Distillation column distributor, malfunctioning
Thread Content
How can one tell if there is a problem with the distillation tower distributor, whether the distribution is uneven, or if some bolts have come loose?
It can be observed through the distributor’s observation hole
The temperature distribution in the tower is uneven, making it difficult to control the temperature! !
The separation is definitely not up to standard, as can be determined from the temperature. After the distributor fails, the contact between the gas and liquid phases is reduced, leading to uneven temperature distribution; moreover, the temperature order may be reversed
The gas and liquid phases do not come into good contact, which prevents effective mass and heat transfer; as a result, the temperature distribution is uneven, and the temperature rises or falls rapidly
It can be seen from the temperature history curve； When the distributor is not evenly distributed, heat exchange is poor, usually resulting in higher temperatures at the upper part and lower temperatures at the lower part.
The composition and content of the reflux liquid have changed. Intermittent operation is more apparent.
An uneven distribution of the distributor directly results in certain areas of the packing not being wetted; as a result, the gas phase can rise more easily through these areas with lower resistance, which leads to a decrease in the gas phase in the wetted areas. Obviously, the end outcome is substandard product quality.
If there are issues with the separation efficiency of the tower, analysis and adjustments should be made first in terms of the process operations; all operational control parameters remain unchanged from before. At this point, it is necessary to consider the possibility that there are problems with the tray, internal components of the tower, or the packing layer. By analyzing pressure differences across various sections, temperature changes, and differences in circumferential wall temperatures, it is possible to determine which section is experiencing problems. Then stop the vehicle for maintenance.
It can be seen from the pressure changes and temperature changes