The extraction tower is clogged with rust
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This post was last edited by Green Lotus on 2017-11-5 at 16:48. Our company’s MTBEA unit started operating, and the C4 compounds resulting from the etherification process were sent to the methanol recovery tower, which prevented the tower from functioning properly. Only after it became impossible to stop the operation did we discover that a large amount of rust had blocked the tray inside the tower. What causes this to happen? Everyone is welcome to discuss.
What causes such severe corrosion?
There is a problem with the water you are using; the quality of the soft water needs to be checked, as it seems it does not meet the standards； Thus causing rust ；
The methanol-water solvent is quite corrosive; over time, the trays in the tower will suffer further corrosion. Additionally, a small amount of formic acid may be produced during the etherification reaction
The catalyst used for MTBE is a strongly acidic cation exchange resin; as the reaction proceeds, the product carries some acid, which leads to corrosion in subsequent stages. Over time, the extraction water becomes acidic. It is necessary to regularly analyze the pH level of the water; if it is too acidic, replace it with deionized water!
A filter is installed at the feed inlet, and corrosion-resistant materials are used for the pipes and towers
It is necessary to regularly test the pH value and iron ions in the extraction water