Sour Water Stripping

Hello Every one

 

Recently we have commissioned non-phenolic sour water stripping unit in our refinery. We have very limited information in operating manual provided by designer.

 

A condensate stream is provided at overhead line of stripper for flushing of salts and other fouling materials. But no information is provided about when do we use this condensate stream and what will be schedule.

 

I am concern about H2S concentration in overhead line is very high so it can be use in normal operation or can be used only during shutdown of unit (corrosion concern). kindly answer the above quarries from your experience is needed. 

 

Regards

 

Muhammad Farhan

 

Process development Engineer

 

National Refinery Limited

The condensate would be used to wash the condenser if NH4SH or NH4Cl salts deposit.  You can do this intermittently, and track performance of the condenser (either via pressure drop or heat transfer performance to set a timeline for washing the system with clean water.  Usually only necessary for a few hours every few days or weeks (if at all), but it depends heavily on the sour water composition and operating conditions.

You have explained all the details. Just add one more thing this clean condensate when use intermittently during normal operation can initiate corrosion in overhead line and condensers or it have tendency to start corrosion.  

 

Thank You

The whole point of the clean condensate wash is to remove solid salts, which will have accelerated under-deposit corrosion.  So the wash water should not initiate corrosion but prevent it.

The whole point of the clean condensate wash is to remove solid salts, which will have accelerated under-deposit corrosion.  So the wash water should not initiate corrosion but prevent it.

Thank You sir

Hello,

Could you please explain me formation mechanism of NH4SH, (NH4)2CO3,NH4HCO3 in mentioned conditions (column overhead line)?

Regards,
Nikolai