Sue L. Reynolds - Carolina Filters Inc.
Various forms of filtration are used in FCC and Chemical Processing applications. Typical issues related to inadequate cleaning of FCC Slurry Oil Filters are
- increased maintenance costs
- lower throughput
- compromised product quality
In the FCC and Chemical processing industry, contaminants can range from minor particulates to heavy petroleum bottoms.
- Catalysts may have hazardous properties and can be inert to many chemical processes
- Issues associated with the filter metallurgy, as related to the chemistry of the contaminant & cleaning chemistry, can determine whether cleaning is or is not an option
- The configuration of the filter system will also affect cleaning options
- Once cleaned, testing for cleanliness and integrity may require special test methods
Carolina Filters, Inc. has developed a propriety method for successfully removing asphaltenes, organics, and inorganic catalysts fines/sulfur from metal filters, along with, testing methods that quantify the media cleanliness. Bringing the filter media matrix back to a ‘like new’ condition will minimize or eliminate the typical issues related to inadequate cleaning. Effective cleaning & testing will also reduce costs associated with spare filter inventory purchases.
In developing the appropriate cleaning and testing process, Carolina Filters works with filter manufacturers to understand constraints of the metallurgy & filter media in relation to the chemical and mechanical cleaning process.
While there can be challenges to cleaning metal filters for re-use, there are benefits to pursuing cleaning.
This presentation provides information on the challenges and benefits of filter cleaning in the FCC and Chemical Processing Industry.
Sue L. Reynolds has been with Carolina Filters for 29 years. During that time, she has worked in all aspects of the cleaning operation with major duties involving process development, procedures, and working with customers in Technical Sales. She has BA in Chemistry from Winthrop University and a Masters in Mathematics from the University of South Carolina. She has published several papers with AFS that cover various aspects of cleaning & testing. In her spare time, she loves to scuba dive with husband and friends.