High pressure in front of the sulfur production furnace, leading to clogging issues.
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Some time ago, the pressure in front of the sulfur production combustion furnace in my facility was high, at 0.062 MP, with the total flow rate of acidic gases being 4900 nm3/h. I install the acidic gas at the furnace front, with feed in two stages inside the furnace. Many attempts were made, but none were successful. Finally, the pressure is reduced only by draining at the collector. Steps: First, close the inlet valve of the sulfur introduction tank for the collector, then open the drain valve of the collector to release the liquid, and close the valve after venting. The liquid discharged is reddish-brown in color. It took a total of 40 minutes for the pressure to drop to 0.056 MP. There was no solid residue in the liquid that was discharged; it spilled all over the floor, and after cooling it turned into yellow sulfur, with a very nice color. I don’t understand why the pressure drops after the liquid is discharged. It shouldn’t be blocked. As soon as the valve is opened, liquid comes out, and it’s very clear. Please, an expert, explain it to me; I really can’t figure it out.
This post was last edited by Shandong Huaxing on 2010-8-20 at 16:50. Take a look to see if the foam breaker screen of the liquid sulfur cooler is clogged； Alternatively, insufficient heat from the jacket heating coil of the liquid sulfur pipeline can cause the liquid sulfur level in the condenser to become too high, thereby preventing smooth flow of the process gas in the first and second reactors within the cooler ； It may be caused by an obstruction in the liquid sulfur line of the liquid sulfur containment tank, with the liquid level in that tank being too high and thus preventing the exhaust gas from passing through.
There are pressure gauges at both the front and back of the equipment, right? Check which one has a high voltage drop.
It’s likely that the sulfur seal tank connecting to the collector is blocked, preventing sulfur from being discharged from the collector and ultimately causing an increase in system pressure. Not only can this occur with the sulfur seals of collectors, but similar problems can also arise with other sulfur seals. Therefore, a good design typically includes a filter before sulfur sealing; once an increase in system pressure or difficulties in sulfur discharge are detected, the filter should be removed for inspection and cleaning. Without a filter, dirt may enter the sulfur seal directly, causing it to become clogged.
I fully agree with the view from the fourth floor; it’s likely that the sulfur seal chamber of the collector is not unobstructed, which causes pressure buildup； There shouldn’t be so much sulfur in the tail section; it is recommended that the original poster conduct a more detailed analysis of the operational data parameters for the front section
This post was last edited by Shandong Huaxing on 2010-8-22 at 12:39. The defoaming screens in the liquid sulfur cooler, or those in the collector, are definitely not functioning properly – the situation is even worse in the case of the collector’s defoaming screens. However, this does not affect production at present, so it’s necessary to maintain the status quo; it’s not possible to stop operations for repairs. We can only pay more attention. Usually, a filter is installed before sulfur sealing; it seems my setup doesn’t have one. I’ll check that when I get to work today. Thank you very much to everyone for your advice. It’s okay to close the thread now, moderator.
Our unit also experienced an abnormal rise in pressure, reaching around 40 KPa. Measures were taken to reduce the pressure first; after that, sulfur was blown out from the on-site venting port for a long time, and only after a large amount of sulfur was removed was the problem resolved
It only took us 35 minutes to empty the liquid sulfur from the catcher. I’m asking from upstairs: what is your initial pressure value? It has risen to 40 kp, and 40 kp is a bit low for my device. You discharged sulfur through the liquid discharge system – how many capture devices were used, and how long did it take?
It’s obvious that there is a problem with the system, some kind of blockage. In a sulfur production system, without a hydrogenation step, the pressure drop is generally between 2 and 8 kPa; when a hydrogenation reaction system and extreme cooling are involved, the pressure drop in the absorption system is usually around 15 kPa as well. A higher value indicates an abnormal condition. There are many reasons for the obstruction, and the location of the blockage can be determined by checking the pressure differences at the inlet and outlet of each section, allowing for appropriate treatment.
Upstairs, I agree with you as well; “the location of the blockage can be determined by examining the pressure differences at various inlets and outlets, so that appropriate action can be taken.” ” But our factory is very stingy; there is a pressure gauge in front of the sulfur inlet furnace, but no pressure gauge at the waste heat boiler. There’s also no pressure gauge in the sulfur inlet condenser. There are no pressure gauges at the inlet and outlet of the rotating unit either. I went and checked it myself, and it was confirmed. The blockage this time is mainly due to the issue in the section from the collector to the sulfur seal tank, which prevents smooth flow and leads to high pressure in the system.