CIRCULATION AID FOR PRIMARY FRACTIONAL QUENCH LOOPS

The invention directed to a method of reducing the increase in viscosity and the drop in the heat transfer coefficient that commonly occurs with quenching media which is repeatedly circulated through a hot reaction vessel. The method comprises adding a preserving composition to the quenching media. The composition comprises: a) high temperature polymerization inhibitor, b) a tar dispersant, and c) a viscosity reducer. The method allows the quenching media to remain effective longer than would otherwise be the case and thereby prevents problems associated with having to devote excessive resources for controlling heat recovery, viscosity increases, product downgrades or having to operate equipment at temperatures beyond their optimum performance designs.