Issues with UOP reformer “low-flow combustion mode”?
Thread Content
“The “Low Flow Rate Combustion Mode” (hereinafter referred to as “LFLF”) was specifically developed by UOP to protect the plate-type feed heat exchanger and the internal components of the reactor during the recovery process after the reforming cycle hydrogen compressor is shut down. “In the “LFLF” mode, a stream of gas is introduced from the second stage of recontact into the oil-gas line at the plate heat exchanger inlet; meanwhile, the gas system of the “four-in-one” heater is also equipped with a separate gas supply process for this operating condition. After a prolonged shutdown of the cyclic hydrogen compressor, start the compressor that is brought back into operation first, and establish a gas circulation in the reaction system at a lower flow rate. This prevents the gas phase in the furnace tubes from entering the high-temperature reactor after cooling, thereby avoiding damage to the reactor and the internal components of the feed heat exchanger. After operating in the “LFLF” mode for a period of time, and as the temperatures of the heating furnace and the plate heat exchanger gradually rise, start the recycle hydrogen compressor to resume operation. If the reforming feed heat exchanger is designed as a coiled-tube heat exchanger, is the “low-flow combustion mode” still necessary?
May I ask the original poster: Have you used your “low-flow combustion mode”?
It’s not necessary; coiled tubes don’t require such high speeds for temperature changes as plate exchangers do. However, UOP’s experts will recommend their use to your engineers. It’s up to your managers to decide whether to use them or not
In the actual location, the equipment has been running for three years now, and it’s never been used
This is the emergency response plan for accident situations, not for when UOP technicians are present during operations
I’ve never used this process; our compressor has stopped working twice, and this line has never been used.
We don’t have this type of line; we use winding tube feed heat exchangers from Zhenhai
Are you using coiled tubing? What’s the pressure difference?
The design specifies that the pressure difference between the tube side and the shell side should not exceed 80 KPa, but at full capacity during the initial operation phase, this pressure difference approaches 80 KPa!