Unknown white substance in the low-pressure methanol-water separation tower
Thread Content
At the beginning of the month, a leak was detected in the pipeline running from the exhaust gas scrubber to the methanol-water separation tower. During the isolation procedures, a white, fog-like substance was observed coming out of the methanol-water separation tower; it had a gasoline-like odor, was flammable, oily in texture, and had a slippery feel. It formed a white mixture with water. A few days earlier, an increase in pressure difference was noticed in the methanol-water separation tower, as well as in the methanol regeneration tower. The parameters at both the gas and liquid outlets of the methanol-water separation tower were above normal levels, suggesting that the tower trays might be blocked or experiencing liquid flooding. After isolating the system and flushing it with water, the pressure differences returned to normal, but the parameters of the gas at the top of the tower remained abnormal. It is suspected that this substance was brought in as part of the conversion process, and it entered the methanol-water separation tower via the methanol spray for further processing. Has anyone encountered this situation?
With Linde’s technology, my unit has been in use for 4 years without any problems. I’ve never encountered the issues mentioned by netizens regarding thermal regeneration, nor any problems with the methanol-water separation tower. Recently, due to the blockage of the methanol sprayer, the spraying volume has been reduced to 1/5 of its original level. The amount of methanol flowing to the methanol-water separation tower has also decreased. After waiting for the maintenance work, no problems arose either.
Where does the methanol you use come from, and what standards are followed?
The substance you’re using is similar to paraffin, a by-product of synthetic methanol; but if high-quality industrial methanol is used, theoretically there shouldn’t be as much of it
Well, it’s probably not paraffin; it’s different； We suspect it was brought in by the gasification additives or is a product produced in the conversion catalyst
What are the products of your company? Gasification process?
Methanol, ammonia synthesis, urea； Texaco gasifier
It is recommended to first figure out what it is, before making the corresponding adjustments
The analysis level is limited. . . A new discovery was made: when this white serum was left to stand in a test flask for 1 day, it was observed that the milky-white color of the solution gradually faded, and three layers formed at the bottom. The bottom layer consisted of an oily yellow liquid, the middle layer was milky-white, and the upper layer was light yellow