Propylene cooler level
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What is the optimal liquid level for an propylene cooler to achieve the best heat exchange efficiency? Is it better to keep the control level high or low?
It should be kept between 30% and 60% – it cannot be too high nor too low. If it is too high, the evaporation space in the propylene cooler becomes too small, which hinders the evaporation of propylene and thus hinders the cooling of the medium； It’s too low; there isn’t enough propylene in the propylene cooler, which also affects the evaporation of propylene and thus the cooling of the medium.
Agree with what was said above. For our ammonia cooler, an liquid level of 60% provides the best cooling effect.
I agree that it shouldn’t be too high or too low, but there is still a significant difference in the cooling effect within the 30-60 range. Could you provide a detailed analysis?
It is recommended to check the schematic diagram of the heat exchanger; the highest liquid level should be at a height that submerges the entire tube bundle, as this results in the largest evaporation area and thus the best heat exchange efficiency
First and foremost, it is certain that when the liquid level in the propylene cryocooler covers the heat exchange tubes, the heat exchange efficiency is at its best. Next, let’s talk about the situation in our plant. Our plant has two gasification units; after one of them stops operating, the load drops to 50%, which results in an excess of cooling capacity. As a result, reverse cooling occurs in the lean methanol cryocooler, causing the entire cryocooler to become filled. This affects the proper operation of the compressor. Therefore, out of our four cryocoolers, only the lean methanol cryocooler does not have a liquid level control. Finally, regarding the mythologized Baotou system: their propylene cryocoolers do not have any liquid level controls; instead, the cooling capacity is regulated by the liquid level valves in each cryocooler.