Problems with distillation towers
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What impact does a leak in the tube side of the overhead condenser of a distillation column have on the operation of the column, and how do various parameters change?
If the cooling water pressure is higher than the pressure in the system inside the tower, the cooling water enters the material system, causing moisture to be present in the materials. This moisture then enters the tower via the reflux liquid. Depending on the properties of the materials in the tower as well as operating conditions such as temperature, changes in the composition of the materials at the top and bottom of the tower occur, which in turn lead to changes in the distribution and values of the material components, temperature, and even pressure within the tower. The specifics vary depending on the individual system. If the pressure of the cooling water is lower than that of the material inside the tower, the material will flow into the cooling water system, causing it to become contaminated. Meanwhile, the amount of material in the tower system decreases as it leaks out of the cooler, resulting in a reduced output. The reflux rate may also decrease. Changes in the reflux rate and the reflux ratio can lead to a range of changes in the composition and temperature of the material inside the tower, depending on the specific system in question.
Reply to 2# chinazwr: It is simple distillation (propane removal column). Could this lead to a decrease in the pressure difference between the tower top and the reflux tank, thereby causing a drop in the system pressure?