Adsorbents Used in Petrochemical Production: Safe Handling Recommendations

The petrochemical industry has grown to rely heavily upon adsorbents to remove contaminants from hydrocarbon streams. Molecular sieves, activated aluminas, metal oxides and other adsorbents are very successful in removing contaminants down to extremely low levels protecting not only equipment, but improving the quality of the chemical products produced, and improving yield and effective life of increasingly sensitive polymerization and other process catalysts. Past presenters have discussed adsorbents in relation to the contaminant removed in a particular application. This presentation will take that a step further to increase basic understanding of the properties and nature of these materials and what this means to proper handling of both fresh and spent adsorbents. In some cases, fresh adsorbent needs to be protected from the moisture in the air. Frequently, spent adsorbents need to be prepared properly before unloading, and then handled carefully. The precautions taken will vary depending upon the class of materials. This presentation will cover some basic recommendations for the handling of key adsorbent materials used in petrochemical plants.