Crystaphase® Technologies Laboratory

Technical Service Capabilities

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The Science of TopBed sm

Particle Size Analysis

Utilizing laser diffraction, we are able to resolve a particle size distribution in the range of 1 to 1000 um. Our
analysis instrumentation is able to handle both hydrophobic and hydroscopic materials. Analyzing the particle size
distribution allows for the design of a custom filtration system tailored to the specific problem facing the reactor.

Loss On Ignition (LOI)

LOI samples are heated to ~500 C for one hour to burn off any residual sulphur or carbon. Any iron sulfide is
oxidized to form iron oxide. This is a benchmark test used to determine if the pressure drop problem is due to
corrosion and/or carbon/polymer deposition. Additionally, abnormal LOI results may spur further investigation
with our metals analysis.

Metals Analysis
We are able to test for 26 different types of metals in the samples we analyze and report values as low as several
ppm. Many times, understanding where and how the pressure drop problem develops can be hidden in the
chemical makeup of the foulant. This testing is used sparingly due to its time and cost restrictions, but has proved
useful countless times.

Capacity Analysis
When optimizing a CatTrap installation, it is extremely important to determine the fullness of each layer of
CatTrap. By understanding how full (or empty) a CatTrap layer becomes, we can make adjustments to the loading
to improve both filtration efficiency and filtration capacity of the entire system.

Digital Microscopy
Using the latest in digital microscope technology, we are able to resolve samples down to ~1 micron. This is our
most recent addition to our technical service capabilities, and the tool has already proven useful in the analysis of
several pressure drop issues.

MicroTomography
MicroTomography is the use of high-energy X-rays to view the interior of a material in a non-destructive manner.
Using this technique we are able to look inside and digitally recreate any ceramic material in the refining industry
to an accuracy of ~13 microns. This has strong possibilities for future capacity analysis and fluid simulations.

Pressure Drop Analysis and Simulation

Implementing engineering mathematical techniques and scientific programming, Crystaphase has established a
pressure drop analysis technique allowing for accurate prediction of CatTrap sizes and volumes.

A simulation tool has been designed to analyze how pressure drop problems form in the reactor. In turn,
this allows Crystaphase to test the proposed CatTrap solutions before the cycle takes place. Technical Service
Representatives can see in accelerated time the formation and/or mitigation of a pressure drop issue. The simulation
program has been designed from the ground up to interface completely with the results of the testing.

On-Site Consultation
As part of CatTrap Technology, we offer on-site, turn-around observation at no cost to the refinery. During these
visits we are able to interact with the Engineer and Catalyst Handler during the vacuuming process, to better
understand the specific problem facing the target reactor. Additionally, we are able to collect information and
samples that would otherwise be lost during the process.