Discussion: Whether heat tracing is required for the process gas pipeline at the sulfur production furnace outlet
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All liquid sulfur pipelines in the sulfur plant are insulated, and it goes without saying why. Currently, the process gas pipelines in the sulfur recovery units of petrochemical enterprises also have insulation measures in place; it’s unclear whether this is necessary Or is it to compensate for the temperature or something else? Please, feel free to share your thoughts
Insulation and heating for process pipelines are very necessary. Since the process gas contains corrosive gases such as gaseous sulfur, water, and SO2, if insulation and heating are not provided, liquid sulfur may condense or SO2 dew point corrosion may occur. Not only should the process gas pipelines be insulated, but also the air pipelines should be insulated, as this helps to increase the temperature and conversion rate of the reaction furnace.
Agree with what was said on the 2nd floor. . . .
I wonder if the original poster is from the south? In sulfur processing units of petrochemical enterprises, especially during winters in the north, it is essential to insulate the process gas pipelines. Each control section has its own temperature control parameters; pipeline insulation helps to reduce heat loss and maintain the temperature of the process gas. This is also what was mentioned by the moderator on the second floor.
Is the original poster talking about insulation or heat tracing? These are two different concepts. Insulation is necessary, but it’s not essential to provide heat tracing for the entire length of the pipeline; doing so would result in excessive investment costs. Also, I wonder if this approach affects the efficiency of condensing vapor sulfur, and whether it is necessary to increase the gas generation pressure in the condensation cooler. So, the investment in pressure resistance has to be included as well. I think for the important process, heating the pipeline jacket is sufficient. Active participation
Reply to 5# zhezi2009.wang: The initial investment is higher, but it is very beneficial for the long-term stability of the system. As for the issue of corrosion, what was said on the second floor is correct – heating is the top priority for sulfur recovery units, while corrosion prevention is of secondary importance. So I think heat tracing pipes should be installed.
For heat tracing, it depends on the situation: it is recommended to use it in the north, while it may not be necessary in the south. Insulation, however, is essential everywhere.
Heating for the sulfur process pipelines is not necessary； The temperature of the sulfur process gas is relatively high; the exit temperature of the sulfur production furnace is around 320 degrees, and the exit temperature of the condenser is around 155 degrees. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide heat tracing for the process gas pipelines. But insulation is necessary. The liquid sulfur pipeline must be heated with 3 kg of steam through a jacket.
Does the acid gas entering the sulfur production furnace need heating or insulation? Is the acidic gas coming from the low-temperature methanol washing unit or the amine washing unit due to differences in the insulation of the pipelines?
If it’s at room temperature, insulation is not necessary. Without liquid sulfur, heat tracing is even less necessary.
Insulation is definitely necessary, but is heat tracing required? Based on the foreign drawings, it seems that the Super Claus sulfur recovery unit only has a Super Claus bypass and the pipelines leading into the Super Claus unit (probably due to intermittent flow of process gas); moreover, the pipeline from the outlet of the Super Claus sulfur condenser to the incinerator requires heating. I really don’t know what changes will take place once sulfur recovery is put into operation. May I ask, is it certain that insulation will be applied to all the process pipelines? :)