distillation column depressurization

[jeano76]

Hello,

I am looking for pieces of information (literature references, return of experiment data,...) on distillation column behavior in case of actuation of emergency depressurization:
- which thermodynamic path is followed isenthalpic or isentropic?
- how common control scheme will act to balance the pressure decrease ?
- are there common "rules" in such type of events?

At the moment of the depressirization,the column is in normal operating conditions.


Thanks in advance

Regards

 

[StoneCold]

It is my belief that if you "emergency depressurize" a column you are going to blow all the trays to the top of the column. You "might" be able to do it with structured packing but it is definately not going to like it. Normally distillation column have relief valves that try to maintain the column pressure at a reasonable level so you can keep flashing under control.

Did you really mean"emergency depressurization" as in from 100 psig to zero or were you talking about relieving the column during and upset condition or fire?

Regards
StoneCold