Vapor Phase Cleaning Application of JPX Example

Preparatory:

            Obtain simplified process flow diagram review; with operations, the sequence and priority for equipment decontamination.  Mark up diagram to show JPX injection points and vent locations; show flow path for vapor cleaning through process vessels. 

            Prepare a layout page showing sequence and volumes of JPX (or JPX-E).  Time, temperature, results, and rinse columns will be completed as application proceeds.

Application:

Prior to pumping JPX, verify the following, by physically checking:

1)     Vessel is drained – Condensate not hydrocarbon coming from bottom drain connection.  Do not rely on control instrument levels.  They may be plugged or blocked in.

2)     Vessel is vented to relief system, sometimes called blowdown or vapor recovery system.

3)     JPX injection valves into vessel are open, and that only one flow path for JPX exists.

4)     Check and record vessel temperature.  Depending on system flow and vessel size, temperature should be over 200°F after a couple of hours of steaming.

5)     Check rinse line (reflux line) to be free of H.C. and hot via steam.

Begin pumping JPX into vessel:

Typically one drum per 20 minutes.  After pumping ½ of the calculated JPX required, re-check drain line, any top vent connection and reflux (rinse) line for JPX lemon odor to verify vaporization is adequate.  When completed, JPX injection continue steaming for several more hours; then have operations lower steam rates dropping vessel pressure and perform sniff for LEL, benzene, and H₂S.  If vessel is a column, the overhead accumulator would have JPX injected immediately after column JPX injection and would be sniffed at the same time as column.

If sniff OK, start fresh water rinse, hot water is preferred.  Maximize flow of rinse & continue for several hours until the bottom drain is clear of soap emulsion.  Caution, do not use accumulator water or reflux pump as water rinse source.  The accumulator may have sludge emulsion from JPX cleaning and could recontaminate column.

After: 

Complete layout page info and discuss with operations.  Flush JPX pumps with water.  Remove empty JPX drums to location for later pick up.