Collection of information on the staggered operation of chlor-alkali plants
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This post was last edited by 181128425 on 2010-4-6 at 16:33. Recently, we plan to operate our equipment in a staggered manner; we would like experts to discuss the various risks associated with such a approach； What impacts does it have on the device! Please, experts, be a bit more detailed in your discussions. Thank you all!
Our company, in an effort to reduce costs as much as possible, adjusts the current level by 2 liters twice a day and operates the electrolyzers at different times. This may lead to cost reductions in the short term, but it completely ignores the impact that frequent changes in current levels have on the electrolyzers. I really don’t understand what the managers are thinking; in the long run, this approach ends up being counterproductive
Hehe, our factory has not encountered this problem yet; frequent fluctuations in current can cause significant damage to the ion membrane.
It is essential to find the right balance between avoiding peak times and maintaining stable production operations; otherwise, the consequences could be worse than the benefits.
Our company is currently discussing this matter; it’s not yet decided whether to implement it, as frequent changes in current levels have a significant impact on the membrane
Isn’t Guangdong supposed to implement a three-month staggered schedule right now? There’s no movement in other provinces and cities for the time being, but electricity supply is tight lately. If the drought in the southwest isn’t alleviated, this tight electricity situation is likely to persist. I just heard that the price of coal used for electricity generation in Guizhou has risen by 22 yuan per ton. Rising energy prices are not a good thing after all. .
Advantages: cost savings; an annual production of 200kt can result in savings of around 20k per day (based on local electricity prices). Disadvantages: 1. Electrolysis cell: It has been in operation for nearly a year now, and no significant damage to the membrane has been observed; the cell voltage is also normal. Ongoing monitoring is in progress ； It is necessary to adjust the cooling water flow rate to control the electrolyzer temperature, and the cooling water volume fluctuates significantly (2000~4000)2. Drying unit: The cooler automatically adjusts the chilled water, requiring no manual intervention; the concentration of sulfuric acid during drying can also be controlled automatically. 3. Compression unit: The compressor can automatically control the return valve, requiring no intervention. 4. Vaporization by liquefaction: within the normal control range of 5. Dechlorination and absorption unit: Normal 6. Tank area: Pay attention to fluctuations in the night levels of various storage tanks
This is exactly what our company does; due to the financial crisis, electricity prices are set to be higher at night when they are cheaper, and lower in the morning. What people don’t realize is how much damage this causes to the electrolytic ion membranes. During maintenance, many of these membranes get damaged in the areas where gaskets are located. The constant fluctuations in temperature, resulting from such a two-times-a-day pattern, are the cause of this problem. In my opinion, this approach is not appropriate. It is recommended to maintain stable tank temperature, adjust the current gradually, and also control the pressure difference properly by adding or removing acid in a timely manner
Advantages: Reduces electricity costs. Disadvantages: Frequent loading and unloading affect the stability of the electrolyzer, leading to increased consumption of electricity for electrolysis and power generation, as well as impacting the smooth operation of the entire system. But it is still feasible for now; it is said that some ** abroad do this as well.
The reason for a company to exist is profit; it is wise to opt for saving on electricity costs when that is more profitable than the depreciation costs associated with damage to the membrane. Operating during off-peak times requires a high level of skill from the operators; it is definitely feasible as long as all control parameters are within normal ranges. If the operational level is not up to par, many problems will arise, and it’s truly not worth it: 1. Frequent fluctuations in the flow rate of saltwater; if the quality of the saltwater cannot be ensured, it will cause damage to the ion exchange membrane ； 2. Fluctuations in tank temperature, causing stretching and damage to the membrane ； 3. Damage to the membrane caused by fluctuations in pressure difference: Studies have shown that each increase or decrease in current is equivalent to a reduction of 8 days in the membrane’s service life. 4. Accidents caused by poor operation go without saying.
I believe that frequent adjustments of the operating current can have a certain impact on current efficiency. Nippon Asahi Kasei uses peak-shaving operation during power supply to reduce electricity consumption; I wonder if this practice is still in use in Japan today