Online cleaning and fouling prevention in vapor transfer lines and industrial processes

Abstract

An operations line, comprising: an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section, and the transport section having an interior; an outlet section, the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line; a first acoustic horn, the first acoustic horn configured to effect removal of material accreting within the transport section; and a valve configured to at least partially interrupt fluid communication between the acoustic horn and the transport section.

Description

ONLINE CLEANING AND FOULING PREVENTIONIN VAPOR TRANSFER LINES AND INDUSTRIAL PROCESSESRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of United States patent application no. 63 / 636.476. “Online Cleaning And Fouling Prevention In Industrial Processes,” filed April 19, 2024; and United States patent application no. 63 / 786,430, “Online Cleaning And Fouling Prevention In Vapor Transfer Lines And Industrial Processes,” filed April 10, 2025. All foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of unit operations and also to the field of fouling prevention in industrial processes.BACKGROUND

[0003] The piping between a pyrolysis reactor and a condenser - which can be a quench tower- is subject to fouling, as the piping receives the first component of vapor / gas transported out of the pyrolysis reactor. In addition to the presence of vapor / gas in the output of the pyrolysis reactor, entrained particulate - such as char - can also be present in that output.

[0004] The deposition of reactive materials in the vapor stream leads to the accretion of material on the internal walls of the piping, which accretion can be termed “fouling.” Fouling, in combination with residual heat that is carried over from the process, can in turn lead to coking on the walls of the piping, which coking can lead to partial or even total blockage of the piping internal diameter.

[0005] A different type of fouling that can include wax and particulate can also occur at the nozzle end of the piping, which nozzle end is at the entrance to the quench tower and can be at a comparatively lower temperature than upstream regions of the piping. Accordingly, there is a long-felt need in the art for reduction of fouling within the piping that connects a reactor and a condenser.SUMMARY

[0006] In meeting the described long-felt needs, the disclosed technology operates to reduce or even eliminate one or both of the aforementioned types of fouling from occurring. This in turn allows operators to maintain material communication in the subject piping, which in turn leads to enhanced operational capability and enhanced operational safety.

[0007] In one aspect, the disclosed technology provides an operations line, comprising: an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section, and the transport section having an interior; an outlet section, the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line; a first acoustic horn, the first acoustic horn configured to effect removal of material accreting within the transport section; and a valve configured to at least partially interrupt fluid communication between the acoustic hom and the transport section.

[0008] Also provided is an operations tram, comprising: a condenser, the condenser optionally being a quench tower; and an operations line, the operations line having an interior and the operations line configured to receive an output vapor from a reactor, the operations line placing the reactor into fluid communication with the condenser, the condenser comprising an inlet nozzle, the inlet nozzle engaging with an outlet section of the operations line, and (i) the operations train comprising an insulating component placed between the outlet section of the operations line and the inlet nozzle so as to reduce heat transfer between the outlet section and the inlet nozzle, (ii) the operations train comprising a heater configured to heat at least one of the outlet section and the inlet nozzle, or both (i) and (ii).

[0009] Further provided is an operations line, comprising: an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section having an interior and the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section and the transport section; an outlet section, the outlet section having an interior and the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line to a condenser, and at least one of the transport section and the outlet section comprising a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the at least one of the transport section and the outlet section.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed in the present document. In the drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0012] FIG. 2 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0013] FIG. 3 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0014] FIG. 4 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0015] FIG. 5 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0016] FIG. 6 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0017] FIG. 7 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0018] FIG. 8 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0019] FIG. 9 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0020] FIG. 10 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0021] FIG. 11 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0022] FIG. 12 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.

[0023] FIG. 13 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of desired embodiments and the examples included therein.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0026] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" can include the embodiments "consisting of1and "consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients / steps and permit the presence of other ingredients / steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as "consisting of' and "consisting essentially of' the enumerated ingredients / steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients / steps, along with any impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients / steps.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to besuch. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise. Unless indicated to the contrary , the numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

[0029] Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

[0030] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently of the endpoints. The endpoints of the ranges and any values disclosed herein are not limited to the precise range or value; they are sufficiently imprecise to include values approximating these ranges and / or values.

[0031] As used herein, approximating language can be applied to modify any quantitative representation that can vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” may not be limited to the precise value specified, in some cases. In at least some instances, the approximating language can correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. The modifier “about” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” can refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about 10%” can indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” can mean from 0.9-1. 1. Other meanings of “about” can be apparent from the context, such as rounding off, so, for example “about 1” can also mean from 0.5 to 1.4.

[0032] Further, the term “comprising” should be understood as having its open- ended meaning of “including,” but the term also includes the closed meaning of the term “consisting.” For example, a composition that comprises components A and B can be a composition that includes A, B, and other components, but can also be a composition made ofA and B only. Any documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.

[0033] Any embodiment or aspect provided herein is illustrative only and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims. Any part or parts of any one or more embodiments or aspects can be combined with any part or parts of any one or more other embodiments or aspects.

[0034] Drawings

[0035] The following is a listing of certain elements present in the appended nonlimiting figures.

[0036] 10: Operations line

[0037] 100: First acoustic hom

[0038] 102: Shield valve

[0039] 104: Outlet from reactor

[0040] 106: Fluid source for cleaning shield valve

[0041] 108: Second acoustic hom

[0042] 110: Low adhesion material

[0043] 112: Heater

[0044] 112a: Second heater

[0045] 114: Flange

[0046] 116: Thermal insulator

[0047] 118: Low adhesion matenal

[0048] 120: Inlet section

[0049] 122: Transport section

[0050] 124: Outlet section

[0051] 126: Inlet

[0052] 128: Heater

[0053] 130: Low adhesion matenal

[0054] 132: Flange

[0055] 134: Shield

[0056] 136: Nozzle

[0057] 138: Condenser

[0058] 140: Pipe section

[0059] 142: Stub section

[0060] 144: Fastener

[0061] 146: Nozzle stub

[0062] 148: Expansion joint

[0063] 150: Detector

[0064] 152: Detector

[0065] 154: Backup acoustic horn

[0066] 156: Shield valve

[0067] 158: Backup vapor line[006S] FIG. 1 provides an exemplary operations line 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown, operations line 10 can include pipe section 140, which pipe section receives material via outlet 104; outlet 104 can be an outlet from a reactor, such as a pyrolysis reactor. Operations line 10 can be positioned and arranged such that operations line 10 receives material that is communicated out of a reactor; such material can travel upward into operations line 10 and then be encouraged through operations line to a receiving unit, such as a condenser. As shown, operations line 10 can be positioned such that material received by operations line 10 is communicated at least partially downhill or otherwise partially with the assistance of gravity.

[0069] Operations line 10 can include an acoustic hom 100, which acoustic hom can be configured to effect removal of material that accretes within the interior of pipe section 140. An acoustic hom can, for example, be made of stainless steel and include a titanium diaphragm. Acoustic horns can vary in size; as but one example, a hom can be 16 inches in length.

[0070] First acoustic hom 100 can be operated with, for example, nitrogen gas. An acoustic hom can be operated according to a preset schedule, for example operating for 20 seconds each hour. An acoustic hom can also be operated on an as-needed basis, for example when an operator visualizes material accretion and / or when material accretion is detected. An acoustic hom can be mounted in a variety of locations within operations line 10; as one example, an acoustic hom can be mounted at the center of pipe section 140 such that the acoustic hom has a direct “line of sight” to the condenser nozzle at the opposite end of operations line 10. Operations line 10 can include a second acoustic hom 108, although this is not a requirement. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, firstacoustic horn 100 can be operated so as to discourage material accretion in the inlet section 120 of operations line 10; inlet section 120 is associated with the section of operations line 10 that receives material via inlet 104.

[0071] Second acoustic horn 108, if / when present, can be operated to discourage material accretion in at least one of transport section 122 of operations line 10 and outlet section 124 section of operations line 10. The second acoustic hom can be present, for example, upstream of the nozzle or other expansion joint so as to keep the flow liner free of debris created by the primary acoustic hom. The second acoustic hom can be, for example, mounted “off axis” and use a combination of direct and reflected acoustic energy to blow down any debris that might be present on the nozzle.

[0072] Shield valve 102 can also be present; shield valve can be positioned and operated to protect acoustic hom 100 from material accretion. The shield valve can be, for example, a ball valve. Shield valve 102 can be used to isolate the acoustic hom 100, and protect the diaphragm and interior of the acoustic hom from foulant accretion when not in use. A fluid source 106 can be present to clean shield valve 102; as but one example, the fluid source can be a hot nitrogen purge. In an example embodiment, exhaust nitrogen gas from actuation of acoustic hom 100 can be communicated back to an outlet housing of the reactor (not shown).

[0073] As shown, operations line 10 can include one or more inlets 126, which inlets can receive a fluid - such as nitrogen or other gas - that serves to discourage material accretion within pipe section 140. Without being bound to any particular arrangement, inlets 126 along the interior of operations line 10 can be used to shear off accreted material from the interior walls of the pipe and enhance acoustic hom performance.

[0074] Inlets 126 can be arranged in a variety of ways; in one example embodiment, inlets 126 are arranged in a helical manner, similar to the stripes on a barber pole. Inlets 126 can be arranged in parallel rings, parallel rows, or in other arrangements that suit the user’s needs. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, inlets 126 can be arranged in a random pattern. Inlets can be configured such that an inlet or a subset of the inlets can be separately addressed. For example, inlets can be configured such that fluid is communicated sequentially through different inlets so as to maintain movement of accreted material that is dislodged by action of a given inlet.

[0075] As shown, a low adhesion material 110 can be present within pipe section 140. Low adhesion material 110 can be present as a coating on an inner surface of pipe section 110, but this is not a requirement. Low adhesion material 110 can be present as an insert or liner. As shown, low adhesion material 110 can be present within transport section 122 of operations line 10. This is not a requirement, as low adhesion material 110 can be present within inlet section 120 of operations line 10. Low adhesion material 110 can also be present within outlet section 124 of operations line 10; as shown, low adhesion material 118 can be present within outlet section 124 of operations line 10.

[0076] Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, the low adhesion material can be extended for entire length of operations line 10. This can be accomplished by, for example, coating the interior of operations line 10 with the low adhesion material. This can also be accomplished by placing a liner or insert of appropriate length within operations line 10.

[0077] As shown, operations line 10 can include a flange 114, which flange can extend outwardly from pipe section 140. Operations line 10 can include heater 112. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. Operations line 10 can also include thermal insulator 116. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, thermal insulator 116 can reduce heat transfer between a condenser or other process unit (not shown) and operations line; by reducing such heat transfer, the outlet region of operations line 10 can remain relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at the outlet region. In this way, one can prevent or mitigate a thermal bridge between operations line 10 and a process unit - such as a condenser - to which the operations line is connected.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, detector 150 can also be present on operations line 10. Detector 150 can be, for example a gamma ray detector. Such a detector can be used, for example, to determine the amount of occlusion occurring in the piping. As foulant is disbonded from the pipe interior surfaces, monitoring can be performed to ensure that pieces of the removed material do not obstruct the downstream piping. Detector 150 can be present on the transport section 122 of operations line 10, although this is not a requirement.

[0079] FIG. 2 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate inFIG. 2, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 and 118 present, respectively, in outlet section 124 and nozzle 136. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce matenal accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion. Also as shown, an expansion joint 148 can be present; expansion joint 148 can be present at one or more locations along the length of operations line 10.

[0080] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevent oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0081] FIG. 3 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 3, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 present in outlet section 124. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion. As shown, thermal insulator 116 can be formed in a “top hat” or sleeve configuration such that thermally insulating material is present between flanges 114 and 132 but also within nozzle 136 and / or within outlet section 124.

[0082] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevent oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, detector 150 can also be present on operations line 10. Detector 150 can be, for example a gamma ray detector. Such a detector can be used, for example, to determine the amount of occlusion occurring in the piping. As foulant is disbonded from the pipe interior surfaces, monitoring can be performed to ensure that pieces of the removed material do not obstruct the downstream piping. Detector 150 can be present on the transport section 122 of operations line 10, although this is not a requirement.

[0084] Detector 152 can be present on condenser 138. Detector 152 can be used to detect the presence of fouling within condenser 138. A detector can be placed so as to monitor nozzle 136, for example, to determine whether there is buildup of fouling material.

[0085] FIG. 4 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 4, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 present in outlet section 124. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. In FIG. 4, pipe section 140 includes flange 114 and also extends - via stub section 142 - beyond flange 114. Low adhesion material 110 can, as shown, be present along stub section 142.

[0086] Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion. It should be understood that although FIG. 4 depicts thermal insulator 116 as being ring-shaped in configuration and present between flange 114 and flange 132, thermal insulator 116 can be present between stub section 140 and nozzle stub 146. In some embodiments, thermal insulator 116 can be formed in a “top hat” or sleeve configuration such that thermally insulating material is present between flanges 114 and 132 and also between stub section 140 and nozzle stub 146. Such a configuration is depicted in FIG. 5.

[0087] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevent oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0088] FIG. 6 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 6, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 present in outlet section 124 and also extending into nozzle 136. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. As shown, low adhesion material 110 is present in a “top hat” or sleeve configuration such that the low adhesion material is present between flanges 114 and 132 and also extends into nozzle 136. Also as shown in FIG. 6, fastener 144 can be installed to secure operations line 10 to nozzle 136.

[0089] Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / orcondensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion.

[0090] A liner can be present to prevent pyrolysis vapor from contacting the quench tower nozzle and condensing. Such a nozzle flow liner can be, for example, polished and / or coated on the interior with a coating of oleophobic material, which provides low adhesion to both hydrocarbon and carbon species. The exterior of the flow liner can be insulated with mineral wool to keep the inside diameter of the flow liner hot and prevent condensation of pyrolysis vapor.

[0091] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevents oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0092] FIG. 7 provides an example, non-limiting depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 can include pipe section 140, which pipe section receives material via outlet 104; outlet 104 can be an outlet from a reactor, such as a pyrolysis reactor. Operations line 10 can be positioned and arranged such that operations line 10 receives material that is communicated out of a reactor; such material can travel upward into operations line 10 and then be encouraged through operations line to a receiving unit, such as a condenser. As shown, operations line 10 can be positioned such that material received by operations line 10 is communicated at least partially downhill or otherwise partially with the assistance of gravity.

[0093] Operations line 10 can include an acoustic hom 100, which acoustic horn can be configured to effect removal of material that accretes within the interior of pipe section 140. An acoustic hom can, for example, be made of stainless steel and include a titanium diaphragm. Acoustic horns can vary in size; as but one example, a hom can be 16 inches in length.

[0094] First acoustic horn 100 can be operated with, for example, nitrogen gas. An acoustic hom can be operated according to a preset schedule, for example operating for 20 seconds each hour. An acoustic hom can also be operated on an as-needed basis, for example when an operator visualizes material accretion and / or when material accretion is detected. An acoustic hom can be mounted in a variety of locations within operations line 10; as one example, an acoustic hom can be mounted at the center of pipe section 140 such that the acoustic hom has a direct “line of sight” to the condenser nozzle at the opposite end of operations line 10. Operations line 10 can include a second acoustic hom 108, although this is not a requirement. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, first acoustic hom 100 can be operated so as to discourage material accretion in the inlet section 120 of operations line 10; inlet section 120 is associated with the section of operations line 10 that receives material via inlet 104.

[0095] Shield valve 102 can also be present; shield valve can be positioned and operated to protect acoustic hom 100 from material accretion. The shield valve can be, for example, a ball valve. Shield valve 102 can be used to isolate the acoustic hom 100, and protect the diaphragm and interior of the acoustic hom from foulant accretion when not in use. A fluid source 106 can be present to clean shield valve 102; as but one example, the fluid source can be a hot nitrogen purge. In an example embodiment, exhaust nitrogen gas from actuation of acoustic hom 100 can be communicated back to an outlet housing of the reactor (not shown).

[0096] Backup acoustic hom 154, if / when present, can be operated to discourage material accretion. As shown, shield valve 156 can be operated to allow pyrolysis vapor flow to reach backup vapor line 158. Backup acoustic hom can be operated to reduce or even prevent accretion of material in backup vapor line 158. The backup acoustic hom can be, for example, mounted “off axis” and use a combination of direct and reflected acoustic energy to blow down any debris that might be present. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, backup acoustic hom 154 and backup vapor line 158 can be utilized if / when pipe section 140 becomes clogged and / or is in need of maintenance.

[0097] As shown, one can arrange backup vapor transfer line 158 so as to be available and operable - even after an extensive time of stand-by - between a pyrolysis reactor to the downstream condensation system. As shown, backup acoustic cleaning hom 154 can be present and can be useful to for (1) cleaning a riser pipe from the reactor outlethousing, and (2) ensuring there is an available pathway for pyrolysis vapors to exit the reactor also in the case of plugging of the primary vapor transfer line (shown as pipe 140).

[0098] One can perform periodic actuation of the backup acoustic cleaning horn, which actuation can ensure that valve 156 - which isolates backup hom 154 from the process (when the hom is not actuated) is not fouled / plugged and can open. Valve 156 can isolate the backup vapor transfer line 158 from the process, ensuring no hydrocarbons and / or solids make their way into the backup vapor transfer line 158, which can cause fouling and plugging. The other end of the backup vapor transfer line can be connected to a quench tower or to an overhead condenser downstream from the quench tower. Such an arrangement can in turn ensure there is an available flow path for pyrolysis vapors to exit the reactor.

[0099] As the backup vapor transfer line 158 can be a dead leg - which can in some cases accommodate gas flow from the second acoustic cleaning hom towards a downstream condensation system - the probability of plugging the line from downstream condensation system is low. A nitrogen purge - which can be continuous - can be directed into the space between the valve 156 and the backup acoustic cleaning hom 154 to ensure that process vapor does not enter the space or the backup vapor transfer line 158.

[0100] As an example of the described technology, in the case of sudden plugging of the primary vapor transfer line (shown by pipe 140), valve 158 isolating the second vapor line would open and allow the pyrolysis vapors to flow through the secondary vapor transfer line. The system would then remain operational, for example for the time a pyrolysis reactor releases vapors after the heat supply for the reactor is cut off. One can thus periodically operate the valve isolating the backup vapor transfer line, and the backup acoustic hom 154 can clean matenal that has accumulated near valve 156. This in turn ensures that the backup vapor line 158 is accessible and available in the event the primary vapor line is compromised.

[0101] FIGs. 8-12 provide exemplary depictions of the disclosed technology that include backup vapor transfer line 158.

[0102] FIG. 8 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 8, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 and 118 present, respectively, in outlet section 124 and nozzle 136. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material within backupvapor line 158 can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion. Also as shown, an expansion joint 148 can be present; expansion joint 148 can be present at one or more locations along the length of operations line 10.

[0103] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevent oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0104] FIG. 9 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 9, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 present in outlet section 124. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion. As shown, thermal insulator 116 can be formed in a “top hat” or sleeve configuration such that thermally insulating material is present between flanges 114 and 132 but also within nozzle 136 and / or within outlet section 124.

[0105] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevent oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 9, detector 150 can also be present on operations line 10. Detector 150 can be, for example a gamma ray detector. Such a detector can be used, for example, to determine the amount of occlusion occurring in the piping. As foulant is disbonded from the pipe interior surfaces, monitoring can be performed to ensure that pieces of the removed material do not obstruct the downstream piping. Detector 150 can be present on the transport section 122 of operations line 10, although this is not a requirement.

[0107] Detector 152 can be present on condenser 138. Detector 152 can be used to detect the presence of fouling within condenser 138. A detector can be placed so as to monitor nozzle 136, for example, to determine whether there is buildup of fouling material.

[0108] FIG. 10 provides a further depiction of the disclosed technology . As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 10, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 present in outlet section 124. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. In FIG. 10, backup vapor line 158 includes flange 114 and also extends - via stub section 142 - beyond flange 114. Low adhesion material 110 can, as shown, be present along stub section 142.

[0109] Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, therebypromoting temperature that discourages material accretion. It should be understood that although FIG. 10 depicts thermal insulator 116 as being ring-shaped in configuration and present between flange 114 and flange 132, thermal insulator 116 can be present between backup vapor line 158 and nozzle stub 146. In some embodiments, thermal insulator 116 can be formed in a “top hat” or sleeve configuration such that thermally insulating material is present between flanges 114 and 132 and also between backup vapor line 158 and nozzle stub 146. Such a configuration is depicted in FIG. 11.

[0110] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevent oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0111] FIG. 12 provides a further depiction ofthe disclosed technology. As shown, operations line 10 is engaged with condenser 138; although a condenser is used to illustrate in FIG. 12, it should be understood that the disclosed operations lines can engage with other process units besides a condenser. As shown, operations line includes low adhesion material 110 present in outlet section 124 and also extending into nozzle 136. Again - and without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment - low adhesion material can reduce or even eliminate material accretion. As shown, low adhesion material 110 is present in a “top hat” or sleeve configuration such that the low adhesion material is present between flanges 114 and 132 and also extends into nozzle 136. Also as shown in FIG. 12, fastener 144 can be installed to secure operations line 10 to nozzle 136.

[0112] Heater 112 is also present; as mentioned, heater 112 can heat at least a portion of outlet section 124, which heating can discourage material accretion at outlet section 124. A further heater 112a is also present; heater 112a can act to heat nozzle 136 such that nozzle 136 remains relatively warm and thereby reduce material accretion and / or condensation at nozzle 136. Also as shown, thermal insulator 116 can be present between flange 114 and flange 132 so as to reduce heat transfer between the flanges, thereby promoting temperature that discourages material accretion.

[0113] A liner can be present to prevent pyrolysis vapor from contacting the quench tower nozzle and condensing. Such a nozzle flow liner can be, for example, polished and / or coated on the interior with a coating of oleophobic material, which provides low adhesion to both hydrocarbon and carbon species. The exterior of the flow liner can be insulated with mineral wool to keep the inside diameter of the flow liner hot and prevent condensation of pyrolysis vapor.

[0114] As shown, condenser 138 can also include shield 134, which can also be characterized as a drip shield. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, quench tower operation can at least partially depend on the use of cooled pyrolysis oil as a heat exchange medium for incoming hot pyrolysis oil vapor condensation. Thus, shield 134 can prevents oil spray from condenser 138 from coating the interior of nozzle 136.

[0115] It should be understood, however, that backup vapor line 158 can connect directly to condenser 138 as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in that figure, backup vapor line 158 can connect directly to condenser 138. Shield 134 can be present; without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, shield 134 can act to prevent contact between char that may be communicated from operations line 10 and condenser 138 and spray that comes down in the condenser 138.

[0116] Aspects

[0117] The following Aspects are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims. Any part or parts of any one or more Aspects can be combined with any part or parts of any one or more other Aspects.

[0118] Aspect 1. An operations line, comprising: an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section, and the transport section having an interior; an outlet section, the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line; a first acoustic horn, the first acoustic horn configured to effect removal of material accreting within the transport section; and a valve configured to at least partially interrupt fluid communication between the first acoustic horn and the transport section.

[0119] Aspect 2. The operations line of Aspect 1, the transport section being arranged such that, in operation, material in the transport section is encouraged by gravity toward the outlet section.

[0120] Aspect 3. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-2, wherein the product comprises a vapor and a particulate.

[0121] Aspect 4. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein the reactor is a kiln. A reactor can be configured for, for example, pyrolysis.

[0122] Aspect 5. The operations line of Aspect 4, wherein the valve is any one or more of a ball valve or a slide gate valve.

[0123] Aspect 6. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-5, further comprising a fluid source configured to communicate a fluid against or proximate to the valve so as to discourage material accretion on the valve. The fluid can be, for example, a gas. Nitrogen is considered particularly suitable.

[0124] Aspect 7. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-6, further comprising a second acoustic hom, the second acoustic hom configured to effect acoustic removal of material accretion within the transport section.

[0125] Aspect 8. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein the transport section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the transport section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon. Low adhesion can be coated directly on the interior of the transport section; low adhesion can also be present in a liner that is placed within the transport section.

[0126] Aspect 9. The operations line of Aspect 8, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the transport section.

[0127] Aspect 10. The operations line of any one of Aspects 8-9, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as being oleophobic.

[0128] Aspect 11. The operations line of any one of Aspects 8-10, wherein the low adhesion material comprises at least one of ceramic and a cermet.

[0129] Aspect 12. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-11, wherein the outlet section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the outlet section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

[0130] Aspect 13. The operations line of Aspect 12, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the outlet section.

[0131] Aspect 14. The operations line of any one of Aspects 12-13, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic.

[0132] Aspect 15. The operations line of any one of Aspects 12-14, wherein the low adhesion material comprises at least one of a ceramic and a cermet.

[0133] Aspect 16. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-15, further comprising at least one heater configured to heat the outlet section.

[0134] Aspect 17. The operations line of Aspect 16, wherein the at least one heater comprises an electric heater.

[0135] Aspect 18. The operations line of Aspect 17, wherein the at least one heater comprises a plurality of heaters.

[0136] Aspect 19. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-18, wherein the outlet section comprises a flange that extends radially outward.

[0137] Aspect 20. The operations line of Aspect 19, further comprising a thermally insulating material configured for placement between the flange and an inlet of a process unit in fluid communication with the operations line, the thermally insulating material reducing heat transfer between the flange and the inlet.

[0138] Aspect 21. The operations line of Aspect 20, wherein the thermally insulating component comprises any one or more of a ceramic, a ceramic fiber, a mineral, and a mineral fiber.

[0139] Aspect 22. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-21, wherein the transport section comprises a plurality of inlets configured to deliver a fluid to discourage material accretion within the transport section, the plurality of inlets optionally being in a helical arrangement.

[0140] Aspect 23. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-22, further comprising a radiometric sensor configured to determine a material density at a location within the operations line.

[0141] Radiometric density gauges (for example, gamma ray -based opposed source and detectors) can be placed along the piping and / or even at the bottom of the piping, across the quench tower nozzle flow liner. Radiometric density gauges can be used to determine the amount of occlusion occurring in the piping. As foulant is disbonded from the pipe interior surfaces, monitoring can be performed to ensure that pieces of the removed material do not obstruct the downstream piping or the nozzle flow liner. For example, if asignificant amount of obstruction is sensed, acoustic hom utilization may be slowed or stopped to compensate.

[0142] Aspect 24. The operations line of Aspect 23, wherein the radiometric sensor is configured to determine a material density at a location within the transport section of the operations line.

[0143] Aspect 25. The operations line of Aspect 23, wherein the radiometric sensor is configured to determine a material density at a location within the inlet section of the operations line.

[0144] Aspect 26. The operations line of Aspect 23, wherein the radiometric sensor is configured to determine a material density at a location within the outlet section of the operations line.

[0145] Aspect 27. The operations line of any one of Aspects 1-26, further comprising a backup vapor line.

[0146] Aspect 28. The operations line of Aspect 27, further comprising a valve, the valve arranged so as to interrupt fluid communication between the backup vapor line and at least one of the outlet and the inlet section.

[0147] Aspect 29. The operations line of Aspect 28, wherein the valve is operable to place the outlet in fluid communication with the backup vapor line.

[0148] Aspect 30. The operations line of any one of Aspects 27-29, further comprising a backup acoustic hom.

[0149] Aspect 31. The operations line of Aspect 30, wherein the backup acoustic hom is configured to effect removal of material accreting within the backup vapor line.

[0150] The backup vapor line can, in some embodiments, comprise a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the transport section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon. The low adhesion material can be comprised in a liner within the transport section. In some embodiments, the low adhesion material can be characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic. In some embodiments, the low adhesion material comprises a ceramic. The low adhesion can be disposed directly on the backup vapor line, but this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner that lines the backup vapor line.

[0151] A low adhesion material can, in some embodiments, be characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic. In some embodiments, the low adhesion material comprises a ceramic.

[0152] Although not shown in FIG. 7, the backup vapor line can be connected to a condenser in a manner like the manner in which pipe section 140, transport section 122, outlet section, and nozzle 136 are connected to condenser 138 as shown in FIGs. 2-6. This is shown in FIGs. 8-12, which figures depict various embodiments for connecting backup vapor line 158 to a condenser.

[0153] Aspect 32. An operations train, comprising: a condenser, the condenser optionally being a quench tower; and an operations line, the operations line having an interior and the operations line configured to receive an output vapor from a reactor, the operations line placing the reactor into fluid communication with the condenser, the condenser comprising an inlet nozzle, the inlet nozzle engaging with an outlet section of the operations line, and (i) the operations train comprising a thermally insulating component placed between the outlet section of the operations line and the inlet nozzle so as to reduce heat transfer between the outlet section and the inlet nozzle, (ii) the operations train comprising a heater configured to heat at least one of the outlet section and the inlet nozzle, or both (i) and (ii).

[0154] An operations line can be an operations line according to the present disclosure. A condenser can be arranged as, for example, a quench tower. An inlet nozzle can, for example, extend outwardly from the condenser.

[0155] Aspect 33. The operations train of Aspect 32, wherein the operations train comprises a thermally insulating component placed between the outlet section of the operations line and the inlet nozzle so as to reduce heat transfer between the outlet section and the inlet nozzle.

[0156] Aspect 34. The operations train of Aspect 32, wherein the operations train comprises a heater configured to heat at least one of the outlet section and the inlet nozzle.

[0157] Aspect 35. The operations train of any one of Aspects 32-34, wherein the operations line comprises a low adhesion material facing the interior of the operations line, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

[0158] Aspect 36. The operations train of Aspect 35, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in an insert associated with the operations line.

[0159] Aspect 37. The operations train of Aspect 35, wherein the low adhesion material is present on an interior surface of the operations line.

[0160] Aspect 38. The operations train of any one of Aspects 32-37, wherein the outlet section of the operations line extends at least partially into the inlet nozzle of the condenser.

[0161] Aspect 39. The operations train of any one of Aspects 32-38, wherein the condenser comprises a shield therein, the shield disposed between the interior of the condenser and the inlet nozzle of the condenser.

[0162] Aspect 40. The operations train of any one of Aspects 32-39, further comprising a first acoustic horn, the first acoustic hom configured to effect removal of material accreting within the operations line.

[0163] Aspect 41. The operations train of Aspect 40, further comprising a plurality of inlets configured to deliver a fluid to discourage material accretion within the operations line.

[0164] In some embodiments, an operations train can include a backup operations line. The operations line can have an interior, and the backup operations line can be configured to receive an output vapor from a reactor, the backup operations line placing the reactor into fluid communication with the condenser. A backup operations line can be, as a non-limiting example, a backup vapor line as described elsewhere herein.

[0165] Aspect 42. An operations line, comprising: an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section having an interior and the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section and the transport section; an outlet section, the outlet section having an interior and the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line to a condenser, and at least one of the transport section and the outlet section comprising a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the respective at least one of the transport section and the outlet section.

[0166] Aspect 43. The operations line of Aspect 42, wherein the transport section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the transport section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

[0167] Aspect 44. The operations line of Aspect 43, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the transport section.

[0168] Aspect 45. The operations line of any one of Aspects 43-44, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic.

[0169] Aspect 46. The operations line of any one of Aspects 43-45, wherein the low adhesion material comprises a ceramic.

[0170] Aspect 47. The operations line of any one of Aspects 42-46, wherein the outlet section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the outlet section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

[0171] Aspect 48. The operations line of Aspect 47, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the outlet section.

[0172] Aspect 49. The operations line of any one of Aspects 47-48, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic.

[0173] Aspect 50. The operations line of any one of Aspects 47-49, wherein the low adhesion material comprises a ceramic.

[0174] Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, an operations line according to any one of Aspects 42-50 can include a backup operations line. Such a backup operations line can include any one or more of the features of the operations line; as an example, a backup operations line can include an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section having an interior and the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section and the transport section; an outlet section, the outlet section having an interior and the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line to a condenser, and at least one of the transport section and the outlet section comprising a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the at least one of the transport section and the outlet section. In this way, an operations line can be arranged with a backup operations line, the backup operations line being arranged to receive reactor product if the operations line is unable to receive such product, for example if the operations line is clogged or undergoing maintenance.

[0175] The backup operations line can include a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the transport section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon. The low adhesion material can be comprised in a liner within the transport section. The low adhesion material can be characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic. The low adhesion material can include a ceramic.

[0176] The outlet section of a backup operations line can comprise a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the outlet section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon. The low adhesion material can be comprised in a liner within the outlet section. The low adhesion material can be characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic. The low adhesion material can comprise a ceramic.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. An operations line, comprising: an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section, and the transport section having an interior; an outlet section, the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line; a first acoustic horn, the first acoustic horn configured to effect removal of material accreting within the transport section; and a valve configured to at least partially interrupt fluid communication between the first acoustic hom and the transport section.

2. The operations line of claim 1, the transport section being arranged such that, in operation, material in the transport section is encouraged by gravity toward the outlet section.

3. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the product comprises a vapor and a particulate.

4. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the reactor is a kiln.

5. The operations line of claim 4, wherein the valve is any one or more of a ball valve or a slide gate valve.

6. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a fluid source configured to communicate a fluid against or proximate to the valve so as to discourage material accretion on the valve.

7. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a second acoustic hom, the second acoustic horn configured to effect acoustic removal of material accretion within the transport section.

8. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the transport section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the transport section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

9. The operations line of claim 8, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the transport section.

10. The operations line of claim 8, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as being oleophobic.

11. The operations line of claim 8, wherein the low adhesion material comprises at least one of ceramic and a cermet.

12. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the outlet section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the outlet section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

13. The operations line of claim 12, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the outlet section.

14. The operations line of claim 12, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic.

15. The operations line of claim 12, wherein the low adhesion material comprises at least one of a ceramic and a cermet.

16. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising at least one heater configured to heat the outlet section.

17. The operations line of claim 16. wherein the at least one heater comprises an electric heater.

18. The operations line of claim 17. wherein the at least one heater comprises a plurality of heaters.

19. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the outlet section comprises a flange that extends radially outward.

20. The operations line of claim 19, further comprising a thermally insulating material configured for placement between the flange and an inlet of a process unit in fluid communication with the operations line, the thermally insulating material reducing heat transfer between the flange and the inlet.

21. The operations line of claim 20, wherein the thermally insulating component comprises any one or more of a ceramic, a ceramic fiber, a mineral, and a mineral fiber.

22. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the transport section comprises a plurality of inlets configured to deliver a fluid to discourage material accretion within the transport section, the plurality of inlets optionally being in a helical arrangement.

23. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a radiometric sensor configured to determine a material density at a location within the operations line.

24. The operations line of claim 23, wherein the radiometric sensor is configured to determine a material density at a location within the transport section of the operations line.

25. The operations line of claim 23, wherein the radiometric sensor is configured to determine a material density at a location within the inlet section of the operations line.

26. The operations line of claim 23. wherein the radiometric sensor is configured to determine a material density at a location within the outlet section of the operations line.

27. The operations line of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a backup vapor line.

28. The operations line of claim 27, further comprising a valve, the valve arranged so as to interrupt fluid communication between the backup vapor line and at least one of the outlet and the inlet section.

29. The operations line of claim 28, wherein the valve is operable to place the outlet in fluid communication with the backup vapor line.

30. The operations line of claim 27, further comprising a backup acoustic horn.

31. The operations line of claim 30, wherein the backup acoustic horn is configured to effect removal of material accreting within the backup vapor line.

32. An operations train, comprising: a condenser, the condenser optionally being a quench tower; and an operations line, the operations line having an interior and the operations line configured to receive an output vapor from a reactor, the operations line placing the reactor into fluid communication with the condenser, the condenser comprising an inlet nozzle, the inlet nozzle engaging with an outlet section of the operations line, and(i) the operations train comprising a thermally insulating component placed between the outlet section of the operations line and the inlet nozzle so as to reduce heat transfer between the outlet section and the inlet nozzle, (ii) theoperations train comprising a heater configured to heat at least one of the outlet section and the inlet nozzle, or both (i) and (ii).

33. The operations train of claim 32, wherein the operations train comprises a thermally insulating component placed between the outlet section of the operations line and the inlet nozzle so as to reduce heat transfer between the outlet section and the inlet nozzle.

34. The operations train of claim 32, wherein the operations train comprises a heater configured to heat at least one of the outlet section and the inlet nozzle.

35. The operations train of any one of claims 32-34, wherein the operations line comprises a low adhesion material facing the interior of the operations line, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

36. The operations train of claim 35, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in an insert associated with the operations line.

37. The operations train of claim 35, wherein the low adhesion material is present on an interior surface of the operations line.

38. The operations train of any one of claims 32-34, wherein the outlet section of the operations line extends at least partially into the inlet nozzle of the condenser.

39. The operations train of any one of claims 32-34, wherein the condenser comprises a shield therein, the shield disposed between the interior of the condenser and the inlet nozzle of the condenser.

40. The operations train of any one of claims 32-34, further comprising a first acoustic horn, the first acoustic hom configured to effect removal of material accreting within the operations line.

41. The operations train of claim 40, further comprising a plurality of inlets configured to deliver a fluid to discourage material accretion within the operations line.

42. An operations line, comprising:an inlet section, the inlet section configured to receive a product from a reactor; a transport section, the transport section having an interior and the transport section in fluid communication with the inlet section and the transport section; an outlet section, the outlet section having an interior and the outlet section configured to receive material from the transport section and communicate the material from the operations line to a condenser, and at least one of the transport section and the outlet section comprising a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the respective at least one of the transport section and the outlet section.

43. The operations line of claim 42, wherein the transport section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the transport section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

44. The operations line of claim 43, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the transport section.

45. The operations line of any one of claims 43-44, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic.

46. The operations line of any one of claims 43-44, wherein the low adhesion material comprises a ceramic.

47. The operations line of any one of claims 42-44, wherein the outlet section comprises a low adhesion material that faces the interior of the outlet section, the low adhesion material discouraging material accretion thereon.

48. The operations line of claim 47, wherein the low adhesion material is comprised in a liner within the outlet section.

49. The operations line of claim 47, wherein the low adhesion material is characterized as at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic.

50. The operations line of claim 47, wherein the low adhesion material comprises a ceramic.

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