heat exchanger tube bundle, the contaminated organic solvent may be treated to remove solids, base waters, and/or suspended hydrocarbons, and then again contacted with a heat exchanger tube bundle for the removal of hydrocarbon deposits. This allows for the removal of hydrocarbon deposits from a heat exchanger tube bundle in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The treatment of the heat exchanger tube bundle is also preferably performed using a method and system by which, through contact of the heat exchanger tube bundle with an organic solvent, a large percentage of hydrocarbon deposits are removed from the heat exchanger tube bundle in a short period of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• F28G 9/00 - Cleaning by flushing or washing, e.g. with chemical solvents
• B08B 3/08 - Cleaning involving contact with liquid the liquid having chemical or dissolving effect
• B08B 9/027 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages
• F28G 3/16 - Rotary appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris

Abstract

A method and system for removing hydrocarbon deposits from a heat exchanger tube bundle using an organic solvent working fluid working fluid. After contact with a heat exchanger tube bundle, the hydrocarbon-laden organic solvent working fluid may be treated to remove solids, base waters, and/or suspended hydrocarbons, and then again contacted with a heat exchanger tube bundle for the removal of hydrocarbon deposits. This allows for the removal of hydrocarbon deposits from a heat exchanger tube bundle in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The organic solvent working fluid is recycled after proper treatment to be used repeatedly. The only loss and thus makeup required is a small fraction that ends up in the recovered hydrocarbons that is sent back into the refinery or other facility.

IPC Classes  ?

• B08B 3/08 - Cleaning involving contact with liquid the liquid having chemical or dissolving effect
• B08B 9/023 - Cleaning the external surfaces
• B08B 9/027 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages
• B08B 9/093 - Cleaning of containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays
• F28G 3/16 - Rotary appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris
• F28G 9/00 - Cleaning by flushing or washing, e.g. with chemical solvents