What are the hazards of a large amount of air entering the electrodialysis tank during normal operation?
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My atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit has been modified to accept crude oil through two separate streams; sometimes one of these streams is shut down regularly. When it is shut down, steam is used for purging in order to prevent the formation of condensation. However, when that stream is used again, some air ends up entering the electrodesalination unit along with the crude oil. I previously knew that air entering the electrodesalination unit could cause electrical short circuits, leading to sparks that may result in explosions. Could someone please explain this?
When filling the tank with oil, open the vent valve on the top of the tank; once the oil is reintroduced into the system, that’s it, right?: kiss:
The resistivity of crude oil is higher than that of air, while the resistivity of air (along with water vapor) between the electrodes is lower; the presence of oxygen allows discharge and spark formation, and sparks can lead to explosions. Personal analysis, for reference only.
Just restore power after oil is seen during high-level drainage
As air enters the electrodialysis unit along with the crude oil, a space is formed at the top of the tank. The light components in the crude oil will vaporize to form an oil-gas mixture as long as there is space available under operating conditions; this creates a mixed space of oil gas and air at the top of the electrodialysis tank. Due to the presence of high voltage, electrical sparks can cause the explosion of this mixed oil gas. Therefore, electrodialysis units are designed with a low liquid level protection mechanism at the top of the tank, and it is necessary to prevent oil gas from entering the unit while it is in operation.