Self-assembled monolayers, the agglomeration binders of pyrolytic coke fines

The chemical composition of self-assembled monolayers on the surface of pyrolytic-coke particles were examined by a variety of characteristic tests and the results revealed that aliphatic hydrocarbons are incorporated as self-assembled monolayers on the surface of pyrolytic coke particles. The self-assembled monolayers are responsible for particulate agglomeration of pyrolytic-cokes in hot quench water and fouling propensity. The size distribution of agglomerated particles was observed by scanning electron microscopy representing the merged agglomerated particles by self-assembled monolayer. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra revealed no heteroatoms in the chemical structure of self-assembled monolayer, while BET technique highlighted the active role of micro - pores to adsorb the self-assembled monolayers. Particle size analysis revealed the agglomeration process of coke fines from id: 1-5 mu m to 10-40 mu m. Such agglomeration increases the risk of plugging and restriction of heat transfer in process equipments. The results revealed that a reliable solution to overcome the fouling problem is preventing the formation of self-assembled monolayers. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.