Defoaming systems and methods in hydrocarbon processes

摘要

Methods for defoaming in hydrocarbon processes include the steps of providing a defoaming agent, and introducing the agent into a hydrocarbon process to inhibit or control foaming in the hydrocarbon process. These methods may be particularly useful in coking processes, especially as to foaming in coke drums. In certain embodiments, defoaming agents may comprise a plurality of carbon nanoparticles. In some embodiments, drag reducing agents may comprise high-molecular weight alkanes. Advantages include, but are not limited to, more efficient and effective foam inhibition, reduced or eliminated product contamination, reduced or eliminated catalyst poisoning, increased refinery production rate, debottlenecking the coker, and reduced cost and consequences of applying too much antifoam.

主权项

1. A method for defoaming in a coking process comprising the steps of:
providing a defoaming agent wherein the defoaming agent consists of a plurality of carbon nanoparticles; introducing the defoaming agent into the coking process; detecting a presence of foaming in one or more coke drums using a level indicator; and introducing an effective amount of the defoaming agent into the coking process wherein the effective amount is determined as comprising an amount of carbon nanoparticles required to substantially inhibit foaming in the one or more coke drums.