Several issues with alkylation shutdowns
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From online information, I learned that when an alkylation unit is shut down, the sulfuric acid pipelines need to be flushed with hydrocarbons or oil first, and then washed with an alkaline solution. Is it possible to first purge the sulfuric acid from these pipelines using nitrogen before carrying out the alkaline washing? I’m new to alkylation processes; I hope for some guidance
Does using nitrogen purging make it difficult to remove acid completely from the pipelines, and could this lead to the pipelines heating up if alkali washing is used?
Are you going to inspect the pipelines? There’s no need for this when work is stopped, right?
It is not a long-term parking situation, and there is no need for emptying the system due to maintenance or process modifications of the sulfuric acid pipelines. It is recommended to replace the acid pipeline with one lined with tetrafluoroethylene for corrosion resistance.
The pipeline material for our old acid line is 304 steel, while that of the new acid line is carbon steel. The equipment needs to undergo annual inspections, so everything has to be dealt with
It’s time for the annual equipment inspection, so everything needs to be taken care of
Oh, the annual inspection, okay then. Here, I use nitrogen to remove acidity directly, followed by rinsing with an alkaline solution for neutralization, and then rinsing with water. Since there is little residual acid, little heat is generated during washing with alkali, so there is no need to worry.
Is it necessary to rinse with alkali right after using nitrogen to push out the acid?
Is it easy for the reactor manhole to catch fire spontaneously? We don’t have one with a mixer; it’s for filling