Novel filtration method for refining and chemical industries

Abstract

A novel design of filters for removing iron rust particulates and other polymeric sludge from refinery and chemical process streams that are paramagnetic in nature is provided. The performance of these filters is greatly enhanced by the presence of the magnetic field induced by magnets. Basically, the filter comprises a high-pressure vessel with means to support the plurality of magnets in the form of bars or plates that are encased in stainless steel tubes or columns. Filters with various configurations are disclosed for accommodating the removal of contaminants from the process streams of different industries, with high efficiency for contaminants removal, simple construction, low operational and maintenance costs, and low hazardous operation.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 12 / 112,623 that was filed on Apr. 30, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Process streams in refineries are often contaminated with components that are detrimental to down-stream process units and / or are corrosive to the process equipment, or they are contaminated with solid matter, such as iron rust, which tends to interfere with process lines, valves, and pumps. The contaminants must be removed before the streams enter certain parts of the process or process units in order to maintain the process or unit performance. A filtration screen, filter housing or cartridge containing adsorbents or filtration media is usually placed in front of the process unit to remove the bulk of the undesirable matters. For example, a RONNING-PETTER multiplex filter is used to remove solid matters from atmospheric distillation residual oil before it is fed to a hydrotreater at tempera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]This invention is directed novel filters that employ magnets for removing iron rust particulates and polymeric sludge, which are paramagnetic in nature, from refinery and chemical process streams. The performance of these filters is attributable to the presence of the magnetic fields that are induced by the magnets. The invention is based in part on the recognition that carbon steel, a common material in plant construction, is readily corroded by acidic components prevalent in process streams. The corrosion causes the formation of ferrous ions, which in turn react with sulfur, oxygen and water to form paramagnetic FeS, FeO, Fe(OH)2, Fe(CN)6, etc. that manifest as fine particles or visible flakes. These paramagnetic materials will attract other degradation sludge, making the whole mass of contaminants paramagnetic. Consequently, the entire mass of the contaminants can be readily removed from the process stream with the magnet filter device of the present invention.

[0008]In one aspect, the invention is directed to a filtration apparatus for continuous online removal of contaminants from a process stream that comprises: (i) a pressure vessel that has a compartment, (ii) at least one magnet that is positioned within the compartment; and means for channeling the flow of the process stream containing contaminants pass the at least one magnet. Each magnet is preferably encased in housing that is made of stainless steel or other suitable corrosive resistant material. The housing can be integral with the vessel. The housing exterior, which is in contact with the process stream, serves as an adsorptive surface to which contaminants adhere. The inventive filtration apparatus can be readily scaled and configured to accommodate different operating conditions in order to minimize downtime and hazardous operations.

Problems solved by technology

These paramagnetic materials will attract other degradation sludge, making the whole mass of contaminants paramagnetic.

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