Distillation column level fluctuations
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My unit is a 42,500 NM3/H internal compression air separation plant manufactured by Hangyang Oxygen. The recent operational issues are as follows: 1) There is a delay in the manual adjustment of the guide vanes of the MAN booster; this issue needs to be addressed during shutdowns. 2) The liquid level in the lower column of the main cooler fluctuates (not during molecular sieve switching), and there are significant variations in the argon component. Do you have any good suggestions for dealing with the second point? Thank you
The argon component fluctuates significantly------there may indeed be fluctuations in the operating conditions. I hope it can be explained in more detail.
There is a connection between the two~~ Fluctuations in the liquid air level in the lower column inevitably lead to fluctuations in the liquid oxygen level in the upper column~~ Meanwhile, pressure fluctuations in the recycle compressor also affect the amount of air that liquefies as it enters the column, as well as the amount of liquid after throttling~~
Yes, now before each fluctuation, the temperature of the liquid nitrogen subcooler is the first to show changes. The original design specified a temperature of -188, but now it fluctuates regularly between -192 and -189. When the temperature reaches -189, it suddenly drops to -192; at that point, the liquid level in the lower tower decreases, as does the temperature of the main cooler. Our current pressure is relatively stable; it’s hard to determine the reason for this. Some experts say it’s due to air in our liquid nitrogen – what do you all think? Thank you all for your help
Yes, now before each fluctuation, the temperature of the liquid nitrogen subcooler is the first to show changes. The original design specified a temperature of -188, but now it fluctuates regularly between -192 and -189. When the temperature reaches -189, it suddenly drops to -192; at that point, the liquid level in the lower tower decreases, as does the temperature of the main cooler. Our current pressure is relatively stable; it’s hard to determine the reason for this. Some experts say it’s due to air in our liquid nitrogen – what do you all think? Thank you all for your help
The purity of pure liquid nitrogen at the bottom of the tower is the essence of distillation, as well as its foundation. Check whether this purity is within the allowable range. It may be due to an excessive amount of liquid nitrogen being removed.
Is the lower tower a sieve plate tower? In the case of a sieve tray tower, does fluctuation in the liquid level at the bottom of the tower indicate leakage there? Then we need to find the cause, and based on that cause, determine the outcome
Close the throttle valve. Take a look. Move closer to the process specifications.
Hello, the purity of liquid nitrogen is very high, and all products meet the quality standards. We have now increased the oxygen production volume, and the fluctuations in operating conditions have decreased
Hello, the purity of liquid nitrogen is very high, and all products meet the quality standards. We have now increased the oxygen production volume, and the fluctuations in operating conditions have decreased