(159d) Troubleshooting and Redesign of a Solvent Stripper in a Chemical Plant | AIChE

(159d) Troubleshooting and Redesign of a Solvent Stripper in a Chemical Plant

Authors 

Achoundong, C. - Presenter, BASF Corporation
A solvent recovery column in a chemical plant was revamped to increased capacity. During start-up at the revamped rates, the column experienced instability marked by pressure drop increases. In addition to an inability to reach desired production rates, the instability also caused off-specs products. The investigation found the problem to be downcomer flood due to foaming, a condition which worsened at high liquid rates. An antifoam was identified in a foaming study; the selected antifoam suppressed the foam layer allowing the plant to achieve design rates. The column tray deck was redesigned so the antifoam could be eliminated. The redesign is expected to provide a 17% additional capacity compared to the current design assuming an approach to flood of 75%.

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