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[tomek73]

Hi, I work in sulphonation plant. Main reaction involves SO3 reacting with DDB (dodecyl benzene) in tubular reactor giving LABSA (dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid).
There is a gas-liquid separation after reactor. Gas stream (air, SO2 and SO3 traces, H2SO4 mists and orgaic mists) enters Fiber mist eliminator candle where liquid mists get separated and clean gas (air) is discharged to the atmosphere.
Recently we changed old reactor with new one with larger capacity. Our Fibermist eliminator (Brink filter) gets plugged up too soon. In one big casing we have two candles (L ~ 2m, D ~ 30cm).

My question is: How do design new filter for given increacesd capacity ?
Or at least what are the variables that are involved in design. I know that filter efficiency increases with Temperature increase, lower velocity (longer residence time).

I will leave actual design to professionals of course, but I would like at least to know how to do prelimenary design. I would like to check existing one and to see what kind of dimensions we need for new one. Some backed up calculations or proof would help me to persue management.


I checked meny books (Perry, Chem Eng volumes etc) and couldn't find any design procedure for Brink filters. I even tried Internet.

One way of thinking is to try to use existing case and try to squeze in more candles that have smaller diameter. But that involves lots of modification and am not sure if maintanance is capable of doing it.

If anyone could help we I would be very greatfull. Thx in advance !

Regards, Tom !