Coke Bed Hot Spot Problem & Prevention

What it is ?
An pocket in Coke bed which do not come in contact with coke
bed quenching media.
The temperature in that area or spot can very
from 250 oC to
>500 oC depending on operating
conditions.
Hot spot can remain hot for several days .It does not cool
down easily / naturally as the spot is surrounded by coke
(insulator).
When water comes in contact with hot spot violent eruption
takes place leading to coke particle coming out of drum top.
This experience during drilling and /or cutting of coke bed.
Hot spot normally forms at top section of Coke bed.
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Coke Bed Hot Spot Problem & Prevention

Cause of Hot Spot : Asphaltenes ; shot coke

by : Norman .P . Lieberman

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Cause of Hot Spot : Particulate matter in VR ;Shot coke

by : Norman .P . Lieberman

Cause of Hot Spot : Recycling of LGO ;shot coke

by : Norman .P . Lieberman
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Coke Bed Hot Spot Problem & Prevention

Cause of Hot Spot : Low oAPI Heater Charge : Shot Coke
One or combination of following leads to Hot Spot in Coke Bed.
Feed quality . Heater charge API

by : Norman .P . Lieberman

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Coke Bed Hot Spot Problem & Prevention

Prevention of Hot Spot : Operational control :Coke Bed Cooling program

Avoid rapid quenching and cooling of coke bed
Recheck/review the total quantity of water used during cooling
Increase little / slow water to de-superheat the steam during steam
quenching period with out feed line water hammering.
Soaking of coke bed : complete filling of coke bed with water ; 10 to 20 %
water level above coke bed and retaining the water for minimum 30 min.

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Coke Bed Hot Spot Problem & Prevention

Prevention of Hot Spot : Operational control : Heater COT control

by : Norman .P . Lieberman

Proprietary & Confidential

Prevention of Hot Spot : Feed Control

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Coke Bed Hot Spot Problem & Prevention

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