Is the function of vacuum buffering necessary?
Thread Content
The diagram below shows that the newly installed unit in our company is equipped with a vacuum buffer tank. We are now seeking your advice on whether this vacuum buffer tank is necessary, and what its function is The volume of the vacuum buffer tank is 0.5 m3, while the volume of the condensate collection tank is 1.5 m3. So I think the condensate collection tank can act as a buffer tank.
I hope the experts here can help by giving some advice. The manager of the equipment department asked this question, and I found it difficult to answer because there were no process documents available in the past.
It may seem unnecessary, but it is still recommended to keep it. The liquid outlet of the buffer tank should preferably be connected behind the plate heat exchanger; (the composition of the feedstock is unknown, and it may contain solids, which can be harmful to the heat exchanger.)
Is this used for drying? Generally, there should also be a bag filter. This buffer tank doesn’t seem to be very useful.
It is necessary to prevent material from entering the condenser, should the filtering cloth of the equipment get damaged during the drying process or due to other factors. It’s a bit troublesome; it needs to be cleaned.
Yes, I think it’s the same case; the bag filter is inside the dryer. If you say that, I think it’s possible too.
A buffer tank is necessary, but it seems that the location of your buffer tank is incorrect; it should be connected directly to the vacuum system
I know, but the condensate tank below also serves as a buffer tank, and it is connected directly to the vacuum pump. So I asked about the function and rationale of the vacuum buffer tank mentioned above.
Yes, I think it’s the same case; the bag filter is inside the dryer. If you say that, I think it’s possible too.
I’ve read the replies from the experts upstairs. Personally, I think the conditions provided by the poster are insufficient: 1. Information on the materials, their properties, and quantities; 2. Process operation conditions, etc. Nothing seems wrong from your simple PFD diagram. Whether it is powder or liquid material entering the tank, and even under vacuum conditions, this vacuum buffer tank can be used. Moreover, powder materials are even more needed. Since I have worked with many different types of materials, there are indeed times when a buffer tank is not necessary. So the best way is to analyze it based on the process data. Thank you
The function of the buffer tank is to provide a stable vacuum environment for the system, and to prevent the material from being drawn away while the vacuum pump is in operation. The flaw in your system is that the material in the collection tank may be drawn away, especially when there is a blockage ahead of the collection tank