Seek a solution for hot-washing the ammonia synthesis cooler and operating precautions
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Our synthesis system was installed as part of new technological upgrades last year, with a production capacity of 120,000 tons per year. At the time of installation, the ammonia cooling temperature could reach -7 to -8 degrees Celsius; currently, it can only reach -5 degrees Celsius. The likely reason for this is oil accumulation in the heat exchanger tubes. We plan to carry out a thermal cleaning process soon. According to Anchun Company’s process procedures, thermal cleaning has not been performed on the new system (the process for the old unit is different). Could you please advise us on the thermal cleaning procedure and the precautions to take? Thank you! This post was last edited by ddfmy on 2009-2-3 10:00]
We also have similar problems. I really want to know too; don’t sink, give it a push!
First, remove the safety valve; water (firefighting water) is added through this valve and then drained via the drain outlet. The purpose of this is to remove a large amount of oil contamination first. Once the water discharged is clean, close the drain valve. Steam at 0.8 MPa is then introduced at the liquid ammonia inlet for steaming. It is important to add the steam slowly to avoid a sharp rise in temperature, which could damage the pipes. Steaming is carried out for about two hours, with the aim of removing the oil from the walls of the tubes.
Hot water from the waste boiler is generally used for hot washing. Open the top vent valve and the bottom drain valve of the ammonia-cooled air handler, open the valve for hot water to flow in. Once hot water starts flowing out of the drain pipe, close the drain valve. Heat the water until it overflows from the top, then drain the water – the hot washing is now complete.