FCCU Expansion Joints - Purged vs. Packed

[StressGuy]

I'm in the process of specing out an expansion joint for an FCCU regenerator flue gas duct. I'm talking with vendors, but I'm curious to get the views on the group on the current "state of the art" regarding protection of the bellows from the build-up of catalyst in the bellows.

The two main methods are packing the bellows with insulating material to block catalyst buildup and purging the bellows with air/steam/inert gas to sweep catalyst out.

Any tips, preferences, horror stories, etc regarding the use of one method vs. the other are appreciated.

Edward L. Klein
Pipe Stress Engineer
Houston, Texas

"All the world is a Spring"

All opinions expressed here are my own and not my company's.

 

[Hench]

StressGuy,

We are on the back end of such a project. My involvement in the job was very minimal however. I do know that at one time these joints used steam/air purges.

We deal with Pathways when it comes to our FCCU expansion joints. I'll see what I can dig up and will post info.

Good Luck!

Hench