Propylene refrigeration system: Problem of continuously decreasing propylene liquid level
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Recently, the propylene level in the propylene refrigeration system of this unit has been dropping continuously, at a rate of about 1 ton per 2 days. We first checked for internal leaks in the system – leaks that might occur through safety valves, vent valves, and drain lines and end up in the flare stack. We also checked for external leaks, such as those at valve gaskets and flange connections, but no obvious problems were found. Additionally, we suspected that the propylene might be present in liquid form in areas where the liquid level cannot be monitored, such as in gas pipelines or U-shaped bends. I wonder if any of you colleagues have encountered similar situations; how did you investigate them, and what were the results?
What device do you use for propylene refrigeration?
There shouldn’t be such a large amount of propylene refrigerant in a relatively sealed system – could there be a leak in the heat exchanger tubes?
We encountered such a situation with our unit before; it was mainly due to a leak in the water cooler at the compressor outlet, which allowed large amounts of propylene gas to leak into the circulating water. The combustible gas content can be measured by exhausting at the high point of the water cooler.
Well, it has been confirmed that the heat exchanger is leaking
Well, it has been confirmed that the heat exchanger is leaking
How did you handle it at that time? Did you stop the machine immediately, or did you wait for a while to find an opportunity to stop it? Did you assess the impact of the propylene leaking into the circulating water on that system, as well as on other heat exchangers?