Patent ID: 7686940
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: B01D,C10G

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing fouling in equipment downstream of a fluidized bed coking zone of a fluidized bed petroleum coking unit having a fluidized bed coking zone end an outlet by way of a cyclone system for removing entrained solids and in which the cyclone system is subject to fouling from liquid droplets in aerosol mists from the fluidized bed coking zone, which method comprises coking a heavy petroleum feed in the fluidized bed coking zone of the unit and to produce coke, coke fines and vapor cracking products containing an aerosol mist of liquid droplets in the dilute phase over the fluidized bed and before the inlet of the cyclone system, and subjecting the vapor products containing the aerosol mist in the dilute phase to a source of acoustic energy located between the coking zone and the inlet of the cyclone system, to cause agglomeration of at least some of the liquid droplets in the aerosol mist to form agglomerated liquid droplets in the aerosol mist that coalesce on circulating coke particles which are returned to the fluidized bed coking zone.