Hi all,
This is my first post in this site. Am so much impressed about the way topics were discussed
here.This forum is very helpful for young engineers like me.
Coming to the discussion,
Am about to calculate relief load for AMINE REGENERATOR COLUMN in REFLUX
FAILURE SCENARIO. I considered the overhead condenser to fail completely during this
scenario and calculated my relief load.My boss is saying that even though the reflux pump fails, the time taken for the condensed liquid to fill the reflux drum from Normal liquid level to full volume is more than 20 min, so we can take the overhead condenser duty of 20% (air cooler-Natural convection) . I had a long debate with him, but i couldn't convince him.
I don't know whether we can take this credit.Is there any guidelines available for this other than API 521 .... Pl guide me
Full Version: Overhead Condenser Flooding
The 20% of normal duty is valid for air-cooler fan failure. see API STD 521, 5.6.4. Reflux pump failure will result in total loss of condensation when the overhead condenser is flooded (API STD 521, 5.6.6). I don't see how you can have condensation when your condenser is full of liquid.
The 20 minutes your boss is talking about might come from the operator intervention time of 10 to 30 minutes (API STD 521, 5.4).
The 20 minutes your boss is talking about might come from the operator intervention time of 10 to 30 minutes (API STD 521, 5.4).
Simson,
Welcome.
I don't know what kind of debate and what you try to convince.
You are estimating the relief load during reflux failure. So you are talking the vapor rate passing the condenser and subsequent relief through the PSV on the reflux drum. Whether the reflux drum can occupy the condensed liquid within 20 or 30 minutes, it does not affect the relief load.
Unless you are going into a more complicated issue i.e. vapor-liquid disengagement and potential of 2-phase relief...
Let goes back to the "20% credit"... The 20% credit is allowed by API. Nevertheless, please read this post "How much heat removal by natural convection when Air Cooler fan off" for additional information. It may give you some idea.
Welcome.
I don't know what kind of debate and what you try to convince.
You are estimating the relief load during reflux failure. So you are talking the vapor rate passing the condenser and subsequent relief through the PSV on the reflux drum. Whether the reflux drum can occupy the condensed liquid within 20 or 30 minutes, it does not affect the relief load.
Unless you are going into a more complicated issue i.e. vapor-liquid disengagement and potential of 2-phase relief...
Let goes back to the "20% credit"... The 20% credit is allowed by API. Nevertheless, please read this post "How much heat removal by natural convection when Air Cooler fan off" for additional information. It may give you some idea.
Thanks Mr.joe wong for replying .....
I will check the particular post you mentioned.
I will check the particular post you mentioned.
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