Process for removing contaminants from a compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system

A process for removing contaminants from a compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system, the process comprising the steps of:

• (a) compressing an effluent in a compressor to form a compressed effluent comprising light olefin;
• (b) cooling the compressed effluent in a compressor intercooler having an inner surface under conditions effective to form a contaminant on the inner surface;
• (c) injecting a contaminant-removal medium into the intercooler;
• contacting the contaminant-removal medium with the contaminant under conditions effective to remove the contaminant from the inner surface thereby forming a mobile contaminant;
• (d) removing the mobile contaminant along with the compressed effluent from the intercooler;
• and
• (e) separating the light olefin in the compressed effluent from the mobile contaminant.