Cleaning system and method for dynamic devices in a refinery
Disclosed is a novel process for interior cleaning and by cleaning, removing noxious gas and/or restoring the operating efficiency of organically contaminated hydrocarbon processing dynamic devices in a safe and effective manner and in a very short period of time, without a need to manually enter an unsafe environment and mechanically remove organic contaminants. Used is a formulation of non-aqueous, monocyclic saturated terpene mixed with a non-ionic surfactant package. The terpene-based chemical is injected into the organically contaminated device using a novel process involving high-pressure steam to form a very effective cleaning vapor. The device is activated during the process. The vapor may be optionally directed against the normal-flow direction of the device.
1. A method of cleaning a dynamic device, comprising the steps of:
providing a steam source;
providing a surfactant source;
providing a solvent source;
delivering steam from said steam source to said device;
introducing terpene from said solvent source into the steam delivered to the device;
introducing a surfactant from said surfactant source into the steam delivered to the device;
removing hydrocarbon contaminants out of said device while said hydrocarbon contaminants are in a vaporized form as the steam, the surfactant, and terpene are delivered to said device; and
activating the device for a period of time when said steam, terpene, and said surfactant are being delivered to said device.
2. The method of claim 1 including the additional step of preheating the device said steam prior to the introduction of said terpene and said surfactant.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the surfactant comprises a linear alcohol ethoxylate (C12-C15) with an ethoxylated propoxylated end cap and a fatty alkanolamide.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said surfactant comprises at least one of nonylphenol polyethoxylate, a straight chain linear alcohol ethoxylate, a linear alcohol ethoxylate with block copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxide, and diethanolamine.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said terpene is a monocyclic saturated terpene.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said terpene is a monocyclic unsaturated isoprenoid.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said terpene is a bicyclic pine terpene.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the surfactant and terpene are introduced into said steam by joining said steam, surfactant, and solvent sources.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said device is a pump.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said device is identified for maintenance by monitoring vibrational levels of said device.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein said hydrocarbon contaminants are removed from metal surfaces of said dynamic device.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein said dynamic device is equipment used in a refinery.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising directing said steam, terpene, and said surfactant through the device in a direction opposite to the flow of processing fluids previously present in said device.
14. The method of claim 5 wherein said terpene is para-menthane.
15. The method of claim 8 wherein said joining is accomplished using a T-fitting.