O-SCENT SCV

Case study

Safe Chemical Decontamination of Refineries and Petrochemical Plants

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CHALLENGE

During scheduled maintenance shutdowns at refineries and petrochemical plants, process equipment must be safely and efficiently decontaminated before maintenance and repair work can begin.

The facilities contain hazardous contaminants and pose operational risks.

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Operational Risks

  • Presence of volatile hydrocarbons and toxic gases such as H₂S, benzene, ammonia, and mercaptans.
  • Formation of pyrophoric iron sulfides (FeS), with a risk of spontaneous combustion upon exposure to air.
  • Hydrocarbon contamination in vessels, columns, heat exchangers, and piping systems.
  • Strict safety requirements must be met before equipment may be opened or cut into.
  • There is significant pressure to minimize the duration of stoppages and operational downtime.

Additional prerequisites

  • Safe neutralization of hazardous gases and vapors.
  • Effective oxidation of pyrophoric iron sulfides.
  • Simultaneous cleaning and decontamination in a single process.
  • Shorter turnaround times during maintenance shutdowns.
  • Reduced risk for maintenance personnel and contractors.
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Desired Results
Safe removal of hazardous gases and vapors

Safe Removal of Hazardous Gases and Vapors

Neutralization of Pyrophoric Iron Sulfides

Neutralization of pyrophoric iron sulfides

Effective removal of hydrocarbon contamination

Effective Removal of Hydrocarbon Contaminants

Faster and more efficient shutdown procedures

Faster and more efficient shutdown procedures

Improved safety conditions for maintenance teams

Improved safety conditions for maintenance crews

Combination of cleaning and decontamination in a single process

Combining cleaning and decontamination in a single process

Decontamination Methods

SOLUTION

Product

O-Scent SCV

O-SCENT SCV was used as a multifunctional decontamination solution during shutdown operations at refineries.

The product was specifically used to:

  • Neutralize hazardous gases and their associated odors
  • Oxidizing pyrophoric iron sulfides (FeS)
  • Removing hydrocarbon contaminants
  • To improve operational safety prior to maintenance work
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1. Liquid-phase recirculation

The system was treated with a 2–3% solution of O-SCENT SCV at a temperature of approximately 60°C.

Process Overview

  • Recirculate through the system for 8–10 hours.
  • Continuous contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • Final rinse with hot, clean water for about 1 hour.

Benefits

  • Thorough internal cleaning and decontamination.
  • Effective penetration into process equipment.
  • Simultaneous neutralization of gases and removal of hydrocarbons.

2. Injection during steam-out

O-SCENT SCV was also injected into the steam during steam-out procedures.

Process Overview

  • Product dosage of 0.5–1% during the steam phase.
  • Circulate steam through the system for 8–10 hours.
  • Final rinse with hot, clean water after the treatment.

Benefits

  • Efficient management of large process systems.
  • Excellent distribution throughout complex installations.
  • Less residual contamination prior to maintenance work.

Thanks to the combination of advanced corrosion protection, biological control, and optimized water treatment, the HVAC system achieved stable water quality, improved system efficiency, and long-term protection of critical system components.

Results

  • Hazardous gases successfully neutralized: Measurements after treatment showed no detectable levels of LEL, benzene, or H₂S.
  • Pyrophoric iron sulfides safely oxidized: the risk of spontaneous combustion during the opening and cutting of equipment has been completely eliminated.
  • Effective removal of hydrocarbon contamination: The internal surfaces of the equipment were significantly cleaner and safer for maintenance work.
  • Improved efficiency during shutdowns: By combining cleaning and decontamination, total downtime and operational delays were reduced.
  • Enhanced safety for maintenance personnel: Maintenance teams were able to perform inspection and repair work under significantly safer conditions.
  • Successful preparation for equipment replacement: Large process equipment was safely dismantled and removed after treatment.
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If you are looking for a customized chemical solution, our team of specialists is ready to test, design, develop, and manufacture it to ensure that you achieve your desired results.

Please feel free to contact us so we can explore together what we can do for you.

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Jil Teugels

Jil Teugels

Specialist in cleaning chemicals

jil@wvt.be +32 (0) 473 43 73 07
Download this Case Study

Download this Case Study

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