Can a shell-and-tube condenser be used for vacuum distillation?
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One of our reactors is used for vacuum distillation, and previously an enamel sheet-type condenser was used. Due to the issue of cold shock, the condenser often experiences ceramic cracking, and now we want to replace it with a silicon carbide tube-type condenser. I’m not sure if it’s possible Some people are worried that the gas will be directly drawn away; after all, a shell-and-tube condenser can only be used for reflux. I would like to ask the experts whether this is feasible or not
The material is thionyl chloride; the issue of corrosivity was not considered for the coiled tube condenser
Enameled sheet type, silicon carbide tube-type condenser. One is named after the material, while the other is named after both the material and the structure; it’s difficult to make a comparison. Shell-and-tube heat exchangers have relatively high efficiency, but it’s not clear whether the strength and brittleness of silicon carbide will be sufficient for practical use. Requirements for temperature resistance and corrosion resistance
In terms of material, silicon carbide is definitely a good option, but it’s also extremely expensive. Why not choose graphite? Previously, using an enamel plate condenser at atmospheric pressure was fine for sulfuryl chloride: brine at -15 degrees, and the material at 50 degrees
Our material is 85 degrees, ethylene glycol is 10 degrees
A block-hole graphite heat exchanger equipped with a gas-liquid separator can be used.
The condenser pressure drop under vacuum is an important factor to consider
Insufficient information. From your perspective – to prevent cold shock, there should be no problem.
What are the disadvantages of shell-and-tube heat exchangers? In chemical processing, shell-and-tube heat exchangers are not used very often for vacuum distillation, as there is a concern that they might draw away the material; simply using a few more secondary condensers should suffice