APS Designs System to Reduce Corrosion
Rates for Major US Refinery
The customer challenge
Safety and environmental issues arose at a typical US refinery
due to high corrosion rates in the alkylation unit. It was
also experiencing operational and productivity limitations due to
high space velocities. These issues resulted in a reduction
of rates and several unit shutdowns. The refinery also wanted
to maximize the throughput of their alkylation unit while still
meeting commercial gasoline blending specifications.
Due to its critical nature, the refinery
contacted Aggreko Process Services (APS), the licensed engineering
division of Aggreko. Once the customer shared their
issue, they realized the experienced APS mechanical and chemical
engineering team truly understood the scope of the
project.
The Aggreko solution
Working together with the customer, a study
was completed at the refinery. After which APS presented an
engineered solution that would address the environmental and safety
concerns as well as return the unit to its design conditions.
Along with the solution, APS provided the necessary documentation,
operating instruction, performance expectations and temporary
equipment that addressed the refinery’s specific needs.
The improvement was immediate. The
installation decreased the corrosion rates, inhibited
polymerization of the olefins, decreased the space velocity in the
contactor and extended the life of the acid. The overall
effectiveness of the installation also increased the yield and
quality of alkylate, directly impacting the refinery’s throughput
and revenue.