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[Kimbreaux]

Hello all, this is my first post but we're having issues with our process.

 

Background:

- We distill an organic peroxide using 2 columns under vacuum.  

- The first column separates the peroxide from alcohols and is running fine.

- The organic stream is then mixed with 50%NaOH & DI Water before entering the second column  (7 trays)

- The top is condensed and sent to a plain horizontal decanter.  The top later splits into majority organic material in water (70/30) while the bottom is around 82/18 organic/water.  This bottom layer is refluxed. while the top goes further into the process.

 

Before shutting down, we were able to run maximum rates without issue.

 

When trying to restart, our vacuum pump seized and was replaced.  This has been the only major change to the process.

 

When restarting, we're unable to get past very minimum rates.  When we increase raw material flow, we end up with a small, white layer at the interface in the decanter and the top product is hazy when it is typically crystal clear.

 

The only major difference I can see is the column dP.  While it was ~30 mbar with the old pump, it's now ~18-22 mbar.  This column is typically at 140 mbar as well (decanter is under same vacuum) 

 

I can only assume it's potentially weeping and we need to increase vapor flow (more steam to reboiler), but any experience with this type of probably that could be shared would be welcome.  If there's other information that could be vital, please ask.  We increased the raw material feed to try to load the trays more, giving the vapor resistance, but this caused the entire decanter to turn white, due to mixing I assume.