Jey Oil Project: High-Temperature Filtration Solution for Hot Oil Systems
Project Background:
Jey Oil is a leading bitumen producer and exporter in the Middle East. In its refining process, the thermal oil system (hot oil heater) plays a critical role in providing a stable heat source for bitumen heating and distillation. During long-term high-temperature circulation, thermal oil is prone to carbonization (coking) due to localized overheating. If these hard carbon particles are not removed promptly, they deposit on heat exchanger tube walls, creating thermal resistance, and can lead to pump wear or pipeline blockages. To extend the lifespan of the thermal oil and ensure production continuity, Jey Oil decided to install high-precision high-temperature filtration units for its hot oil systems.
Core Challenges:
- Extreme High-Temperature Environment: With thermal oil operating temperatures typically between 250°C and 320°C, the filtration equipment must possess excellent thermal stability and sealing reliability.
- Fine Carbon Deposit Interception: Carbon particles are minute and abrasive, requiring filter media that can achieve micron-level interception while withstanding high differential pressure.
- Non-Stop Maintenance: As refinery production lines operate 24/7, the cleaning or replacement of the filtration system must be performed without interrupting the main circuit operation.
Our Solution:
Addressing Jey Oil's high-temperature requirements, we provided an all-metal online circulation filtration system:
- All-Stainless High-Temp Design: Both the filter vessel and internal elements are made of SS316L stainless steel. Seals utilize high-temperature resistant graphite or specialty alloy gaskets, ensuring zero leakage at continuous 350°C operation.
- Duplex Structure: A twin-tower design equipped with synchronous changeover valves allows for a seamless switch to the standby unit when cleaning is required, ensuring uninterrupted production flow.
- Multi-layer Composite Metal Elements: High-strength multi-layer sintered mesh elements were selected for their high dirt-holding capacity and backwash regeneration capability, accurately intercepting 5-20μm carbon particles.
- Safety Monitoring Components: Specialized high-temperature/high-pressure differential pressure alarms monitor element clogging in real-time, alerting operators for timely maintenance and preventing pump cavitation risks.
Customer Value & Results:
Since the commissioning of the filtration system at Jey Oil, the clarity and physicochemical indicators of the thermal oil have significantly improved. The heat exchanger's thermal efficiency increased by approximately 15%, leading to a notable reduction in fuel consumption for the heaters. Additionally, effective carbon interception has more than doubled the lifespan of circulation pump mechanical seals, drastically reducing the frequency of unplanned maintenance shutdowns. Jey Oil expressed high satisfaction with the system's stability under extreme temperatures, and this project has become a benchmark for thermal oil system optimization in regional refineries.
