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What is the industry experience in handling coker gas oil in hydrocracker feed stock? How much absorption of HCGO ( as a wt% in total feed) has been achieved / being designed in existing units / revamps / new units ? Is there an optimum on HCGO portion in Hydrocracker feed mix ? Additional information on experience in critical equipment like Feed Filter / charge pump / Reactors/ RGC / Make Up Compressors / Fired Heaters/ Low pressure section / product treatment etc. would be appreciated.
 
Answers
29/04/2008 A: Lindsay McRae, Pall Corporation, Lindsay_McRae@ap.pall.com
Feed compatibility can be an issue for fouling of HCU feed filters when different feeds are mixed. If feeds are incompatible, asphatenes can precipitate which may seriously hamper feed filter cycle time and regenerability. Backwash fluid generation can be increased significantly and external filter element cleaning required. Oil Compatibility Testing (OCT) is recommended to check that feeds are compatible with each other. Correct HCU feed temperature becomes more important too to keep asphaltenes in solution.
Also if cracked feeds like CGO/HCGO is coming via tanks, care should be taken to prevent gum formation in tanks and adequate N2 blankets should be employed to avoid fouling of HCU feed filter.