Refining

Control Fouling and Increase Throughput in Thermal Conversion Units

New MILESTONE™ heater fouling control technology from Baker Hughes increases thermal conversion unit profitability by significantly reducing heater tube fouling rates.

MILESTONE technology is a multi-component fouling control solution that effectively interrupts the key fouling mechanisms identified for specific crude oil residual heater operations and feedstock characteristics.

MILESTONE Technology Benefits

Recent applications of MILESTONE technology in delayed cokers have significantly extended heater run lengths and increased unit throughputs, while reducing the frequency and cost of coil decoking procedures.

By controlling heater fouling rates, customized MILESTONE technology programs can significantly improve refinery profitability by:

• Increasing thermal conversion unit throughput where unit capacity is heater limited
• Allowing unit to maintain maximum conversion, where heater outlet temperatures are reduced to maintain target throughput during a run
• Allowing upstream crude units to process higher rates of lower cost heavy crude oils
• Reducing coil de-coking costs
• Reducing heater fuel consumption

Economic benefits provided through application of MILESTONE technology are calculated and tracked using a proprietary Baker Hughes heater fouling economic analysis tool.

A Unique Approach to Heater Fouling Control

MILESTONE fouling control additives were developed by Baker Hughes technologists to control heater fouling due to:

• Thermal degradation of oils
• Asphaltene destabilization
• Catalytic effects of feed metals and equipment surfaces
• Precipitation of organic and inorganic solids

These additives have been proven effective in a Joint Industry Project pilot scale delayed coker testing program, and in commercial applications in thermal conversion units worldwide.

Customized MILESTONE fouling control additive solutions are developed using proprietary feedstock characterization and additive selection and dosage testing protocols.

The Baker Petrolite Coker Stability Index is Used to Evaluate Stability of Asphaltenes in Unit Feedstocks

Measured feedstock characteristics are also compared to Baker Hughes' extensive data base of conversion unit feedstock analytical information to help predict fouling potential in the unit and to determine the probable impact of candidate chemical solutions on heater fouling.

Baker Hughes engineers apply on-site experience with heater fouling control application technology to ensure implementation of effective fouling control solutions for each unit.

A MILESTONE Program Can Work for You!

If your refinery is faced with a thermal conversion unit heater fouling problem, a customized MILESTONE heater fouling control technology program can help increase unit throughput and improve unit profitability. Contact Baker Hughes' fouling control experts for a complete evaluation of your unit operations and feedstock, and their recommendation for a MILESTONE fouling control program specifically designed to extend heater run length and increase throughput in your thermal conversion unit operations.

MILESTONE is a trademark of Baker Hughes Incorporated