CASE HISTORY

BJ Chemical Services’ FastBreak™ Outperforms All Competitors As Shown

In Refiner’s Test Run Data

The Problem

A Rocky Mountain refinery processes a difficult crude slate composed primarily of highly asphaltenic Canadian
crude. This crude contains a varying, but always high, quantity of solids. Solids stabilize emulsions and can cause
oily undercarry. Prior to BJCS involvement, other additive suppliers used multiple products to try to counteract the
deleterious effects of solids. The multiple feed points and rates were difficult to maintain and control.

Many “adjunct” products consist of high molecular weight polymers that can cause solids to “hang-up” in the rag
layer. This gives the appearance of clean effluent; however, eventually the rag layer has to be “peeled off” in order
to keep the desalter functioning properly. At this point, solids and barrels of valuable oil are sent to the sewer. The
oil and solids are separated from the water and sent back to the desalter through the reclaimed oil – starting the
process over again. Reclaimed oil oftentimes significantly reduces crude charge rates.

In an effort to reduce oily solids undercarry, the single-stage desalter often operated with inadequate mixing, high
water levels, and excessive additive rates. This resulted in poor salt, solids, and water removal. Consequently,
fouling, high corrosion rates, and extreme neutralizing amine usage were found in the crude unit. High sodium
levels in the coker feedstock led to coke value downgrades.

The Solution

After struggling with the desalter for months, the refiner decided to allow four additive suppliers to each conduct
controlled test runs. During the tests, the refiner would conduct laboratory tests and gather data on critical
parameters to determine the effectiveness of each trial run. Each supplier was allowed to test multiple products
and “adjunct” chemistry if required. BJCS engineers ran exhaustive laboratory desalting simulations and designed
a single highly cost-effective product.

The Benefit

Prior to the test runs, the refiner agreed to release all data to each supplier at the end of the test period. The test
period extended through 10 months with a variety of crude supplies and operating parameters. The table displayed
below is the refiner’s data as supplied. The data shows BJ Chemical Services clearly outperformed each of the
other competitors. Desalting efficiency during the BJCS test runs averaged greater than 95% while reducing the
sodium in the coker feed to record low levels.

In addition to first-rate performance in salt, solids, and water removal, the effluent water was virtually free of oil –
much superior to the previous performance. With the BJ Chemical Services’ product, reclaimed oil rates are
significantly reduced and the oil quality is greatly improved.

BJ Chemical Services
5005 Mitchelldale, Suite 200
Houston, Texas 77092
Phone: 713-860-6800
www.bjservices.com
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 CASE HISTORY
BJ Chemical Services’ FastBreak™ Outperforms All Competitors As Shown
In Refiner’s Test Run Data

A successful trial led to a successful treatment program that continues to bring value to the refiner. Steady state
conditions are maintained at the wastewater treatment facility. High value, low sodium coke is produced.
Additives, desalting aid and overhead neutralizer, costs are reduced. Crude unit overhead corrosion is minimized.

DESALTER TEST RUNS BY BJ Chemical Services, Comp A, Comp B, and Comp C

Average Average Average Average Average Average Average Sodium in
Desalter Additive Crude Rate Crude API Salts In Salts Out Salt Coker Feed
Temp Rate Removal
o
Days F qts/1000b b/d API ptb ptb ppmwt

Comp A 45 278 1.91 48,042 25.1 36.41 3.30 90.9% 29.4

BJCS 25 276 1.88 47,839 25.1 40.33 1.73 95.7% 15.5

Comp A 55 268 2.04 42,172 25.0 44.81 5.65 87.4% 48.3

Comp B 37 261 2.57 38,676 25.2 39.48 3.83 90.3% 32.1

Comp B 21 255 1.08 34,917 26.0 40.17 4.40 89.0% 38.4

Comp A 28 260 1.85 45,737 26.3 37.43 5.08 86.4% 47.2

BJCS 8 258 1.65 48,575 26.4 38.17 2.14 94.4% 21.4

BJCS 16 252 1.57 49,253 26.8 33.35 1.21 96.4% 11.5

Comp C 22 265 1.46 43,141 26.7 31.73 2.90 90.9% 26.6

Comp C 5 226 1.46 50,611 26.8 36.28 3.82 89.5% 33.6

BJCS 13 257 1.62 49,128 26.8 34.00 1.48 95.7% 14.8

BJ Chemical Services
5005 Mitchelldale, Suite 200
Houston, Texas 77092
Phone: 713-860-6800
www.bjservices.com
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