BP Chemicals

Location: BP Chemicals, Grangemouth
Product: Cracking Tower Application
Principal: Primasonics® International Ltd (UK)
Problem: Required a solution to build-up problems in the heat exchangers of their 9 ethylene cracking furnaces.

Primasonics® were first contacted by Derek Turner in May 1998 they were interested in resolving build-up problems in the heat exchangers of their nine ethylene cracking furnaces. A mixture of combustion products and fine catalytic powder were building up on heat exchange surfaces and reducing the efficiency of the boiler. They had previously used fixed and retractable soot blowers but found these unreliable and only partially effective at removing the built-up material.

A Primasonics® engineer visited the site to assess this application and working with BP engineers selected the mounting position for the acoustic cleaners. Primasonics® then provided a quotation for a full system along with detailed information on mountings and all electrical and compressed air requirements.

During BP Chemicals scheduled shutdown for maintenance in July BP engineers installed two PAS-230 Primasonics® Acoustic Cleaners into each tower. Primasonics® staff were present at this time to provide expert advice on the installation and commissioning of the equipment.

Since 1998 the equipment has provided trouble-free removal and prevention of the material build up ensuring the heat exchanger runs efficiently and shutdowns for maintenance purposes are not required.