Application of molecular sieves in alkylation units
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In alkylation units, molecular sieves are used for the drying of isobutane. Does anyone who has experience know whether hot nitrogen or isobutane is used for the regeneration of the molecular sieve beds?
If possible, it’s better to use isobutane at a higher temperature for water removal. Using hot nitrogen also raises issues related to separation and environmental protection, which makes things more complicated@@"
During regeneration, the purge gas needs to be removed; isn’t it a waste to use product gas for that? This is an energy source, and the required purity level is 2 nines; there is also a separation process afterward, so there is no need to worry as much about the introduction of impurities as with highly pure or ultra-pure products
It can be reused; the regenerated gas exits the drying bed layer, is cooled, and then sent to a storage tank for reuse.
Direct venting poses VOC issues