Discussion on the air lift method in atmospheric and vacuum distillation units
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Generally, stripping systems in atmospheric and vacuum distillation units are equipped with dedicated stripping towers. However, I recently saw a set of drawings in which the designers did not include such towers; instead, superheated stripping steam was introduced at various fractionation stages. This design certainly allows for significant cost savings, but it surely has its disadvantages. I invite fellow engineers to discuss this matter
Reply to 1# 618705: The disadvantages include an increased height of the main tower, as this design usually requires the inclusion of an oil collection tank； The increased height causes inconvenience for inspections and maintenance
Reply to 2# linweihua6 Thank you! An oil collection tank is necessary whenever there is a side line for extraction. Do you mean that the oil collection tank required for this design is deeper than ordinary ones?
Reply to 3# 618705: In systems with a stripping tower, there is usually partial distillation; the oil collection tank in a full-distillation system is higher than the distillation drum used in partial-distillation systems
This design certainly increases the load on the middle section, and it is difficult to ensure a good thermal balance within the tower