How to detect system leaks in the methanol synthesis system?
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How to detect system leaks in the methanol synthesis system? During maintenance and welding work on the steam pipelines of a 200,000-ton methanol production plant, the pipelines caught fire. After various assessments, it was determined that there was a problem with the methanol synthesis system; however, the source of the leakage still needs to be identified.
Synthesis does not require low pressure; medium pressure is used during startup, while sub-medium pressure is the steam generated by the drum
The pressure of the syngas is higher than that of the drum; if there is a leak, the process gas will enter the steam system. Problems arise after a leak: 1. Steam is used in the turbine, and when the vacuum level rises to a certain extent, the turbine can no longer operate. 2. Steam is used in heating systems such as distillation, and as the pressure of the condensate increases, delivery may encounter problems. 3. It can cause problems such as fires, explosions, and poisoning in daily life.
If it’s a minor leak, will the above problems occur?
The pressure of syngas is high, so even minor leaks can result in phenomena such as CO present in the condensed liquid; therefore, once a leak is detected, strict precautions must be taken when performing hot work on the steam and condensed liquid systems. If steam is being supplied to other units, those units should be warned about the risks of poisoning and explosion.
This safety issue is very important; there should be detection equipment for condensate.