6 replies to this topic

[processji]

In our Gas processing unit we have stabilizer operating at 8.8 barg and bottom temp is supposed to be at 185 deg c. Stabiliser separate C5+ from the c3/c4. Kettle type reboiler is provided operating with HP steam at 40 barg and 250 c. Steam flow is 10.5 t/h. column overhead has partial condensor and on total reflux.

Offlate we are unable to maintain 185 c at the bottom even though RVP of bottom condensate is not aproblem right now. Steam valve is 96% open and i suspect fouling on shell side.

There is no significant change in feed flow.

Can any body share their experience in stabiliser reboiler fouling.

Thanks
Regards

[aanita]

Up-stream of well-fluids carry sludges , cause the fauling of reboiler. Try to clean your reboiler next turn- arround. In the mean time if RVP not a problem, you can use slaes gas to strip-out acid gas ,(components if any ). If H2S in bottom product a problem, use sales gas as a stripping media to stipe-out at top of the stabilizer column. Your description is not clear and what exactly your query to me.
Sales gas can be used in the reboiler vapor out line, which will go to the column.
96% steam valve opening , means not enough heat transfer in the reboiler. Reduce this opening to optimum, till condensate out let valve opning start reduce.
Try this and Best of luck.
regards.

[Zauberberg]

What is the boiling range of feed entering stabilizer tower? Kettles are known as dirt collectors.

[processji]

Up-stream of well-fluids carry sludges , cause the fauling of reboiler. Try to clean your reboiler next turn- arround. In the mean time if RVP not a problem, you can use slaes gas to strip-out acid gas ,(components if any ). If H2S in bottom product a problem, use sales gas as a stripping media to stipe-out at top of the stabilizer column. Your description is not clear and what exactly your query to me.
Sales gas can be used in the reboiler vapor out line, which will go to the column.
96% steam valve opening , means not enough heat transfer in the reboiler. Reduce this opening to optimum, till condensate out let valve opning start reduce.
Try this and Best of luck.
regards.

Thanks for the response
We do use stripping gas which i had forgotten to mention. Control valve is at the outlet of the tube side(condensate side). It is on manual right now.

[processji]

What is the boiling range of feed entering stabilizer tower? Kettles are known as dirt collectors.

Condensate feed to column has water to n-c20. I am preparing of composition which i will send you.

[processji]

What is the boiling range of feed entering stabilizer tower? Kettles are known as dirt collectors.

I am attaching composition of condensate

Attached Files

•  Condensate.xls   16KB   52 downloads

[mkhooi]

QUOTE (Zauberberg @ Jun 8 2009, 03:15 AM)
What is the boiling range of feed entering stabilizer tower? Kettles are known as dirt collectors.

I am attaching composition of condensate

Dear processji,

Though the post was 2 years ago, appreciate if you can confirm whether it's fouling on the shell side that caused the poor heat transfer in your system.