Fractionation flooding

Holdup and Flooding. The volume fraction of the dispersed phase, commonly known as the holdup can be adjusted in a batch extractor by means of the relative volumes of each Hquid phase added. In a continuously operated weU-mixed tank, the holdup is also in proportion to the volume flow rates because the phases become intimately dispersed as soon as they enter the tank. 

For distillations, it is often of more interest to ascertain the effect of entrainment on efficiency than to predic t the quantitative amount of liquid entrained. For this purpose, the correlation shown in Fig. 14-26 is useful. The parametric curves in the figure represent approach to the entrainment flood point as measured or as predicted by Fig. 14-25 or some other flood correlation. The abscissa values are those of the flow parameter discussed earher. The ordinate values y are fractions of gross hquid downflow, defined as follows ... 

Direct Scale-Up of Laboratory Distillation Ljficiency Measurements It has been found by Fair, Null, and Bolles [Ind. Eng. Chem. Process Des. Dev., 22, 53 (1983)] that efficiency measurements in 25- and 50-mm (1- and 2-in-) diameter laboratory Oldersbaw columns closely approach tbe point efficiencies [Eq. (14-129)] measured in large sieve-plate columns. A representative comparison of scales of operation is shown in Fig. 14-37. Note that in order to achieve agreement between efficiencies it is necessaiy to ensure that (1) tbe systems being distilled are tbe same, (2) comparison is made at tbe same relative approach to tbe flood point, (3) operation is at total reflux, and (4) a standard Oldersbaw device (a small perforated-plate column with downcomers) is used in tbe laboratoiy experimentation. Fair et al. made careful comparisons for several systems, utibzing as large-scale information tbe published efficiency studies of Fractionation Research, Inc. 

Lieberman gives two rules of thumb for troubleshooting fractionators that could also be used as checks on a design. First, the pressure drops across a section of trays must not exceed 22% of the space between the tray decks, to avoid incipient flood. Mathematical , hold... 

ADM = Minimum downcomer area, fT ATM = Minimum column cross-sectional area, fr CAF = Vapor capacity factor CAFo = Flood capacity factor at zero liquid load CFS = Vapor rate, actual ftVsec DT = Tower diameter, ft DTA = Approximate tower diameter, ft FF == Flood factor or design percent of flood, fractional FPL = Tray flow path length, in. 

This problem, as with flooding, also impairs product quality. No fractionation occurs in the dry section, so the temperature difference decreases. However, unlike flooding, the pressure drop decreases and stays very steady at the ultimate minimum value. This problem is usually easier to handle than flooding. The problem is caused by either insufficient liquid entering the section or too much liquid boiling away. The problem is solved by reversing the action that caused the dry trays. 

The heavy naphtha-Ught gas oil fractionation zone of a crude tower has to be revamped to handle 25% more capacity. Because trays would be working at high percent flooding, Gempak structured packing is condensed (Figures 9-56A-D). 

Solve for and then calculate the length of subtended arc. From the total circumference of the tube, the fraction of surface flooded can be calculated. If this fraction exceeds 0.3, recalculate the unit. 

Jet or liquid flooding in one or more sections of the main fractionator... 

Moving heat up the tower improves fractionation by increasing the vapor-liquid traffic. This is limited by flooding constraints and excessive temperature in the bottom. 

If flooding occurs in the main fractionator, increasing the bottoms pumparound rate reduces vapor loading, but can have a negative affect on fractionation. 

As the rate of take-off is reduced near the end of a fraction, a slight lowering of the bath temperature may be necessary to avoid flooding of the column. Also as the boiling point rises during the collection of the intermediate fraction, the power input to the jacket must be increased in order to hold its temperature just below the boiling point. 

Entrainment can be estimated from the correlation given by Fair (1961), Figure 11.29, which gives the fractional entrainment tfr (kg/kg gross liquid flow) as a function of the liquid-vapour factor Fiv, with the percentage approach to flooding as a parameter. 

To obtain the column diameter, an allowance must be made for downcomer area (say 10%), and the vapor velocity should be some fraction (say 80%) of the flooding velocity. 

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