4 replies to this topic

[J_Leo]

Dear fellow engineers,

 

I am working on the rating of a Recycle EDC (ethylene dichloride) Column for a VCM expansion project.

 

I rated the column in KG Tower. 

(1) I assumed there is no foaming and used system factor of 1

(2) I got warnings for the dry tray pressure drop in the top section of the tower, around 4.9 mmHg. The highest total tray pressure drop was around 12mmHg, though no warnings from KG Tower. The original pressure drop for the tower used was 5 psi. Now I estimated it would be at least 10 psi. The op. pressure at the condenser was 11psig.

(3) The downcomer flooding is around 90% in the bottom section of the tower

 

I got the feeling this tower is not going to perform well without modifications. I want to get your opinion about this tower. 

 

Many thanks,

Leo

 

[Bobby Strain]

I expect that re-traying is in order. I recall from years ago that this system is prone to Maringoni foaming. So you might want to get a consultant with experience. Or, maybe the tray vendors. There are design techniques to prevent such foaming, however.

 

Bobby

[J_Leo]

Bobby,

 

Thank you. We are considering to consult Koch-Glitsch.  I am thinking re-traying may not work for such low-pressure tower. Maybe packing is an option. I am trying to solve the problem using all resources. I hope experienced engineers in the forum can shed some light.

 

Regards,

Leo

[Bobby Strain]

You should talk with Sulzer, too. Be careful of advice you get. You need specific experience for this debottlenecking. You might solicit a recommendation from Jaeger, too.

[J_Leo]

Bobby, thank you very much for the advice.

 

Regards,

Leo