Innovation Gateway @ PETRONAS
Pain Points:
Fouling in the heat exchangers (HEx) of CFU and CDU-1 occurs due to solid deposition of suspended particles in crude oil or crystallization on tube walls from localized super-saturation. This inefficiency in heat recovery increases fuel gas consumption at the CDU charge furnace and CFU Reboiler, leading to a reduction in throughput. The current practice of mechanical cleaning is a reactive measure that can only temporarily improve HEx performance.
Requirements:
The anticipated solution should utilize a mechanical method or system to reduce solid deposition at HEx, ensuring optimal fuel gas firing, prolong the operation cycle from 1 year to 2 years, sustain HEx duty output at a minimum of 90%, and require minimal modification and intervention for installation.
Winner:
HB Laboratories Sdn Bhd (local agent for PETROVAL France) with their "Tube Inserts for Heat Exchanger Fouling." This patented technology uses coil strings inside tubes to increase turbulence, reduce fouling, improve heat transfer, and is easy to install.
Tech Challenge
