Cationic Polyacrylamide Demulsifier for Coke Plant Flushing Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coking processes face issues with clogged spray nozzles due to unresolvable oil in water emulsions formed by coke and coal powders acting as emulsifiers in the flushing liquor, exacerbated by Coal Moisture Control technology reducing coal moisture and increasing emulsification.
Innovation Solution
A treatment composition comprising cationic polyacrylamide and optionally a surfactant is introduced into the aqueous stream to demulsify oil in water emulsions, with specific repeat units and molar ratios, and applied before or after the decanter in the coking process to prevent nozzle clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If Coal Moisture Control technology is implemented to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but emulsification in flushing liquor increases leading to nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
A demulsifier composition is introduced as an intermediary substance to break the emulsion between oil and water in the flushing liquor. The composition contains specific surfactants and polymers that act as mediators to separate the emulsified particles, preventing them from clogging nozzles while allowing CMC technology to continue operating for energy savings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the flushing liquor by adding demulsifier composition at controlled concentrations (1-100 ppm). This alters the surface tension and interfacial properties of the emulsion, enabling phase separation without affecting the energy efficiency benefits of CMC technology
2Loss of energy
If coal moisture is reduced through CMC technology, then energy efficiency is improved, but the concentration of coke and coal powders in flushing liquor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The demulsifier composition extracts and separates the emulsified coke and coal powder particles from the flushing liquor. By breaking the emulsion, the harmful suspended particles are removed from the aqueous phase, allowing them to settle or be separated, thus reducing their concentration in the recycled flushing liquor
3Productivity
If emulsified particles are not removed from flushing liquor, then the coking process continues operating, but spray nozzles become clogged causing process failure
Solution Approach 1:
The demulsifier composition is added to the flushing liquor in advance, before the liquor reaches the spray nozzles. This preliminary treatment breaks down emulsions proactively, preventing particle accumulation and clog formation before they can occur at the nozzle tips, ensuring continuous reliable operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively reduces turbidity and demulsifies tar/flushing liquor emulsions, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring the stability of the coking process, even at low concentrations of the treatment composition.
Implementation Method 1
A treatment composition comprising at least one cationic polyacrylamide... contacting the aqueous stream with the treatment composition... effectively reduces turbidity and demulsifies tar/flushing liquor emulsions
Implementation Method 2
The method effectively reduces turbidity and demulsifies tar/flushing liquor emulsions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for reducing oil in water emulsions in coking processes. One exemplary method comprises: providing an aqueous stream with an oil in water emulsion; providing a treatment composition, wherein the treatment composition comprises at least one cationic polyacrylamide; and contacting the aqueous stream with the treatment composition.