Caustic evaporation control systems

This section describes the controls for a triple-effect membrane-cell caustic evaporator. Section 9.3.3.1 explains some of the reasoning behind the selection of the number of effects and the progression of flow of caustic through the evaporators. To illustrate the control systems here, we assume backward feed of the caustic. 

Boiler feed-water systems that use dernineralized or evaporated makeup or pure condensate may be protected from caustic attack through coordinated phosphate and pH control. Phosphate buffers the boiler water, reducing the chance of large pH changes due to the development of high caustic or acid concentrations. Excess caustic combines with disodium phosphate and forms trisodium phosphate. Sufficient disodium phosphate must be available to combine with all of the free caustic in order to form trisodium phosphate. 

The major anionic impurity in most brine systems is sulfate. Control of its concentration is an issue mostly in membrane cells. In the diaphragm-cell process, sulfate passes with the rest of the anolyte into the cathode side of the cells. It can be separated from caustic soda in the evaporators and purged from the system as Glauber s salt This is covered in Section 9.4.2.1. Mercury cells are least sensitive to sulfate. Its concentration is frequently allowed to build to the point where dissolution of calcium sulfate from the salt is inhibited. The greatest problem then caused by the sulfate is a reduction in the solubility of NaCl or KCl. 

Since membrane-cell evaporators do not produce solids, forced-circulation evaporators are used less frequently. Rising-film and falling-film types appear in a number of plants. The rising-film evaporator depends on natural circulation of caustic from the bottom to the top of the tubes. Falling-film evaporators, as shown in Section 9.3.S.2, depend on pumps to lift caustic to the distribution system at the top. These units generally have better heat-transfer coefficients and less tendency to foul. Recirculated units in particular allow good control of flow to maintain a proper film on the tubes. This also permits the designer to provide more turndown capability. Liquid velocities are lower... 

Caustic Product Handling. The caustic removed fi-om the electrolysis system may pass on through a cooler to storage tanks or directly to the evaporator system. Figure 11.50 shows the control of this transfer from the circulation tank. 

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