Can a low-load fractionator continue to reduce the reflux flow by decreasing the number of floating valves on the trays?
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RT, the unit is currently at the low-load threshold, with each section of the distillation column operating at near the minimum reflux rate. Given that factors such as the bottom temperature and feed composition remain unchanged, I would like to ask whether it is possible to lock out some of the floating valves in the columns and further reduce the reflux rate, thereby allowing the distillation column to operate stably at an even lower load? The tower diameter is 3.3 m, with 82 trays.
This probably won’t work. By locking in certain trays at equal intervals, the gas flow rate can be maintained at a level sufficient for processing the minimum amount of material. However, since the diameter of the tower remains unchanged, the liquid flow rate slows down, which may affect the quality of the product, manifested as an increased boiling range
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