Refining

VisTec Visbreaker Technology Program

The VisTec Program has been designed by Baker Hughes to maximize both conversion rates and operating run lengths of visbreaker units. The Program includes a range of additives that can control fouling and stability when visbreaking severity is increased, and complementary monitoring techniques that have been successfully used to predict stability and fouling tendencies for a wide range of feedstocks over a complete range of processing conditions.

VisTec Program Performance

Using Baker Hughes's VisTec Program, refiners are now able to operate visbreaker units close to the fouling threshold and product instability with the following benefits:

• Maximize conversion for any processed feedstock without risking excessive fouling and reduced run lengths
• Extend run-length of equipment susceptible to fouling:
• Furnace
• Pre-heat exchangers
• Atmospheric and vacuum columns
• Maintain fuel oil sediments and stability within specification

VisTec Program Economic Benefits

• Typically up to 4% conversion based on feed can be achieved (around 25% improvement in unit performance)
• Depending on feed quality, operational set-up and base case
• Operating a typical 200-t/h unit in maximum conversion mode to boost gas oil production by 1 % can provide an annual increase in profits of about $2MM
• Increase run lengths between shutdowns for furnace de-coking and/or exchanger cleaning: more plant uptime
• With VisTec™ Additives can extend run lengths from 6 months to 1 year, estimated annual return $2MM

Contact Baker Hughes today to discuss how the VisTec Program can maximize gasoil yields and stop premature shutdown of your visbreaker unit.

VisTec is a trademark of Baker Hughes Incorporated.