If the packed tower gets clogged
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The distillation tower is a packed tower; what would happen if it gets clogged? What are the direct and indirect consequences?
Can it still function if there’s a blockage that prevents mass transfer? Clean or replace the packing.
How is this reflected in the operational metrics?
Theoretically, the worst scenario is that nothing changes: you go in as it is and you come out as it is. In reality, the output is not very different from the theoretical value; it has almost no mass transfer capability. There is also an increase in pressure
First, the tower pressure drop increases; second, the product is of substandard quality
The pressure at the bottom of the tower increases, and the pressure drop across the tower rises
If the filler is blocked, it’s important to determine exactly which section is affected. If the distillation section is blocked, the amount of product at the top of the tower and the reflux volume decrease, while the pressure at the bottom of the tower increases and the flow rate rises; as a result, the product quality becomes unacceptable； The stripping section is blocked, causing an increase in column pressure drop and bottom pressure, and even column flooding may occur.
After blockage occurs, the pressure difference inside the tower increases as well as the temperature difference; if the blockage is severe enough, the system can no longer function properly
Direct phenomenon: Top temperature decreases, kettle pressure increases； Indirect consequence: The products from the top and bottom of the tower are substandard.