TRACK: Emerging Technology
This presentation will highlight a rare-earth based process for use in antifouling applications. Rather than a traditional coating, the surface of the alloy is modified with rare earth nanoparticles, yielding a very thin oxidized layer that is integral to the alloy. This treatment has no measurable thickness, does not impose any operating temperature limits, protects from high temperature oxidation, and decreases surface energy and polarity leading to low fouling and coking rates. Successfully treated materials include stainless steels, superalloys, and carbon steel. The process is water-based and nonhazardous and has successfully treated both the inside and outside surfaces of heat exchangers, including those with finned tubes. Laboratory tests conducted to simulate operating conditions in a Coker furnace show 316 stainless tubes experience about 80% reduction in coke formation compared to the untreated tubes. Testing in water-based systems on low alloy steel also demonstrated decreased fouling. Data collected in refinery applications in Coker furnace tubes and vacuum column wash beds are promising.