[Solved] The steam condensate at the bottom of the tower in the C5 separation unit is acidic
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Our company has a C5 separation unit consisting of four columns in total. Recently, it was found that the steam condensates from the last two columns are acidic, with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5; the pH levels of the steam condensates from the earlier light-end removal column and heavy-end removal column are better, ranging from 6.5 to 7.3. But strangely, the condensate in the steam pipes entering the device was alkaline (pH 8), and this condition persisted for several days. Chloride ions were suspected, but after testing the concentration of chloride ions turned out to be very low, in the single digits. I was wondering if any experts in the chemical industry have encountered such a situation, or if they could help analyze the reasons behind it. Thank you so much! ! !
The steam used is supplied from outside; the pH of the steam condensate measured at the inlet drip points in the plant area is alkaline, ranging from 8 to 9.
Agree with the opinion above; it is necessary to inspect the reboiler!
We use about 6 kilograms of steam, with the pressure inside the tower being normally 1-2 kilograms. Also, if it leaks out, the condensate will definitely have oil droplets in it. It shouldn’t be a reboiler leak...
Judging from the situation on site, it is likely not a reboiler leak. First, if the steam pressure is high and there is a leak, it is likely that water is present in the material ； Second, if materials leak into the steam pipeline, the condensate will definitely contain oil droplets.
Forgot it; the tube and shell sides are connected in the wrong order. Check the reboiler
This post was last edited by 155566 on 2017-1-26 08:45
If the reboiler leaks, there will definitely be an abnormality in either the material or the condensate. The condensate is now acidic; logically, it should be due to material leaking into the condensate, but there are no oil droplets in it. . .
It is acidic, which definitely indicates that some substance has been involved. If there are no issues with the steam before it enters the device, it could be an internal leak or the pipes themselves may not be clean.