S-zorb hydrogen filter
Thread Content
Why is a heat tracing system required for the hydrogen filter located under the closed hopper of the S-zorb unit? There is no mention of heat tracing in the drawings of our unit. Do any experienced users have any solutions for this issue?
This is because the adsorbent received by the hydrogen filter sometimes contains light hydrocarbon components, which tend to condense into liquid droplets. When these droplets combine with the adsorbent, it can lead to blockages in the filter pipelines, resulting in an overestimated pressure difference and the shutdown of the feed hopper. Adding a heat trace can prevent the effects caused by the condensation of light hydrocarbon components, allowing those components to vaporize and be discharged through the flare line.
The filter located below the closed hopper should operate intermittently; the adsorbent coming from the reactor first stays in the hopper, and after one cycle the hopper is opened to discharge the contents. In my opinion, heating is provided to maintain a temperature consistent with that of the closed hopper. Is there a process flow diagram? Let’s learn together*.
Look at the purity of this hydrogen; it’s probably intended to remove light hydrocarbons and prevent agglomeration of the adsorbent. But after excluding that, is it going to the torch? What a waste.
The blockage of the lock hopper in the S-ZORB unit is a key issue that restricts its long-term safe and stable operation. Usually, the severe oil contamination in the catalyst received by the closed hopper causes the catalyst to clog.
The answer on the 2nd floor is quite comprehensive; it mainly focuses on preventing the condensation of light hydrocarbons from causing the adsorbent to clog the pipelines.
In fact, this heat tracing is primarily intended to serve the instruments. The issue of light hydrocarbons condensing, as mentioned earlier, does not arise. Those familiar with the S-zorb process know that the adsorbent fed into the closed hoppers is at high temperatures – 400°C for the adsorbent that has been regenerated, and around 280°C for that from the reaction process. At such temperatures, there is no risk of light hydrocarbons condensing； At the same time, when the adsorbent transitions from a hydrogen-rich environment to an oxygen-rich environment, hot nitrogen at around 200°C is used for purging, and this filter also features backwashing ； In summary, my opinion is that it serves the instrument!
The insulation of hydrogen filters is considered from two aspects: preventing the entrained light hydrocarbons from condensing into a liquid, and insulating the instrument pipelines.
I agree with what was said on the second floor; preventing light hydrocarbons from condensing into a liquid and considering insulation for the instrumentation pipelines should be the main factors.