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In our Refinery, we are facing continuous emulsion and water carry over from wash water tower. What all can be the reasons?
 
Answers
14/01/2019 A: Aravindhen Nair, KNPC, 14fec767-d2f6-4945-bb50-1db47caf0ad5
It was observed that caustic is getting carried over to wash water column and the pH is getting increased to 13 within a day. This is creating emulsion in wash water column and water getting carried away with kerosene. upstream of the reactor is very clear.
30/07/2018 A: Aravindhen Nair, KNPC, 14fec767-d2f6-4945-bb50-1db47caf0ad5
Noted, the suggestion about wash water pH.
We are observing NaOH carry over.
Does change in temperature have any impact on the emulsion?
26/07/2018 A: NS Murthy, Suez, murthy.ns.ext@suez.com
Look for carry over of caustic from u/s sections. It is likely that the fixed bed reactor needs hot water wash to get rid of gummy materials accumulated over time. Frequent change of wash water along with adhering pH below 10 will help to solve this. Also, track any change in chemicals used as corrosion inhibitors, fracking in oil wells and pipeline, etc. which could appear in jet fraction.
23/07/2018 A: Sudhakara Babu Marpudi, Dangote Oil Refinery Company, m_sudhakarababu@yahoo.com
I guess this is about Kero Merox. If, yes optimising the DP across the mix valve of Caustic mixer, maintaining wash water pH below 10 will help.
19/07/2018 A: Aravindhen Nair, KNPC, 14fec767-d2f6-4945-bb50-1db47caf0ad5
We are processing only one crude and the property remains same.
How variation operating temp can cause emulsion?
water pH is in the range of 11-11.5
Level indication is correct and matching with the gauge.
18/07/2018 A: Prakash Pimparkar, Environmental Consulting Services , prakash.pimparkar@yahoo.in
Check for the following
a)Any Change in operational pH b) Malfunction of LT c) incursion of any surfactants ( could be changed in Feed d) Over the design throughput e) Operating temperature change