Technical upgrade of my hydrogen production system: cooling system modification for vacuum pumps

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Problems before the renovation: 1. The operating temperature of the vacuum pump was unstable; low water pressure and insufficient water supply led to an increase in the pump’s temperature, which in turn reduced its pumping capacity and resulted in a low vacuum level； 2. Water resources are wasted; tap water is used for replenishment in large quantities, and the direct discharge of wastewater increases the costs associated with wastewater treatment ； 3. It is difficult to recover solvents that have been cooled in water, as most of them end up in wastewater treatment systems ； 4. Unstable water pressure can affect production ； 5. On-site operators need to adjust the water volume and check the temperature frequently, resulting in high labor intensity. Renovation plan: The original manufacturer’s design called for tap water to be fed directly into the vacuum pump, while the cooling water was discharged directly to the sewage treatment system after being buffered. The modification mainly involves adding a condenser and a buffer tank; tap water is used to fill the buffer tank, and the water in this tank is cooled by a vacuum pump in the condenser before being reused. The circulating water is replaced on a regular basis. Effects after modification: 1. The temperature of the water ring vacuum pump remains stable; the temperature of the water entering the pump is controlled by a condenser, and the vacuum level also depends on the temperature ； 2. Conserve water resources; the amount of water added now is very small, just the amount needed for regular water changes ； 3. The solvent can be recovered; water that needs to be replaced regularly is sent to the heating equipment for solvent recovery ； 4. After the modification, it is hardly affected by the tap water supply; a single refill allows it to operate for a long time ； 5. On-site operators don’t need to pay too much attention; occasional inspections are sufficient. Before renovation: After renovation: http://down.hcbbs.cc/attachment/forum/201706/10/203353z7y06fdo70r6eod0.jpg Petrochemical area – New ideas for energy savings: the “Creative Ideas” campaign (the second phase is currently in progress) http://bbs.hcbbs.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1666758 (Source: Haichuan Chemical Forum) 2017 Coal chemical industry: “My technical improvements” http://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-1786290-1-1.html (Source: Haichuan Chemical Forum Website) Registration for chemical engineers – Experience sharing: the “Learning from Others’ Experiences” campaign http://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-1808158-1-1.html (Source: Haichuan Chemical Forum Website)