METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE IN-SITU REMOVAL OF CARBONACEOUS DEPOSITS FROM HEAT EXCHANGER TUBE BUNDLES

摘要

The present invention comprises a method and system for the in-situ cleaning of a heat exchanger tube bundle of carbonaceous deposits. Using the method and system, an organic solvent is brought into fluid communication with one or more heat exchanger tube bundles in a closed system. The closed system is formed at the site of operation of the heat exchanger tube bundles and without having to remove the heat exchanger tube bundles from their shells or other associated equipment. Once the closed system is formed, the organic solvent is brought to a temperature at which it is effective to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle and flowed through the equipment associated with the heat exchanger tube bundles so as to contact the heat exchanger tube bundles and remove carbonaceous deposits that have formed therein. In some embodiments, the spent organic solvent may be recovered, such as through the removal of suspended hydrocarbons, and reused in the method and system for cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles.

主权项

1. A method for the in-situ treatment of a heat exchanger tube bundle to remove the bundle of carbonaceous deposits, said method comprising
a. providing a source of organic solvent; b. creating a closed system wherein the organic solvent is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger tube bundle; c. bringing the organic solvent to a temperature at which it is effective to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle; and d. contacting the heat exchanger tube bundle with the organic solvent to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle; wherein the heat exchanger tube bundle is not removed from its associated process equipment.