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, the licensed
engineering division of Aggreko. Once the customer
shared their issue, they realized that the experienced Aggreko
Process Services 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, Aggreko
Process Services 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, Aggreko Process Services provided the necessary
documentation, operating instruction, performance expectations and
temporary equipment that addressed the refinery’s specific
needs.
The Benefit to the Customer
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.