What are the reasons for the simultaneous fluctuations in the liquid level in the lower column of the ethylene oxide separation tower and the indirect heating steam?
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The lower column contains water and 35% alcohol; in the upper column, the opening degree of the valve connecting it to the lower column remains constant, as does the opening degree of the indirect steam condensate valve. The liquid level fluctuates within 15%, while the steam volume fluctuates within 4 tons. The medium flows through the tubes of the reboiler, while heating steam flows through the shell side; the steam control valve is located on the condensate line.
Insufficient heating area of the reboiler? Is the temperature and pressure of the heating medium (steam) low? Is the reboiler’s installation location not meeting the requirements?
These two process parameters are related: when the steam volume increases, the amount of vaporization in the lower tower rises, and as a result the liquid level changes accordingly
It was normal before, but after this maintenance work, problems have arisen with large fluctuations.
Thank you all! The problem has been resolved; it was caused by steam fluctuations. The SCD steam control valve was experiencing oscillations, and there was an issue with the positioner, which had a significant impact on the amount of SDD steam used in the downstream desorption tower.