Reactor agitator failure

Agitator failure either due to electrical or mechanical failure could result in loss of system control and "hot spots" in the reactor. In suspension systems loss of agitation could negate much of the "heat sink" effect as the immiscible phases separate and stratify. 

The process could be operated safely, without emission, provided the temperature does not exceed 130°C and accumulation of unreacted A, which could cause a subsequent uncontrolled temperature rise, is prevented. To achieve this, addition of A should be stopped if the reactor temperature falls below 50°C or in the event of agitator failure. 

Reactor agitator seal fails Seal failure can lead to dangerous VCM fume release High Pressure in Reactor Seal Fume Detection in Reaction Area Additional ventilation around seal Depressure reactor on high seal pressure (SIS)... 

Power will be purchased from a nearby company. (One of the major reasons for locating here was the presence of low-cost, plentiful power.) A gas-fired plant for 125 psig steam will be built. This must be able to supply enough power to operate agitators and cooling-water pumps associated with the reactors when there is a power failure. Gas will be purchased from a local company. Drinking water will be purchased from the community of Martins Ferry, Ohio. Process and cooling water will be obtained from the Ohio River. Both will require treatment before they can be used in the plant. 

Shinn (1982) developed a mechanically agitated slurry reactor with induction heaters for coal liquefaction. While the induction heaters required large power input, they allowed the slurry to heat up to 400-450°C in few minutes, thus cutting down the heat-up period. In the use of such reactors, the effects of induction heating on the metal degradation and failure need to be carefully considered. Except for the induction heating system, the rest of the reactor was a conventional slurry reactor. The concept of induction heating is more practical for smaller-size reactors. 

In the case of reactions carried out in mechanically agitated reactors where heat transfer is crucial, provision must be made for adequate heat transfer. During power failure, agitation may stop. Emergency power must be provided to the crucial drives, and provision must be made to drain/flare the contents during an emergency. 

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