The loss of efficiency and through put of refinery and petrochemical processes as a result of the build up of organic and inorganic scales, films, or fouling depositson the internal surfimes of the process
equipment is a costly problem. Refiners enlist the aid of industrial cleaning services to remove these fouling deposits to regain this loss of efficiency and reduce operating costs. Both mechanical and chemical techniques are utilized in the removal of these deposits. A key principle in successfil industrial chemical cleaning is to identify the organic binders for these fouling deposits. Once the binders have been identified, a suitable means of releasing the deposits may follow. This paper discusses the application of an analytical technique, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), to aid in the identification of organic binders and deposits. This information may be used in the development of chemical cleaning formulations and methods for the subsequent removal of such deposits. FT-IR technology may aid in identification of post cleaning waste composition and resolution of post cleaning issues.
Keywords:FT-IR analysis, industrial chemical cleaning, organic deposit, fictional group