Development of 99Mo-alfa-benzoin oxime complex as industrial radiotracer for identification of leaky heat exchanger and its validation with 99mTc

Molybdenum-99 (99Mo), in the form of 99Mo-alfa-benzoin oxime (99Mo-ABO) complex was developed as industrial radiotracer and its performance was tested in a diesel hydro-treater unit of a leading oil refinery. Main objective of the study was to evaluate the suitability of the developed 99Mo-ABO complex for industrial applications at high temperature and high-pressure hydrocarbon stream. A methodology was developed to convert the aqueous solution of fission 99Mo into 99Mo-ABO complex, suitable for mixing with organic phase. A radiotracer study was carried out to identify the leaky heat exchangers from a series of four heat exchangers using 99Mo-ABO complex in organic phase as a novel industrial radiotracer. Reproducibility of the result was verified by using 99mTc in organic phase as another radiotracer. From the study it was found that the developed radiotracer ‘99Mo-ABO complex’ is suitable for industrial applications at high temperature and high-pressure hydrocarbon streams.