How to solve the clogging of the packing layer in a packed tower?
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This post was last edited by yy1007 on 2010-12-11 at 23:57. I’m a newcomer and don’t know much about chemical engineering; I’d like to ask everyone a question: if there is suspicion that the packing layer in a packed tower is blocked, how can it be cleaned? Is the only option to stop operations and then start the tower for cleaning? Are there any other simple and quick methods? If we stop feeding and steam supply, increase the reflux rate, remove the material from the bottom of the tower, and flush it for a while, will that work? (My method of guessing – I haven’t tried it yet.) Additional note: Thank you all for your suggestions. During this year’s maintenance work, this tower was not opened; however, the core of the condenser at the top of the tower was replaced, as it was severely corroded with rust covering its surface. Therefore, I believe that the blockage is caused by rust. Additionally, quite a amount of black iron debris was removed from the filter of the return pump. What should be done in light of this situation?
Reply to 1# 2744196: Take advantage of the parking time to add alkali to the water and pump it into the tower for steaming.
Reply to 2# feiyuezhang: Thank you for your suggestion, but I still have a question – why add alkali? What base should be added (what is its main component)? Can alkali solution dilute the blockage?
Alkali washing at high temperatures can remove some oils and paraffins, and it causes little corrosion to the equipment; the alkali in question is a sodium hydroxide solution
It is recommended to use diesel for cleaning, with the temperature controlled at 80°; one cycle should be sufficient.
Rinsing with material doesn’t work; I’ve tried the method suggested by the original poster, and it wasn’t effective. What material is Tari?
The choice of material for cleaning depends on the material being processed in the packed tower (is it acidic or alkaline?) ) The situation regarding the materials that cause clogging of the filler (do they dissolve in acid or in alkali?) ), and it also depends on the type of filler and the material of the tower; water is preferred, with the principle being to avoid damaging the equipment.
Reply to 7# Little Tiger Who Loves Honey: If the situation isn’t too serious, the materials inside the tower can be emptied and the tower can be boiled, adding an appropriate amount of sodium hydroxide solution during this process. Of course, if it’s severe, the only option is to thoroughly clean the packing
Indeed, first, we need to figure out what exactly is blocking things, as mentioned by the original poster Is it salt formation, crystallization, or something else? Determine the properties of the material before drawing a conclusion.
Reply to 9# fxblwzm: Thank you all for your suggestions. During this year’s maintenance work, this tower was not opened; however, the core of the tower’s top condenser was replaced as it was severely corroded – the outer layer was completely covered in rust. Therefore, I believe that the cause of the blockage is rust. Additionally, quite a amount of black iron debris was removed from the filter on the return pump. What should be done in light of this situation?
Reply to 6# WastelandHeart: I now suspect it’s rust, because when the tower top condenser was replaced this year, the core was severely corroded.