How to address the cooling issue of the methanol finished product tank?
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Our company has a coal-to-methanol production facility with an annual output of 300,000 tons. One of the refined methanol storage tanks in the methanol product storage area features an internal floating roof tray structure; its capacity is 10,000 m3 and its inner diameter is 30 m. The original design did not include spray systems for the top and side walls of this tank. I would like to know how to reduce heat and ensure safe operation in summer. Are there any better or more modern methods for preventing heat and cooling down? Please discuss.
This post was last edited by wawjia on 2010-9-29 at 12:22. Generally, the method of spraying water for cooling is used; some also employ the use of shading covers, while others opt for painting as a way to provide insulation. However, for larger containers such as troughs, no shading structures are provided. There were no sprinklers installed before; it’s still possible to add them now! Since only welding is required and it’s not absolutely necessary, there’s little chance of any changes; applying additional cooling paint is a viable option. If the methanol temperature in your tank area is too high, it indicates a problem with your purified methanol cooling system; addressing the root cause is what’s most important! Furthermore, the methanol tank is of the internal floating roof type, so temperature fluctuations do not affect the vapor pressure of methanol in the tank; therefore, it can be said that a slightly higher temperature has no impact... However, if the ambient temperature is high, it will facilitate the combustion of flammable substances....
Painting seems like a waste; usually, spraying is used instead； drip
Supporting what was said on the 2nd floor, currently, spraying water and applying thermal insulation sealant are the main methods used. Spray water requires less investment and can be recycled, but it tends to cause the tank to become dirty and corroded. Insulation sealants are expensive, but their performance is good.
Spray water must be used; it won’t work in summer otherwise. Just add some pipes
The cooling measures I saw in other methanol plants were all spray cooling.
This post was last edited by sxtblo on 2010-10-2 at 17:45. Painting, packaging, and transportation shall comply with the provisions of JB4711-2003 \"Coating and Transport Packaging for Pressure Vessels\". The applicable temperature of the selected coating should meet the design temperature requirements. The storage tank is required to have its surface coated with special aviation insulation material to maintain the tank temperature at ≤50°C.
Add an insulation layer to set the lower limit for the temperature control of the pure alcohol at the distillation unit. The tank is filled with nitrogen to maintain a slight positive pressure
In many places these days, automated safety upgrades require two things: first, spraying water for cooling, and second, installing shading structures. These are the two issues that need to be addressed. It is recommended to take action now, otherwise safety upgrades will still be necessary in the future. We are currently working on this exactly
It is recommended to add a spraying device. It seems that top spraying is not necessary for internal floating roof tanks; ours also has an internal floating roof. There are 5 units with a power of 1W each, and 2 units with a power of 1.5W each, all using side spraying
It is recommended to add a spraying device. It seems that top spraying is not necessary for internal floating roof tanks; ours also has an internal floating roof. There are 5 units with a power of 1W each, and 2 units with a power of 1.5W each, all using side spraying