Why can’t the liquid be discharged from the inter-stage separator?
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For the inter-stage separator in the synthesis section of the combined compressor used in methanol production, the on-site level gauge indicates that there is liquid present, but only gas can be discharged from the drain at the bottom of the separator; no liquid comes out. First of all, the level gauge is not damaged, and the medium temperature is 30 degrees with a pressure of 3.2 Mpa. Why is this?
Regarding the on-site level gauge you mentioned, does it indicate a liquid level that is turbulent in nature, rather than one that remains at a stable horizontal level? We have encountered this situation in our installations as well; in such cases, we can only vent gas. In reality, this is caused by impurities in the inter-stage separator – there is no actual liquid present.
1. False level indication; as mentioned above, there is no actual liquid level. 2. The opening is too small, causing the gas to push the liquid against the pipe walls, with the gas escaping from the middle. To save trouble, the operator turned the drain valve slightly open, thinking that this would eliminate the need to drain the liquid at regular intervals; in fact, this only results in the waste of useful gas, without achieving the purpose of draining it. 3. The poster can touch the drain pipe with their hand; the temperature can indicate whether it is time to drain the liquid