Fouling of Some Canadian Crude Oils

A thermal fouling study was undertaken using three sour Canadian crude oils. Experiments were carried out in a re-circulation fouling loop equipped with an annular (HTRI) electrically heated probe. Fluids at pressures of about 1000–1340 kPa under a nitrogen atmosphere were re-circulated at a velocity of 0.75 m/s for periods of 48 hours, and the decline in heat transfer coefficient followed under conditions of constant heat flux. Bulk temperatures were varied over a range of 200–285ˆC, and initial surface temperatures ranged from 300–380ˆC. Heat fluxes were in a range of 265–485 kW/m2. Surface temperature effects on fouling of the three oils were compared, and fouling activation energies were estimated. For the lightest oil, a more detailed study of velocity and bulk and surface temperature effects was carried out. The fouling rate decreased slightly with increasing velocity but increased with both surface and bulk temperatures; a rough correlation was developed using a modified film temperature weighted more heavily on the surface temperature. Deposits showed high concentrations of sulfur and minerals, indicating the importance of iron sulfide deposition.