Dear All,
I would like to know that if atmospheric CDU needs to be designed for vacuum besides overpressure. I have had conflicting accounts about CDU being designed for vacuum with some experiences stating that it need not be designed for vacuum.
My understanding is that if CDU is designed for a steam-out operating during maintenance and / or shutdown, a Full Vacuum (FV) condition needs to be specified in the column datasheet.
Unfortunately not having much experience in the core petroleum refining sector, I don't have suitable references related to the design pressure conditions of an atmospheric crude distillation unit.
I would appreciate if members having the relevant experience could share their experience related to design conditions of an atmospheric CDU with proper justification.
Regards,
Ankur