PTQ Q4 2025 Issue

desalters, and limited water residence time. In response, a sophisticated four-pronged chemical treatment programme was developed and deployed, incorporating a primary emulsion breaker, a tank farm pretreater, a crude stabiliser, and reverse breaker technologies. This strategic solution yielded remarkable results through collaborative efforts. Salt removal efficiency improved dra - matically to exceed 90%, effluent clarity was consistently maintained, and water content was reliably controlled below 0.5%. The implementation of the chemical package, combined with expert technical service, enabled the refinery to achieve its loading targets, maintain environmental compli- ance, and ensure stable operations despite significant vari - ations in crude oil quality. This success story demonstrates the effectiveness of tailored chemical solutions in address- ing complex refinery challenges, particularly in facilities processing challenging crude slates. v Controlling overhead corrosion Overhead corrosion remains one of the most persistent challenges in distillation units. Veolia’s LoSALT system combines advanced ion simulation software with special- ised neutralisers to provide a smart solution to this complex problem. Key features include: • Predictive modelling of dew points and salt points. • Low salt point neutralisers that prevent corrosion even in water-free conditions. • Customisable solutions based on specific tower conditions. Case study spotlight A Chinese refinery faced persistent operational challenges with severe deposit formation and pitting corrosion (see Figure 1 ). The deposits and corrosion were present on the tube side of their crude/atmospheric tower overhead vapour heat exchanger, which also had leakage approximately every three months. These recurring issues significantly impacted operational reliability and maintenance costs. Following an extensive investigation that included com- prehensive system analysis, detailed boot water exami- nation, and ion equilibrium modelling, the technical team developed an innovative solution. The approach combined a specialised low salt point LoSALT neutralising agent with the pHilmPLUS filming technology. The implementation of this dual-action treatment strategy, coupled with optimised chemical injection protocols and refined operational param - eters, yielded remarkable results. The tube side remained deposit-free for a period of two years following the neutraliser application, marking a sig - nificant improvement from the previous three-month main - tenance cycle. This successful intervention dramatically enhanced the system’s reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, and substantially improved the refinery’s operational efficiency and economic performance. w Filmer overcoming varying crude oil quality with pH fluctuations The pHilmPLUS series of corrosion inhibitors (see Figure 2 ) offers robust protection across a wide range of refinery

Figure 1 Severe deposit formation and pitting corrosion

• Crude oil pretreatment agents that stabilise potentially detrimental feed characteristics. • Solid wetting agents for managing high solid content conditions. • Reverse demulsifiers to ensure clean effluent brine from the desalter vessel. • Online cleaning agents for thorough mud-wash. • Metal removal agents to target organic metal contaminants. Modern refinery operations face increasingly stringent requirements for both ‘clean crude’ and ‘clean water’ from desalting processes. Clean crude specifications demand minimal salt content and special metal that will impact downstream catalyst activity in desalted crude oil. Similarly, clean water standards require minimal oil content in efflu - ent streams. However, crude oils become increasingly ‘dirt- ier’ after years of production in different oil fields, typically in post-production oil fields, where tactics are applied to drive the crude oils to the wellhead. 3 To get better economic results, a refinery needs to take varied blends of crude oils. The Embreak series was designed to remove salt and comprehensively prepare crude oil for downstream pro- cesses, significantly reducing corrosion potential through - out the distillation train. At the same time, it ensures minimum negative impact on effluent, reducing pressure on the wastewater treatment plant and requiring less slop oil reprocessing. Using best-in-class research and years of experience, the chemicals have been modified to address problems emerging from changes in upstream operations, forming a complete product portfolio that can respond to refiners’ needs in a short time. Case study spotlight A Chinese refinery, processing 100% low API crudes/syn - thetic oils with an API of 18-20, faced significant operational difficulties. The facility struggled with poor salt removal effi - ciency (below 75%), intermittent dark effluent discharge, and frequent primary tower flooding risks due to excessive water content in desalted crude. These issues posed serious threats to operational stability and environmental compliance. Following comprehensive process analysis, extensive laboratory research, and simulation, the Veolia team imple- mented a holistic desalter management solution. The facility’s unique challenges included processing crude oil with variable water content, persistent thick rag layers in

PTQ Q4 2025