isothermal transformation
Thread Content
In the past three years, isothermal shift has emerged as a promising technology for coal chemical processing units. Fellow professionals may describe and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of isothermal shift, based on their own knowledge or experience with its actual operation.
Neither of the two conversion processes in our company is an isothermal conversion. Just wait and learn*!
The so-called isothermal transformation is similar to a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, removing the heat of reaction during the reaction process； In methanol production plants from coal, the degree of CO shift is relatively low, and the heat released during the shift reaction is comparatively small; thus, isothermal shifting can be applied. However, ammonia synthesis plants are completely different—deep shifting cannot be achieved through isothermal shifting alone.
Isothermal transformation technology is not yet mature; there is almost no record of its performance over long-term operation, and several companies have experienced failures with it. Why isn’t there industrial application abroad? There must be some insurmountable shortcomings; it’s simpler and more reliable to use adiabatic transformation
I’ve worked on several projects, and indeed the use of isothermal shift is becoming more and more common. With isothermal conversion, the main concern is leakage in the heat exchange tubes; if they leak, the catalyst will get soaked in water and become useless. Isothermal conversion doesn’t cause overheating and can also produce steam; indeed, it has many technical advantages.
Which company offers the best isothermal transformation technology nowadays? Guochang, Zhengyuan, or something else? It would be best to have a comparison of the pros and cons of each structure
The technology is fairly mature; it’s just the equipment that isn’t yet fully developed – very few devices remain leak-free after five years of operation
Why is it leaking? Is it corrosion or some other cause?
Leakages in heat exchange tubes are mainly caused by improper material selection; basically all of them have leakage problems, it’s just that the manufacturers do not disclose this information
It is indeed good technology; not only does it generate steam as a by-product, but the investment required is not much higher compared to large-scale conversion and adiabatic reactions； In China, there are Anchun in Hunan, Dunxian in Nanjing, and others