Petrochemical and Refining

What we see

Many refining applications occur in the sub-micron level of filtration. Traditional in-situ blowback cleaning processes are designed for ideal feedstocks, leading to drastic on-stream life reductions when changes occur. Proper cleaning and testing of metallic filters can return valuable filter elements to like-new performance.

Common applications of metallic filtration include porous metal filters that utilize blowback or backflush for clean-in-place capabilities; however, proper external cleaning on a semi-annual or annual basis can give porous metal elements years of service before replacement.

Manufacturers of porous metal filters in refining applications include, but are not limited to: GKN, HENGKO®, Mott Corp., Pall Corp., Porvair, and PMF.

Wedge Wire and Johnson Screens are also commonly found in HCGO, MCB and other heavy oil streams for the purpose of solids removal. Engineering a cleaning and testing service ensures that high value components enjoy a low total cost of ownership throughout its life.

What we do

From 3rd (TSS) and 4th (FSS) stage separators in FCCUs to catalyst recovery and solids filtration in the Main Column Bottoms or Heavy Coker Gas Oil, Carolina Filters can engineer a cleaning and testing solution for the toughest feedstocks.

One of the largest refineries in the U.S., operating both an FCCU and Solvent Deasphalting (SDA) unit, turned to Carolina Filters when their slurry oil feedstock experienced an increase in solids content. The expected on-stream life of their porous metal filters had dropped from three months to one month or less. Carolina Filters established a physical/chemical cleaning process to loosen and remove embedded asphaltenes and inorganics, and returned the filter elements to a like-new condition, recovering >98% of the lost porosity.

In addition to an engineered cleaning service, Carolina Filters’ cleanliness and integrity testing, beyond the basic bubble point test, gave the end user assurance that the cleaned filter would operate like a new filter.

After placing the elements cleaned by Carolina Filters in service, this refiner experienced on-line DPs similar to new elements and extended the on-stream life back to three months. Carolina Filters has continued serving this refiner and has successfully recovered filter elements that were destined for disposal.

For refineries across the US, Carolina Filters provides specialized cleaning and testing services for metallic filters and associated process equipment, which improves performance, lowers the total cost of ownership, and extends useful life.

What we see

What we do

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