2 replies to this topic

[manish.iitr]

One of the distilaltion columns in our refinery has four thermosyphon reboilers. Now we want to add one more reboiler to column, but due to space constraints the reboiler has to be located away from the column, thus it can not be made thermosyphon due to higher line losses. Can we make this reboiler as "Forced circulation reboiler ?.

Since, I have never seen both Thermosyphon and Forced cirulcation reboiler in same distillation column, is it practically possible? Can there be any limitations to this kind of system?

[Art Montemayor]

 

Manish:

 

If I were to add additional reboiler capacity to a column where I expected the capacity rate would vary (turn up, turn down) during its future operation, I would select a forced circulation reboiler type.

 

The fact that the forced circulation is carried out by a pump means that you can vary the amount of reboiler duty that you obtain from the reboiler – either by throttling and recirculating or, better still, by using a variable speed motor drive on the pump.  This feature allows you to use the forced circulation reboiler as the tool to either turn up or turn down the column capacity – while maintaining the thermosyphons on constant, full design capacity.

 

[Bobby Strain]

Depending on what you have, you could look at enhanced boiling surface tubes for the existing exchangers. But in answer to your question, you can do anything you wish. You just have to make sure the column capacity is sufficient, assuming you are increasing the overall duty.

 

Bobby