10 replies to this topic

[pushpesh31]

We have a vertical thermo-syphon reboiler in one of our distillation columns. The steam flow to the reboiler is controlled by flow control of the condensate. Due to very small opening of the control valve, we are facing the problem of hammering in the condensate line. Can anybody suggest any solution for this problem?

 

 

[Pilesar]

Your problem really needs someone on site to investigate. Educate yourself and you will be the expert!

The link below is the best introductory explanation of condensate hammering I have ever seen: 

http://www.tlv.com/g...ort-piping.html

[markymaark]

Put a steam trap just after the control valve to remove any liquid in the steam line..

[Zauberberg]

Read: http://www.driedger...._sh/CE4_SH.html

[stephendavion]

Hi,

 

You said you are facing problem of hammering in the condensate line, there is a thread which discuss about Condensate hammering, Just have a look at that thread and see it may help you. When we had the same problem, we reached out to the experts to solve the problem and its working fine for us. I suggest you to reach them and explain the problem you facing and they will help you in resolving the issue.

Edited by stephendavion, 23 April 2013 - 08:47 AM.

[Atttyub194]

Dear pushpesh31

Good day!

 

Please share P&I diagram so that I can review and suggest you the remedy

 

Best regards and God Bless You

[thorium90]

I think attyub has made the right suggestion. A p&id or sketch would help understand this better. It does seem odd that a thermosyphon reboiler for a reasonably large size industrial distillation column could be designed for a steam flow so low that hammering starts to occur in the condensate line...
Im gussing your description of the problem is not entirely correct to begin with.

Edited by thorium90, 23 April 2013 - 09:41 AM.

[pushpesh31]

The problem is because of the control valve. The condensate drum at the downstream of the control valve is open to atmosphere. Steam we are using for Reboiling is at 17 kg/cm2 pressure. There is a lot of pressure drop across the control valve resulting in flashing of condensate. The flow of condensate is around 180 Tons/day. Can we use some trap for this service?

[Padmakar Katre]

We have a vertical thermo-syphon reboiler in one of our distillation columns. The steam flow to the reboiler is controlled by flow control of the condensate. Due to very small opening of the control valve, we are facing the problem of hammering in the condensate line. Can anybody suggest any solution for this problem?

 

Hi,

Difficult to digest the issue you are facing. We understand the reboiler duty control is variable area based on condensate level or tube submergance. The condensate flow is on condensate pot level control. By the time condensate reaches the control valve inlet it is actually subcooled based on the available static head between condensate pot/drum level and the control valve. In this case there should not be any issue, but going thru the provided input about the control valve size, the only conclusion I have is wrong control valve sizing which is has more delta P than the static head which causes condensate to flash and vibration issues in control valve downstream piping.

Please provide us the sketch with relative elevations, control valve details, any flow measuring orifice if used along with process conditions to check where is the issue.

[Dipankarc84]

As Padmakar says, it can't be anything apart from condensate flashing at the downstream of the control valve......................

These systems are designed for full liquid at the outlet and hence hammering is very very unlikely. 

[yadavrk103]

I think a P&ID sketch with line sizes may help in analyzing the system. In order to avoid water hammering you may require to put a steam trap downstream of Control valve.