Reflux issue during unit startup
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I’m a beginner. When starting up a gas fractionation unit, how should the reflux rate of the column be set? For example, part of the liquid in the top reflux tank is used for reflux while another part is sent out; how can one determine the appropriate reflux rate? Is it all designed in advance? At the start of production, the backflow rate is initially set based on the data provided by the design institute, and then adjustments are made according to the quality requirements of the product? Please share your thoughts
When discussing such issues, it is best to include a flowchart; visual aids help in explaining things better. The control allocation for this issue is primarily based on the purity of the material. It is best to make use of the technical resources available around you and consult local technicians for convenience and clarity. For reference.
At the start of operation, all flow is definitely directed back first; once the process becomes stable, samples are taken from the return pipeline for analysis. Only after the quality meets the requirements is the production pipeline gradually opened.
In practice, full reflux is used first; after a certain period of time (once the sample quality meets the requirements), operation at a reflux ratio that is not lower than the designed value is carried out, taking into account the overall costs related to quality and energy consumption