Reboilers, thermosyphon elevation

Reboilers need to be located next to the tower they serve, except for the pump-through types, which can be located elsewhere. Fired heater reboilers are always located away from the associated tower and use a pump to circulate the bottoms. Ketde-type reboders are preferred from an operational and hydraulic standpoint because they can be designed without the worry of having to ensure sufficient head for circulation required by thermosyphon reboders. However, ketde reboders require a larger-diameter shed that is more cosdy, and the reboder must be supported at a sufficient elevation to get the product to the bottoms pump with adequate NPSH. 

When laying out the diagram, it is only necessary to show the relative elevation of the process connections to the equipment where these affect the process operation for example, the net positive suction head (NPSH) of pumps, barometric legs, syphons and the operation of thermosyphon reboilers. 

Thermosyphon reboilers are the most economical type for most applications, but are not suitable for high viscosity fluids or high vacuum operation. They would not normally be specified for pressures below 0.3 bar. A disadvantage of this type is that the column base must be elevated to provide the hydrostatic head required for the thermosyphon effect. This will increase the cost of the column supporting-structure. Horizontal reboilers require less headroom than vertical, but have more complex pipework. Horizontal exchangers are more easily maintained than vertical, as tube bundle can be more easily withdrawn. 

An example of the need to take into account process considerations is the need to elevate the base of columns to provide the necessary net positive suction head to a pump (see Chapter 5) or the operating head for a thermosyphon reboiler (see Chapter 12). 

Kettle-type reboilers are sometimes used with vacuum columns. They eiiminace the need for the circulating pump required with a forced-circulation reboiler, and avoid the temperature elevation cncoimtered in the lower end of a thermosyphon reboiler. The usual arrangement is that of the flooded-bundle type... 

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