Causes of sulfur paste accumulation in the overflow annulus of the regeneration tower and treatment methods

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This post was last edited by Steven_p0kTk on 2023-12-18 at 13:51. In the daily operation of desulfurization processes, it is common to encounter situations where a large amount of sulfur paste accumulates in the overflow ring tank of the regeneration tower. Many manufacturers fail to manage this properly, resulting in the entire area within the overflow ring tank being blocked, with only the region around 2–3 meters from the overflow opening remaining unobstructed. From the perspective of process control, the main reason for this phenomenon is the low normal overflow volume; the slow flow rate of sulfur foam prevents it from reaching the foam tank in a timely manner. Over time, sulfur particles accumulate in the overflow tank, leading to blockages of the sulfur paste there. Excessive accumulation of ring-groove sulfur paste not only affects the normal overflow of foam and hinders the control of the foam layer thickness, thereby impacting the control of the amount of recycled air, but it may also cause blockages in the foam pipes ； Under the direct summer sunlight in the south, natural sulfur phenomena can also occur, posing significant safety risks. Since the overflow channel is a confined space containing large amounts of ammonia, manual cleaning is labor-intensive and poses significant safety risks; it is best to use a high-pressure cleaning vehicle for cleaning. First, make a grate to secure the inlet of the foam tube, preventing large pieces of sulfur paste from blocking it. Then, a clean water pipe is connected to the inlet of the foam tube; the high-pressure cleaning vehicle is started, and high-pressure water is used to break up the sulfur paste from the inlet of the foam tube in the direction of the level regulator, with the clean water then carrying the broken sulfur paste into the foam tank. Under normal circumstances, the extensive accumulation of sulfur paste in the overflow ring groove is caused by its gradual extension from both sides of the level regulator toward the foam tube. To prevent sulfur in the foam from depositing in the overflow trough, it is necessary to increase the overflow rate appropriately, or to raise the overflow level periodically during each shift for flushing. However, due to the structure of the regeneration tower, even by increasing the overflow volume, it is not possible to completely prevent sulfur deposition in the overflow tank; over time, sulfur paste gradually accumulates on both sides of the level regulator. To address this issue more effectively, in addition to paying attention to the details of daily operations, managerial adjustments are also necessary. Regular inspections of the top of the regeneration tower must be carried out, and any minor blockages should be promptly cleared using desulfurization fluid, so as to prevent gradual buildup that could lead to a complete blockage.