Styrene overhead condenser: Design criteria to minimize polymer formation and typical HX types
Styrene overhead condenser: Design criteria to minimize polymer formation and typical HX types
(OP)
A shell-and-tube heat exchanger for handling an easily polymerizable substance (condensing in the shell side) needs to be designed (with a removable bundle for easy mechanical cleaning). Working conditions are around 50/60ºC and near vacuum pressure. I'm looking for any guidelines or previous experience for heat exchanger design in order to minimize the formation of polymers in the shellside. Condensing fluid is Styrene and cooling water is used in the tubeside.
It is also very helpful to have an idea of a typical design for this service that you have seen in similar plants (Overhead condenser for styrene column).
Thanks in advance for your response or any insight.
It is also very helpful to have an idea of a typical design for this service that you have seen in similar plants (Overhead condenser for styrene column).
Thanks in advance for your response or any insight.
PGh.





RE: Styrene overhead condenser: Design criteria to minimize polymer formation and typical HX types
It is also common to use a combination of bypass and recirculation lines to allow the cooling water temp to be kept in a very narrow range. Too warm and you don't condenser enough (and polymerize too much)and too cold and you just set solids formation.
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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube
RE: Styrene overhead condenser: Design criteria to minimize polymer formation and typical HX types
Polymer/monomer handling equipment is also frequently taken to a fairly high surface polish to discourage the formation of "stalactites" as well as to make it easier to dislodge polymer should it start to form.
RE: Styrene overhead condenser: Design criteria to minimize polymer formation and typical HX types
The idea of u-tubes in the U down position is very sound for this service.
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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube
RE: Styrene overhead condenser: Design criteria to minimize polymer formation and typical HX types
BEU would be an option instead of an AES type (with floating head), since AES type would promote stagnation of liquid in the area between shell and floating head.
For U tube design, it is not clear for me if a horizontal U bend is preferred than a Vertical U bend (see links bellow with pictures) Is there an advantage of using one or another?
Thanks for your advice.
PGh.