Refinery Process Additives
Antifoulants
Antifoulants are used to prevent deposition of coke, sludge, and other contaminants on refinery heat exchangers, reactors, and process equipment. By minimizing fouling, they maintain heat transfer efficiency, reduce maintenance frequency, and enhance operational uptime. Typical chemistries include polymeric dispersants and surfactants tailored to specific refinery feedstocks.
Corrosion inhibitors
Corrosion inhibitors protect refinery equipment from attack by acidic process streams, water, and sulfur compounds. They form protective films on metal surfaces, extending equipment life and ensuring process reliability. Common chemistries include amines, imidazolines, and phosphate esters suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Antifoams
Antifoams prevent and control foam formation in refining operations, such as distillation, hydroprocessing, and storage. By breaking existing foam and suppressing new foam formation, they ensure stable operation and consistent product quality. Silicone-based, mineral oil-based, and polymeric formulations are widely used depending on process requirements.
Oxygen Scavengers
Oxygen scavengers remove dissolved oxygen from process water, feedstocks, and hydrocarbon streams to prevent corrosion and oxidative degradation. Common agents include sulfites, hydrazine, and ascorbic acid derivatives, which react with oxygen to form non-corrosive by-products.