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Case History

Crude unit desalters were decontaminated of organic sludge in 24 hours, degassed of hazardous vapors in only 2 hours, and fluidized oils were pumped out and recovered

Results Achieved

R
Benzene and hydrogen sulfide free
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Organic sludge free after 24 hours of liquid circulation
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Degassed after 2 hours
of chemical injection

Chemicals Utilized

Award-winning asphaltene dispersant and anti-foulant

FQE LEL-Vapor

Rapid absorption and encapsulation of vapor-state hydrocarbons

H2S scavenger for the rapid and permanent elimination of H2S

A large petroleum refinery in the Southern United States used FQE® Solvent-H, FQE LEL-Vapor and FQE H2S Scavenger to decontaminate and degas their crude unit desalters.

The equipment was decontaminated with heavy organic and inorganic solids, LEL content gases and hydrogen sulfide from the process. Decontamination was required for scheduled maintenance work. The equipment was cleaned by liquid circulation of light cycle oil (LCO) and FQE Solvent-H to remove the heavy wax and tar content. The fluidized oils were pumped out for recovery.

Following removal of the oils, steam injection with FQE H2S Scavenger and FQE LEL-Vapor for degassing of hazardous vapors was completed. After 2 hours of chemical injection, the equipment was successfully degassed with no benzene, hydrocarbon or hydrogen sulfide present on analysis.

On opening the vessel, the equipment was free of oils. The remaining inorganic solids (rust, salts and sand) was physically removed. The wash water was sent directly to waste water treatment without delay.

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