5 replies to this topic

Hello, I have come to the stage where I have sized the top of the distillation column to be 3.5 meters in diameter. I have been looking around industrial sizes and so far i have seen 2-2.5 meters diameter max hence im starting to think that my calculated diameter is industrially unfeasible.

I think it is because of the large amount of load in the trays (rectifying section: vapour flowrate of 70 kg/s, 5 m3/s, liquid flowrate of 22 kg/s, 0.02m3/s). Or am i just being naive? Cheers!

[Zauberberg]

Hello Lee

Do not worry, the diameter of Amine Absorber in the plant where I work now is 7,000mm. Design pressure 84 barg.
The biggest diameter tower I have seen so far was located in one petroleum refinery - Vacuum tower of 8,100mm DIA.

So just keep on moving - 3,500mm is just fine.
Cheers,

Hello Lee

Do not worry, the diameter of Amine Absorber in the plant where I work now is 7,000mm. Design pressure 84 barg.
The biggest diameter tower I have seen so far was located in one petroleum refinery - Vacuum tower of 8,100mm DIA.

So just keep on moving - 3,500mm is just fine.
Cheers,

thanks a lot! That is very reassuring since I have no first hand experience in industry whatsoever, great to hear it from someone with experience. Thanks again!

[riven]

To add


If you look up data on ethylbenzene styrene purification (will take time on google) you will often see columns specified for vacuum service, structured packing and 5m in diameter. I would say the range you quyote is probably the limit of 'commodity' design; I tend to think of columns as being a worldwide commodity.

[abhi_agrawa]

LeeFauxe,

just to add to the list I know of C3 splitter in a petrochemical plant with diameter more than 8000 mm and Gasoline Fractionator more than 10,000 mm.

abhishek

To add


If you look up data on ethylbenzene styrene purification (will take time on google) you will often see columns specified for vacuum service, structured packing and 5m in diameter. I would say the range you quyote is probably the limit of 'commodity' design; I tend to think of columns as being a worldwide commodity.

Thanks guys, this has really reinforced my concept of size especially in real world industrial applications. I've just found a picture of a tray where two men are stood beside it, the diameter was easily around 10 meters!