Which MTBE plants still use alkali scrubbing tanks?
Thread Content
Which MTBE plants still use alkali scrubbing tanks? Acidic corrosion in MTBE plants has always been a persistent problem. I remember that in some places, an alkali washing tank is added behind the water washing tower to neutralize acidic materials. I wonder if it’s still useful? ? How effective is it? What is the process like? Is sodium carbonate being used? How to mix it?
A 5% sodium hydroxide solution is mixed with water to obtain a solution with a concentration of no more than 0.5%, which is then added at the feed inlet of the wash tower
The main concern is the impact of adding alkali on the existing equipment
Is there a significant change in the tank before and after adding alkali for cleaning? At least the rust is gone now. I remember another device’s alkali washing tank, which was particularly small, prone to overpressure, and susceptible to alkali corrosion as well
The rust has decreased a lot； For the alkali tank, we use carbon steel tanks; you need to look up some information to find out the impact of alkali on carbon steel. It’s been a while, so I’ve also forgotten about it ； The high current consumption of your pump may have another cause as well; it could be due to too many bends in the piping. You might consider reconfiguring the piping to minimize the number of bends. We also used multiple measures together at that time, which was what helped to resolve the issue
Overpressure won’t be an issue; a pressure tank at normal pressure will suffice. A gas mixing line can be added to ensure even mixing
The tanks are no longer needed; what’s being done now is to continuously replace the water scrubbers.
No alkaline substances were added, and the raw materials are not alkaline either, but the water is alkaline. Who knows why?
Currently, acid scavengers are generally used to address this issue; the pH can be maintained above 9.0, and at the end stage it is around 6.5