What are the steps to take after a leak in the oil transfer line of a vacuum distillation tower?
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The analysis suggests there may be a leak in the pressure-reduction oil transfer line. How should it be handled?
What the original poster means is that there is a leak in the oil line, air gets drawn in and mixes with the oil vapor, resulting in a flash explosion? Thus causing pipeline vibration and loud noises? If that’s the case, it’s extremely dangerous; operations should be stopped immediately, and nitrogen or steam should be used to break the vacuum, so as to prevent more air from entering the tower
Has the location of the leak been determined? I think the temperature should be lowered first, and the vacuum should be broken slowly, being careful of any oil leakage during this process. If gas can be injected into the furnace tubes, the amount of gas injected should be increased; similarly, the gas injection at the bottom of the tower should also be increased.
At normal pressure, the normal slag is discharged externally; steam is blown into the furnace tubes of the reduced-pressure furnace and into the vacuum tower, after which normal pressure is restored. Close the vacuum vent valve to prevent air from entering; do not perform any welding work at the leak site. Once steam starts coming from the leak, carry out repairs promptly to resume operations.
The vacuum furnace is shut down immediately; if there is a pressure relief line, it must be used to release the pressure as soon as possible. Nitrogen or steam is then introduced into the vacuum tower to restore normal pressure. Then sweep the oil transfer line to maintain a slight positive pressure in it, and carry out class-high-risk hot work.