Hydrocarbons are the most frequently encountered contaminants in an oil refinery cooling water system. However, the majority of systems are operated successfully with less than 10 ppm oils (by ASTM D-1891), and many with significantly lower values. The presence of larger amounts of oil is generally attributed to heat exchanger tube leakage or rupture, or gasket failures. Oil leakage can be a frequent or infrequent occurrence depending upon diligence to inspection and maintenance practices. Once oil enters the cooling water system, steps must be taken immediately to avoid operating problems induced by fouling or corrosion. This paper describes a method that has been found to be successful in an operating cooling tower. It is performed in two phases--mechanical cleanup first, followed by a chemical approach using surfactants. Quick action in finger-printing the type of oil and isolating its source is also a necessary part of a successful cleanup program.

Subject
Corrosion failures, Water, Leaks, Surfactants, Refineries, Dosages, Heat exchangers, Corrosion inhibitors, Pitting, Cooling towers, Fouling, Hydrocarbons, Oil
© 1983 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1983
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
You do not currently have access to this content.