7 replies to this topic

[Kaliz Md]

Hello there,

 

The plant I am working in just had Turnaround. So I need to measure the performance of the plant and compare it with the performance before the turnaround. Since this is the first turnaround therefore no previous data is available.

 

Is the any way of measuring the plant performance such as calculating heat duty for the exchangers and compare it before turnaround. There are two extractive distillation column and two conventional. Are the any specific ways to prove the plant is better after the turnaround.

[Ajay S. Satpute]

Hi,

 

You may start the comparison with;

1. Product quality

2. Product flow rate

3. Utility consumption

4. Reliability issues

 

Regards.

 

Ajay S. Satpute

[Kaliz Md]

Thank you.

 

Is there any calculation involved method that I could use to show increase in performance of the equipment.

[narendrasony]

Dear Kaliz,

I can think some of following calculations for performance check :

• S&T HE with cooling water (if they were cleaned) :  To check any improvement in fouling factors. You need data before and after turn around  including cooling water inlet / outlet temperatures.
• Plate & Frame heat exchangers after their cleaning
• Efficiency of furnace after e.g. furnace decoking
• Efficiency check for steam turbines, centrifugal / reciprocating compressors   

You may need some of the field data also. It may be rigorous calculations or  quick thumb rules as pointed out by Libermann in hisbook "Working Guide to Process Equipmennt".

 

Regards

Narendra

[Kaliz Md]

Thank you Mr. Narendra.

 

 How about distillation column, is there any way of measuring the improvement?

[breizh]

Kaliz,

 

About distillation ,

 

Utility consumption ( steam before/after ) or  Steam valves opening

Head loss ( Delta P of the column )

Cleanliness of the HX /Boiler

trays or packing damaged , to be replaced , liquid  distributors ,....

 

Performance test before and after turnaround ( Heat and mass balance , impurities levels,..)

 

etc

 

Note : It's worth to spend time and go inside the equipment to assess the damage but make sure the equipment is well isolated , clean and atmosphere checked with the proper permits in place ( Confined space entry ,...) . Sometimes things are different from drawings..!

 

Sorry , as you are a student there is no point to consider my note except the last comment.

 

Hope this helps

 

Breizh

Edited by breizh, 16 April 2014 - 05:59 AM.

[Kaliz Md]

Dear Sir,

 

Your advise are much appreciated.

 

Thank you.

[sheiko]

Hi,

This is a very hard question since each turnaround have specific objectives. Moreover, you cannot check everything in the plant.

So I would focus on what causes problem in your plant. I suggest you check with the Process Department:

- What are the main bottlenecks in the plant? Flowrate limitations (control valve 100% open? or unit operating below design flowrate?) Temperature limitations? Reactor, Columns or Heat Exchanger DeltaP limitations? Furnace efficiency limitations? Why?

- Which units? Why?

- Which equipment? Why?

- What modifications will be made during the turnaround on these units/equipment? Why?

- What are the expected improvements?

After that, you will be abble to develop a strategy about what to compare before and after the turnaround.

Edited by sheiko, 05 May 2014 - 11:02 AM.