I would like to ask about the reasons for operational fluctuations in MTBE catalytic distillation towers
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Hello, everyone! Our MTBE unit experiences significant operational fluctuations, especially with the plate temperature on layer 7 varying between 108 and 124. Given that the catalytic isobutylene content has recently risen to 18%, it was assumed that the amount of methanol might be too low; therefore, the alcohol-to-olefin ratio was increased. However, in terms of operation, the temperature of the sensitivity plate and the liquid level at the bottom of the tower continued to fluctuate significantly. We ruled out fluctuations in tower pressure as well as issues with the PID tuning of the instruments. Eventually, I suspected that there were heavy components at the bottom of the tower, but what could those heavy components possibly be? Could those of you who have done this tell me about it?
If there are heavy components at the bottom of the tower, the temperature will not fluctuate either; instead, the temperature at the bottom of the tower will increase
The temperature in our unit has also experienced significant fluctuations before; the main issue was problems with the temperature control valve at the bottom of the tower. You might want to check the instruments to find out what’s causing the problem
Try increasing the temperature of the material entering the device appropriately
Is it a fixed-bed + distillation tower? Or a reactive distillation column?
Based on our situation here, such fluctuations are normal; as long as the temperature doesn’t drop to 70 or 80 degrees, it’s best to keep it above 120 degrees. Generally, by adjusting the steam supply to the reboiler, the amount of light components at the bottom of the tower won’t exceed the acceptable levels. Is the fluctuation in the liquid level at the bottom of the tower due to an insufficient processing capacity on your end?
This post was last edited by mjl25mp6 on 2009-10-23 at 10:40. Thank you all; our reactor is a mixed-bed type, and the temperature of the reaction effluent remains stable! Processing capacity is stable!
The problem has appeared again! Please continue to ask experts for answers
Continue to increase the alcohol-to-olefin ratio as long as it can be tolerated in the subsequent processes
As the temperature of the sensitive plate changes, the amount of steam supplied must be adjusted accordingly; otherwise, the temperature of the sensitive plate will fluctuate significantly. We also use a mixed-phase bed, and small fluctuations occur more noticeably when the feed rate is low. These fluctuations are less severe when the feed rate or the reflux rate is high. Corresponding adjustments are also necessary for the output from the bottom of the tower.