What is the role of filling a methanol solution in the ammonia pump during winter?
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Seeing such operations in an ammonia synthesis plant, I noticed that methanol was poured into the siphon tank of the ammonia pumps (mainly the backup pumps) – according to the operators, this was done for anti-freezing purposes. However, I have some doubts regarding this; firstly, I’m not entirely clear about the principle behind anti-freezing: is it the mixture of liquid ammonia and methanol that provides protection against freezing? Does liquid ammonia need to be protected from freezing? Secondly, the main function of the siphon tank is to cool the mechanical seal using a pump; but does filling the siphon tank with methanol serve to protect the mechanical seal? Or was the pump body protected?
I’ve learned it! Looking forward to an excellent reply!
The author isn’t clear in what they’re saying. As I understand it, methanol is used only when the pump (the cold ammonia pump) is started, mainly to dissolve the ice in the mechanical seal and prevent damage to it. There is no need to add it usually. After the pump starts successfully, it should be turned off to prevent contamination of liquid ammonia, which is harmful to subsequent processes. Heat ammonia pumps that don’t use methanol
I don’t understand; I hope experts can give some guidance!
We don’t use methanol tanks here! I agree with the opinion from the 4th floor!
Could you explain in detail the process of methanol dissolving ice?
It’s a home remedy; what if it’s water instead?
It mainly involves adding it to the backup pump. What you say makes some sense, but I don’t understand it: the ammonia pump also freezes on the outside in summer, and the same situation can occur as you described. Then why isn’t methanol used in summer? What about protecting the mechanical seal? As a supplementary note, it mainly involves adding methanol to the siphon tank on the pump; nothing else is done.
It is mainly to protect the mechanical seal and prevent damage during startup, using a medium with a low freezing point to melt ice; ethylene glycol is now recommended for this purpose