Is it necessary to install a flash tank between the methanol extraction tower and the methanol recovery tower in the MTBE plant?
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May I ask whether a flash tank needs to be installed between the methanol extraction tower and the methanol recovery tower in the MTBE plant, in order to flash off the C4 compounds contained in the wash water coming from the bottom of the methanol extraction tower?
Our unit is not equipped with a flash tank. The issue that needs to be resolved is the on-site venting at the top of the methanol recovery tank.
Generally, there is no need to install a flash tank; as long as the level at the upper part of the extraction tower is properly controlled during operation, no problems will arise. If possible, an instrument interlock can be installed to ensure this
Based on our many years of experience with this equipment, it is not necessary.
We went to Fushun Shi* No. 2 Factory; they have it~ Our company’s current designs do not have it. According to the experienced workers who have been in this field for many years, it’s completely useless – carbon four can’t be carried down
If the operation is normal, butane will not reach the recovery tower. If the extraction tower is not functioning properly (due to clogged sieve holes or packing), large amounts of butane will be carried into the recovery tower, causing significant fluctuations in operation
It is best to set that if C4 enters the recovery tower, it will affect its operation.
This post was last edited by yonghu on 2011-11-4 at 11:32. Reply to 1# gwd1988: The devices designed earlier all had flash tanks, but these were removed in later designs; adding flash tanks increases energy consumption. Previously, the overhead gas from the methanol recovery tower was vented on-site; now it is discharged in a closed system.
We also have no flashing, no problems
The MTBE plants I’ve seen also don’t have flash tanks; there’s no problem with that
Our unit has a flash tank! Although there is an increase in equipment costs, the benefits are there! In my opinion, it is necessary to install a flash tank; firstly, if the feed to the first and second extraction towers increases suddenly, butane will be carried along with it ； Secondly, the liquid level in the flash tank is also important when parking or starting the vehicle.