Reasons for high radial pressure drop in methanol towers
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Reason for high radial pressure drop in methanol towers: The methanol plant uses radial towers, which results in a high pressure drop – 100 KPa higher than that of other types of towers. What could be the possible reasons?
The pressure difference in radial towers is generally around 20 KPa, with values up to 100 KPa. It has a significant impact on the normal operation of the device
High pressure difference and high resistance are due, in part, to the pulverization of the catalyst.
During loading, the catalyst becomes pulverized, and during operation, this powder is carried forward.
Catalyst collapse generally does not occur in radial reactors; an excessive pressure difference is likely due to the presence of particles of incorrect size mixed among the catalyst during its filling. If the catalyst collapses, it will settle, which in turn reduces the radial differential pressure.
1. When does a high pressure difference occur? Is the pressure difference high from the start once the catalyst is in place and operation begins, or does it start to increase after operating for some time? 2. Can we calculate the one-pass conversion rate for a synthesis tower with a high pressure drop? A low conversion rate is also one of the reasons for the high pressure difference.
After the catalyst loading was completed and heating for reduction was carried out, high pressure difference was detected upon starting up the system. The load can’t be increased any further.
It is possible that improper control of the water discharge rate during the heating and reduction process led to the pulverization of some of the catalyst.
The problem is two towers, one tall and one normal.