Carbonaceous deposition onto the outer surface of vortex finder of commercial RFCC cyclones and role of gas flow to the buildup of the deposits

Abstract

Unwanted build-up of carbonaceous deposits on RFCC equipment surface is a key process limitation to achieving the economic benefits of longer run length. This paper focuses on the carbonaceous deposition on the outer surface of vortex finder of secondary cyclone. Macroscopic features of industrial deposits are reported in detail. Extensive characterization studies such as elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, thermal behavior were conducted and size distribution of catalyst particles in deposits was measured. Computational fluid dynamics method was used to obtain the gas flow field around the vortex finder. The role of gas flow to the buildup of deposits was discussed. The results will provide comprehensive understanding of deposit formation and insight into the process and operation improvement.