Frequent stuffiness leads to blocked airflow
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After operation for some time, due to the relatively light crude oil used in blending, the operating load was usually low. Recently, it was found that there was a blockage in the backflow path of the constant pressure tower; therefore, we want to determine what exactly is causing this blockage；
Is it blocked or what’s the reason?
Pipelines that are in use for long periods experience salt deposition; high tower top temperatures cause liquid to carry gas, which forms an oil seal at the lowest points. In winter, water at these low points may freeze and cause blockages.
The non-condensable gases from atmospheric-pressure units are generally recovered and compressed by compressors and sent to the reflux tank at the top of the catalytic unit’s distillation tower as well as to the inlet of the pressure compressor. Atmospheric-pressure compressor pipelines are usually designed with heating, which reduces the likelihood of pipeline blockages.
It is estimated that there is sludge and water inside the pipeline; when the temperature is low, these substances freeze and block the pipeline. Normally, heat tracing should be activated, but if that doesn’t work, the pipeline has to be blown clean.