U.S. patent application number 14/512983 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for process equipment contaminant removal.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLOBAL VAPOR CONTROL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Daryl Archuleta, Alan Finley, Lisha Salathiel, Doug Scott, Amos Ydrogo. Invention is credited to Daryl Archuleta, Alan Finley, Lisha Salathiel, Doug Scott, Amos Ydrogo.
Application Number | 20150027312 14/512983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389366 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Archuleta; Daryl ; et
al. |
January 29, 2015 |
Process Equipment Contaminant Removal
Abstract
An apparatus, method and system remove contaminants from a
vapor. In an embodiment, a contaminant removal apparatus includes a
vacuum box. The vacuum box is a vessel. The apparatus also includes
a demister pad disposed in the vacuum box. A vapor is introduced to
the vacuum box on an opposing side of the demister pad from a vapor
exit from the vacuum box.
Inventors: |
Archuleta; Daryl; (Houston,
TX) ; Ydrogo; Amos; (Houston, TX) ; Salathiel;
Lisha; (Houston, TX) ; Scott; Doug; (Houston,
TX) ; Finley; Alan; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Archuleta; Daryl
Ydrogo; Amos
Salathiel; Lisha
Scott; Doug
Finley; Alan |
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston |
TX
TX
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GLOBAL VAPOR CONTROL, INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
52389366 |
Appl. No.: |
14/512983 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14083079 |
Nov 18, 2013 |
|
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14512983 |
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13650609 |
Oct 12, 2012 |
8613895 |
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14083079 |
|
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61546105 |
Oct 12, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
95/284 ; 55/467;
96/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 2257/702 20130101;
B01D 53/44 20130101; B01D 2257/80 20130101; B01D 53/75 20130101;
B01D 53/266 20130101; B01D 53/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
95/284 ; 55/467;
96/417 |
International
Class: |
B01D 53/26 20060101
B01D053/26 |
Claims
1. A contaminant removal apparatus, comprising: a vacuum box,
wherein the vacuum box comprises a vessel; and a demister pad
disposed in the vacuum box, wherein a vapor is introduced to the
vacuum box on an opposing side of the demister pad from a vapor
exit from the vacuum box.
2. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum
box comprises a pressure vessel.
3. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
pressure vessel comprises steel.
4. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum
box further comprises an entry angle, and wherein the entry angle
is from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.
5. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum
box further comprises an entry angle, and wherein the entry angle
is from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees.
6. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum
box further comprises a target water level and a bottom portion,
and wherein the target water level is about at or below an
elevation at which the vapor is introduced to the vacuum box.
7. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 6, wherein the target
water level is between about 50% and about 85% of a height of the
bottom portion.
8. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 6, wherein the target
water level is between about 70% and about 80% of a height of the
bottom portion.
9. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
demister pad extends about horizontally across the vacuum box.
10. The contaminant removal apparatus of claim 1, further
comprising a water level measurement device.
11. A method for removing contaminants from process equipment,
comprising: (A) introducing steam to the process equipment to
provide a contaminated vapor; (B) introducing the contaminated
vapor to a vacuum box, wherein the contaminated vapor comprises
steam and hydrocarbons; (C) removing water from the contaminated
vapor, wherein the vacuum box comprises a water removal device, and
wherein the water removal device removes water from the
contaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor; and
(D) removing the water and the reduced water vapor from the vacuum
box, wherein the reduced water vapor is removed from an opposing
side of the vacuum box from a side of the vacuum box at which the
contaminated water is introduced to the vacuum box.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the vacuum box comprises a
pressure vessel.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pressure vessel comprises
steel.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the contaminated vapor is
introduced to the vacuum box at an entry angle, and wherein the
entry angle is from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the contaminated vapor is
introduced to the vacuum box at an entry angle, and wherein the
entry angle is from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the vacuum box further
comprises a target water level and a bottom portion, and wherein
the target water level is about at or below an elevation at which
the contaminated vapor is introduced to the vacuum box.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the target water level is
between about 50% and about 85% of a height of the bottom
portion.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the target water level is
between about 70% and about 80% of a height of the bottom
portion.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the water is removed by a
demister pad, and wherein the demister pad extends about
horizontally across the vacuum box.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising measuring a water
level in the vacuum box with a water level measurement device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application that
claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/083,079 filed on
Nov. 18, 2013, which is a continuation application that claims the
benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/650,609 filed on Oct. 12,
2012 that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,895 on Dec. 24, 2013, which
is a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of U.S.
application Ser. No. 61/546,105 filed on Oct. 12, 2011, which U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 14/083,079, 13/650,609, and 61/546,105 are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to the field of chemical and
industrial facilities and more specifically to removing water from
a vapor using a vacuum box.
[0005] 2. Background of the Invention
[0006] There is an increased need for improving efficiency and
reducing environmental concerns in the cleaning of industrial
equipment such as process towers and the like. For instance,
equipment holding hydrocarbons or other contaminants is cleaned for
a variety of reasons such as for maintenance or a plant turnaround.
Such maintenance and plant turnarounds typically involve accessing
the equipment. Before the equipment may be accessed, the
hydrocarbons and other contaminants are often removed from the
equipment. A variety of conventional processes have been used to
remove the hydrocarbons and other contaminants from the equipment.
Such conventional processes include using steam to remove the
hydrocarbons and other contaminants. Drawbacks to such conventional
processes include disposal of the removed hydrocarbons and other
contaminants. For instance, the steam exiting the equipment (e.g.,
process tower) may contain hydrocarbons and other contaminants.
[0007] Methods have been developed to dispose of such removed
hydrocarbons and other contaminants. Such developments include
processing the steam to remove the hydrocarbons and other
contaminants. For instance, such developments include flaring the
steam. Drawbacks to flaring the steam include environmental issues
such as organic levels of the flare.
[0008] Consequently, there is a need for an improved method and
system for cleaning process equipment. Further needs include
improved methods and systems for removing contaminants such as
hydrocarbons from a vapor (e.g., steam). Additional needs include
improved equipment for removing hydrocarbons and other contaminants
from a vapor such as steam.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] These and other needs in the art are addressed in one
embodiment by a contaminant removal system having a vacuum box. A
contaminated vapor from process equipment is introduced to the
vacuum box. The contaminated vapor includes steam and hydrocarbons.
The vacuum box includes a water removal device. The water removal
device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water
and a reduced water vapor. The contaminated vapor is introduced to
the vacuum box below the water removal device. The water and the
reduced water vapor are removed from the vacuum box. In addition,
the water removal device is disposed in the vacuum box at an
elevation below an elevation at which the reduced water vapor is
removed from the vacuum box.
[0010] These and other needs in the art are addressed in another
embodiment by a method for removing contaminants from process
equipment. The method includes introducing steam to the process
equipment to provide a contaminated vapor. The method also includes
introducing the contaminated vapor to a vacuum box. The
contaminated vapor includes steam and hydrocarbons. The method
further includes removing water from the contaminated vapor. The
vacuum box includes a water removal device. The water_removal
device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water
and a reduced water vapor. In addition, the method includes
removing the water and the reduced water vapor from the vacuum box.
The reduced water vapor is removed from the vacuum box at an
elevation above an elevation at which the water removal device is
disposed in the vacuum box.
[0011] In addition, these and other needs in the art are addressed
by a contaminant removal apparatus. The contaminant removal
apparatus includes a vacuum box. The vacuum box includes a vessel.
The contaminant removal apparatus also includes a demister pad
disposed in the vacuum box. A vapor is introduced to the vacuum box
on an opposing side of the demister pad from a vapor exit from the
vacuum box.
[0012] Further, these and other needs in the art are addressed by a
method for removing contaminants from process equipment. The method
includes introducing steam to the process equipment to provide a
contaminated vapor. The method also includes introducing the
contaminated vapor to a vacuum box, wherein the contaminated vapor
comprises steam and hydrocarbons. The method further includes
removing water from the contaminated vapor, wherein the vacuum box
comprises a water removal device, and wherein the water removal
device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water
and a reduced water vapor. In addition, the method includes
removing the water and the reduced water vapor from the vacuum box,
wherein the reduced water vapor is removed from an opposing side of
the vacuum box from a side of the vacuum box at which the
contaminated water is introduced to the vacuum box.
[0013] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may
be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal
system having a vacuum box;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal
system having two vacuum boxes in a parallel configuration;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal
system having two vacuum boxes in a series configuration;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal
system having vacuum boxes disposed in series and parallel
configurations;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a contaminant removal
system having a vacuum box and a distributor; and
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum box in which
the water removal device includes weirs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal
system 5 having process equipment 10 and vacuum box 15. Embodiments
include using steam to remove contaminants from process equipment
10. Water 40 is removed from the vapor (e.g., contaminated vapor
30) exiting process equipment 10 by vacuum box 15. By vacuum box 15
removing water 40 from contaminated vapor 30, the vapor (e.g.,
reduced water vapor 35) is available for further processing such as
by a thermal destruction device 20.
[0022] In embodiments as shown in FIG. 1, vacuum box 15 includes
any vessel suitable for allowing a vacuum to be pulled on a vapor
and in which water is to be removed from the vapor. In embodiments,
contaminated vapor 30 exits process equipment 10 and is introduced
to vacuum box 15. A vacuum is created in vacuum box 15 as
contaminated vapor 30 flows through and exits vacuum box 15.
[0023] In embodiments, vacuum box 15 is a pressure vessel. It is to
be understood that a pressure vessel is a closed container used to
hold liquids, gases, and/or vapors at a pressure substantially
different than the ambient pressure. Without limitation, a pressure
vessel may be a vessel that is a closed container of limited
length, as compared to the indefinite length of piping. Pressure
vessels may be constructed of any sufficient material including,
but not limited to steel, ceramic, concrete, plastic, graphite,
carbon fiber, composites thereof, or any combinations thereof.
Additionally, pressure vessels may be lined with any sufficient
material including, but not limited to ceramic, glass, rubber,
plastics, rare metals, composites thereof, or any combinations
thereof. Without limitation, a pressure vessel may comprise any
shape, examples of which may include spheres, cylinders, or
cones.
[0024] With continued reference to FIG. 1, in embodiments, vacuum
box 15 includes water removal device 45, which removes water 40
from the contaminated vapor 30 as it flows through vacuum box 15.
Water removal device 45 includes any device suitable for removing
water from a vapor. In an embodiment, water removal device 45 is a
demister pad. Any demister pad configuration suitable for removing
the water may be used. In embodiments, the demister pad includes
orifices through which the vapor passes, with the removed water
collected in bottom portion 75 of vacuum box 15. In an embodiment,
the demister pad extends about horizontally across vacuum box 15.
The demister pad may be attached to vacuum box 15 by any suitable
means. In an embodiment, clips are secured to vacuum box 15, and
the demister pad is attached to the clips. The clips may be secured
to vacuum box 15 by any suitable means such as by welds, adhesives,
bolts, and the like. In an embodiment, the clips are welded to
vacuum box 15. The demister pad is attached to the clips by any
suitable means such as by welds, adhesives, bolts, and the like. In
an embodiment, the demister pad is attached to the clips by bolts.
It is to be understood that vacuum box 15 is not limited to a
configuration with the demister pad extending horizontally but in
alternative embodiments may include other configurations of
disposing the demister pad in vacuum box 15. In some embodiments,
suitable vessels existing at the industrial facility are modified
(i.e., on-site) to produce vacuum box 15.
[0025] As shown in the embodiments of FIG. 1 in which water removal
device 45 is a demister pad, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to
vacuum box 15 below water removal device 45 and above the water
level in vacuum box 15. In alternative embodiments, contaminated
vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum box 15 about at the water level in
vacuum box 15. In embodiments, water removal device 45 is disposed
at an elevation in vacuum box 15 that is below the elevation at
which reduced water vapor 35 exits vacuum box 15. In embodiments,
contaminant removal system 5 has a back flow valve 65 on the feed
of contaminated vapor 30 to vacuum box 15. Back flow valve 65
prevents the back flow of water from vacuum box 15 into the feed
line of contaminated vapor 30 to vacuum box 15. Back flow valve 65
may be any valve suitable for preventing the flow of water back
into the feed of contaminated vapor 30 to vacuum box 15. In
embodiments, back flow valve 65 is a one-way valve. In embodiments,
back flow valve 65 is a check valve. In an embodiment, vacuum box
15 has water level measurement device 70. Water level measurement
device 70 may be any device suitable for measuring the level of
water in vacuum box 15. Without limitation, examples of water level
measurement devices 70 are a level sensor, a floating water level
measuring device, a sight level, or any combinations thereof. In
embodiments, water level measurement device 70 is a floating water
level measuring device.
[0026] In embodiments of operation of vacuum box 15 as shown in
FIG. 1, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to bottom portion 75 of
vacuum box 15 and flows from bottom portion 75 through water
removal device 45 (i.e., through the orifices in demister pad) and
into upper portion 80 of vacuum box 15. A portion or all of the
water in contaminated vapor 30 is separated from the vapor and
remains in bottom portion 75 with reduced water vapor 35 exiting
vacuum box 15. Water level measuring device 70 measures the level
of water in bottom portion 75. When the level is about at a target
water level, water 40 is drained from vacuum box 15. In some
embodiments, water level measuring device 70 and the draining of
water 40 from vacuum box 15 are automated. Such automation may be
by any suitable methods. Water 40 may be drained by any suitable
means. In embodiments, bottom 105 of vacuum box 5 has one or more
drains valves (not illustrated). In some embodiments, side 85
and/or side 110 may have one or more drain valves (not
illustrated). The target water level may be any desired level. In
embodiments, the target water level is about at or below the
elevation at which contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum
box 15. In some embodiments, the target level is about at or below
the elevation at which contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to
vacuum box 15 and between about 50 percent and about 85 percent of
the height of bottom portion 75, alternatively about at or below
the elevation at which contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to
vacuum box 15 and between about 70 percent and about 80 percent of
the height of bottom portion 75. The target level may also be any
height or ranges of heights included within the above ranges.
[0027] As further shown in FIG. 1, embodiments of contaminant
removal system 5 include reduced water vapor 35 being removed from
side 85 of vacuum box 15. In embodiments, side 85 is on the
opposing side of vacuum box 15 from side 110 at which contaminated
vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum box 15. Without limitation, such
location of the exit of reduced water vapor 35 may reduce or
prevent crimp in a hose in embodiments in which reduced water vapor
35 exits vacuum box 15 via a hose. Further, without limitation,
such location of the exit of reduced water vapor 35 may reduce or
prevent water splash.
[0028] In some embodiments of contaminant removal system 5,
contaminated vapor 30 is introduced into vacuum box 15 at entry
angle 90. Entry angle 90 may be any desired angle. In embodiments,
entry angle 90 is from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees,
alternatively from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, and
alternatively from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, and
further alternatively from about 45 degrees to about 65 degrees,
and alternatively about 45 degrees. In embodiments, entry angle 90
is any angle or range of angles within the range of angles
above.
[0029] In embodiments as shown in FIG. 6, water removal device 45
includes weirs 95. Weirs 95 may be disposed at any suitable
location for removing water from contaminated vapor 30. In some
embodiments as shown, weirs 95 are perpendicular to top 100 and
bottom 105 of vacuum box 15. In embodiments, weirs 95 are
solid.
[0030] In embodiments, contaminant removal system 5 includes
sampling water 40 before removal from vacuum box 15. The sampling
may be accomplished by any suitable means. In embodiments,
contaminant removal system 5 may include a sample port disposed on
one or more drains. In some embodiments, a sample port may be
disposed on the line (i.e., hose) by which water 40 is drained from
vacuum box 15. In an embodiment, water 40 is tested for chemical
oxygen demand (e.g., COD). In embodiments, water 40 is drained to a
container (not illustrated) and tested.
[0031] In further embodiments of contaminant removal system 5 as
shown in FIG. 1, contaminant removal system 5 includes blowers 115.
Blowers 115 may be any suitable device for increasing pressure on
contaminated vapor 30 and/or reduced water vapor 35. In
embodiments, blowers 115 are compressors. In embodiments, one or
more blowers 115 may operate on contaminated vapor 30, and/or one
or more blowers 115 may operate on reduced water vapor 35. Without
limitation, blowers 115 have sufficient strength to maintain
movement of the vapors (i.e., contaminated vapor 30 and reduced
water vapor 35). Further, without limitation, maintaining such
movement prevents or reduces condensation in a line.
[0032] In an embodiment of operation of contaminant removal system
5 as shown in FIG. 1, steam 25 is fed to process equipment 10.
Steam 25 may be fed to process equipment 10 under any suitable
conditions to remove hydrocarbons and other contaminants from
process equipment 10. A commercial example of a suitable steam
process is VAPOUR-PHASE.RTM., which is a registered trademark of
United Laboratories International, LLC. Steam 25 enters process
equipment 10 and removes a portion or all of the hydrocarbons and
other contaminants in process equipment 10. In embodiments, steam
and an oxidizer enter process equipment 10 and remove a portion or
all of the hydrocarbons and other contaminants in process equipment
10. Steam 25 with the hydrocarbons and other contaminants exits
process equipment 10 as contaminated vapor 30. Contaminated vapor
30 is introduced to vacuum box 15. Contaminated vapor 30 flows
through vacuum box 15 creating a vacuum in vacuum box 15. In
embodiments, as contaminated vapor 30 passes through vacuum box 15
in a vacuum, water removal device 45 (e.g., demister pad)
facilitates removal of a portion or all of the water in
contaminated vapor 30. The water collects at bottom portion 75. In
some embodiments (not illustrated), a pump or pumps may facilitate
removal of water 40 from vacuum box 15. The pumps may be any
suitable type of pump such as, without limitation, diaphragm pumps.
Reduced water vapor 35 exits vacuum box 15 and may be further
processed. In some embodiments, a portion or all of the
hydrocarbons and other contaminants exit vacuum box 15 with reduced
water vapor 35. Without limitation, the hydrocarbons and other
contaminants leave with the gas because of the high temperatures
involved. In an embodiment as shown, reduced water vapor 35 is fed
to thermal destruction device 20.
[0033] Thermal destruction device 20 may be any device suitable for
thermally destroying reduced water vapor 35. Without limitation,
examples of thermal destruction devices 20 include thermal
oxidizers, incinerators, and the like. Any thermal oxidizer may be
used that is suitable for incinerating reduced water vapor 35.
Without limitation, examples of thermal oxidizers include electric
thermal oxidizers, gas fueled thermal oxidizers, and catalytic
thermal oxidizers.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal
system 5 having a parallel vacuum box 15 configuration. In such an
embodiment, contaminant removal system 5 includes two vacuum boxes
15, 15' with contaminated vapor 30 being introduced to both. Vacuum
boxes 15, 15' may be the same size and configuration or different
sizes and configurations. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15'
are of the same size and configuration. Waters 40, 40' are removed
from contaminated vapor 30 by vacuum boxes 15, 15', and reduced
water vapors 35, 35' exit vacuum boxes 15, 15'. Water removal
devices 45, 45' facilitate removal of waters 40, 40'. In
embodiments as shown, reduced water vapor 35 is fed to thermal
destruction device 20, and reduced water vapor 35' is fed to
thermal destruction device 20'. In other embodiments (not
illustrated), reduced water vapors 35, 35' may be fed to the same
thermal destruction device. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15'
are disposed on the same transportation means (e.g., both disposed
on the same trailer). In other embodiments, vacuum boxes 15, 15'
are disposed on different transportation means.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal
system 5 having a series vacuum box 15 configuration. In such an
embodiment, contaminant removal system 5 includes two vacuum boxes
15, 15' in the series configuration. Vacuum boxes 15, 15' may be
the same size and configuration or different sizes and
configurations. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15' are of the
same size and configuration. In some embodiments, each successive
vacuum box is smaller than the previous vacuum box. In the
embodiment as shown, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum
box 15 in which water removal device 45 (e.g., demister pad)
facilitates removal of water 40 from contaminated vapor 30. Reduced
water vapor 35 is then introduced to vacuum box 15' in which water
removal device 45' facilitates removal of water 40' from reduced
water vapor 35. Reduced water vapor 35 flowing through vacuum box
15' facilitates a vacuum in vacuum box 15'. Further reduced water
vapor 50 exits vacuum box 15'. In embodiments as shown, further
reduced water vapor 50 is fed to thermal destruction device 20. In
an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15' are disposed on the same
transportation means (e.g., both disposed on the same trailer). In
other embodiments, vacuum boxes 15, 15' are disposed on different
transportation means.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal
system 5 having a parallel and series vacuum box 15 configuration.
In such an embodiment, contaminant removal system 5 includes vacuum
boxes 15, 15' in the series configuration with each other and
vacuum boxes 15'', 15''' in the series configuration with each
other. Vacuum boxes 15, 15' are in the parallel configuration to
vacuum boxes 15'', 15'''. Vacuum boxes 15, 15', 15'', 15''' may be
the same size and configuration or different sizes and
configurations. In an embodiment, vacuum boxes 15, 15'' are of the
same size and configuration, and vacuum boxes 15' and 15''' (e.g.,
the successive vacuum boxes) are of a smaller size. In the
embodiment as shown, contaminated vapor 30 is introduced to vacuum
boxes 15, 15'' in which water removal devices 45, 45'' (e.g.,
demister pads) facilitate removal of waters 40, 40'' from
contaminated vapor 30. Reduced water vapors 35, 35' are then
introduced to the successive (e.g., downstream) vacuum boxes 15',
15''' in which water removal devices 45', 45''' facilitate removal
of waters 40', 40''' from reduced water vapors 35, 35'. Further
reduced water vapors 50, 50' exit vacuum boxes 15', 15'''. In
embodiments as shown, further reduced water vapors 50, 50' are
introduced to thermal destruction devices 20, 20'. In alternative
embodiments (not shown), further reduced water vapors 50, 50' are
introduced to the same thermal destruction device 20. Vacuum boxes
15, 15', 15'', and 15''' may all be disposed on the same
transportation means (e.g., all disposed on the same trailer) or on
two or more transportation means. In embodiments, vacuum boxes 15,
15', 15'', 15''' are all disposed on the same transportation means.
In other embodiments, vacuum boxes 15, 15' are both disposed on the
same transportation means, and vacuum boxes 15'', 15''' are both
disposed on another transportation means.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of contaminant removal
system 5 in which reduced water vapor 35 is fed to distributor 55.
Distributor 55 may include any means suitable for separating
reduced water vapor 35 into different vapor streams 60. In an
embodiment, distributor 55 is a manifold. Distributor 55 may
separate water vapor 35 into any desired number of vapor streams
60. In embodiments (not illustrated), each vapor stream 60 may be
sent to a different downstream purpose such as, without limitation,
one or more different thermal destruction devices 20. In some
embodiments (not illustrated), contaminated vapor 30 may be
introduced to distributor 55 prior to being fed to one or more than
one vacuum box 15.
[0038] In an embodiment, vacuum box 15 is transportable. Vacuum box
15 may be transportable by any suitable means. Without limitation,
examples of such means include by disposing vacuum box 15 on the
bed of a vehicle (e.g., truck), on a trailer (e.g., attachable to a
truck), or a freight wagon (e.g., a freight wagon attachable to a
train locomotive). In an embodiment, vacuum box 15 is disposed on
the bed of a trailer. Without limitation, a transportable vacuum
box 15 allows vacuum box 15 to be used with different process
equipment 10 in the facility. In addition, a transportable vacuum
box 15 allows vacuum box 15 to be disposed in a desired close
proximity to process equipment 10.
[0039] In some embodiments, process equipment 10 includes any
equipment used in an industrial facility such as a refinery or
chemical plant. In an embodiment, process equipment 10 includes any
equipment that may have hydrocarbons. In embodiments, process
equipment 10 includes a process tower, tanks, vessels, heat
exchangers, and the like.
[0040] It is to be understood that embodiments of contaminant
removal system 5 are not limited to the number of vacuum boxes
shown in the figures. In alternative embodiments, contaminant
removal system 5 may include any desired number of vacuum boxes in
parallel and/or in series configurations.
[0041] Contaminated vapor 30, reduced water vapor 35, further
reduced water vapor 50, and vapor stream 60 may flow between
equipment (i.e., from process equipment 10 to vacuum box 15) by any
suitable means. In an embodiment, such suitable means includes
through hoses. In embodiments, the hoses are hoses that may operate
with a vacuum. In some embodiments, the hoses are stainless steel
braided hoses. In other embodiments, one or more of the hoses has
one or more valves. In embodiments, each hose has a valve. In some
embodiments, contaminant removal system S includes hard-piping
instead of hoses.
[0042] Embodiments include using contaminant removal system 5 after
process equipment 10 has been removed of heavy hydrocarbons (e.g.,
de-oiled), and remaining hydrocarbons and other contaminants are to
be removed from process equipment 10. The hydrocarbons and other
contaminants may be removed from process equipment 10 for any
desired reason such as for a plant turnaround, maintenance, manual
access to the process equipment, and the like.
[0043] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *