Integrated Global Services Inc.
Integrated Global Services Inc.
Integrated Global Services Inc.
In refineries, the accumulation of scale on furnace process tubes can lead to decreased performance, reduced efficiency, and potential safety risks. To address these challenges, the IGS Team implemented a Hot Tube Descaling (HTD) process at a refinery in Jubail, to remove scale in its furnace. This case study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the HTD approach and its impact on fuel consumption reduction and overall operational efficiency.
Hot Tube Descaling (HTD) removes radiant section process tube scale and fouling during furnace operation without shutdown. Water-cooled lances ensure continuous scale removal and maximum cleaning while the heater continues to operate. The process utilizes organic abrasive media resulting in no impact on emissions or opacity. Existing inspection ports are used to introduce lances.
The organic blasting media incinerates completely during the service, with no effect on the environment. The process is efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe for the removal of years of scale and fouling with no interruption to production.
By considering the process tube metallurgy, the team identified that the HTD service was ideally suited to remove the semi-adherent loose scale on the surface. The IGS Team focused on cleaning as much surface area as possible while ensuring the protection of adjacent refractory surfaces from collateral damage. The team strategically inserted the cleaning lance through inspection doors.
Upon completion of the HTD project, the refinery control room reported a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Based on the original reported fuel firing, there was a 3.5% fuel consumption reduction.
The chart presented in this case study demonstrates substantial returns on the HTD project. Whether through fuel savings or increased throughput, the refinery is poised to realize payback within five months or less. This analysis emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and profitability of the HTD approach.
| Fuel Savings or Capacity Increase | 3.5% |
| Extra Monthly Profit | $642,600 |
The implementation of the HTD process by the IGS team at this refinery in Jubail resulted in notable improvements in operational efficiency and performance. The successful removal of loose scale deposits enabled more reliable tube metal temperature measurements for enhanced safety. The achieved efficiency improvement of 3.5% proved to be a valuable benefit for this refinery, with a payback period of 6 months based on reduced fuel consumption and a payback period of 1 month based on capacity increase. This case study highlights the importance of proactive maintenance strategies and showcases the potential of the HTD process in achieving operational excellence and cost savings in refinery operations.
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