Can the heating tube of the demister in the sulfur recovery catcher be removed?
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I have a question: In the design of sulfur recovery capture units, heating pipes are generally installed below the demisters for heating purposes. In our newly built facility, we found that the heating pipes located below the demisters had been removed. After communicating with the designers, they told us that 1) there is no need to install heating pipes below the demisters, as any leaks in such pipes would go unnoticed. 2. The temperature of sulfur vapor in the catcher is generally 135°C, which usually does not cause blockages; therefore, there is no need to install such a device. But I hold a different opinion: 1. Leaks in the heat tracing pipes are difficult to detect; I agree with this view. 2. In normal production, demisters generally do not get clogged. However, when there are fluctuations in production and the temperature drops below 125°C, the demister will capture liquid sulfur droplets, leading to clogging. Once the mesh becomes clogged, the system pressure rises, which causes an immediate shutdown via interlock. Let’s exchange ideas, thank you.
A jacket for heating should be added, and the drain valve as well should be part of this jacket.
Heating below the demister of the catcher is still necessary. The demister usually doesn’t get clogged all at once; without heating, solid sulfur will gradually form in the corners. In my opinion, once solid sulfur begins to form, it will act like crystal nuclei, growing larger and more numerous over time, which eventually leads to blockage. Besides, it’s just a single heating coil with a diameter of 20, and not much steam is required – it’s a solution that solves the problem once and for all. If there are no periods of shutdown or operation, it won’t be evident
I think it can’t be canceled; we need to consider the process of starting and stopping operations, as it’s easy to experience traffic jams at such times
Canceling it poses risks; it should be retained
Personally, I suggest not canceling it; it’s better to have it than not!