issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
(OP)
Could someone give me his/ her opinion about to operate a hydrocarbon distillation plant in an intermittent way, 5 days in operation and 15 days out of operation; I know this sounds a little strange, but this is because there is no enough load available. from process point of view, it could be assumed as frequent start up and shutdown of the complete unit, including critical equipment as the direct fire heater and distillation column. For sure it will not be the most efficient operation, and probably other issues related maintenance and excessive wearing on dynamic equipment happen. What other issue you can anticipate? any of them could it make this option no feasible?
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
Leaks will increased be thermal cycling.
Corrosion's rates will be up, startup and shot downs process always produced more corrosion into the equipment internals.
Near miss/operational troubles be more frequency, my view is that star/shutdowns a plant is like the raise and land a plane, is a risk process.
maintenance cost will increased.
Best regards
Horacio
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
A few pointers :
Out of spec products to recycle or destroy ,
higher risk to damage equipment due to frequent start up ( internal of columns as an example) ,
high risk to plug the lines due to poor flushing during shut down . Remember a good start up is always due to a good shut down !
Higher cost of maintenance ( more curative, less preventive )
Based on experience .
Pierre
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently
Consider how long it's going to take to get the columns started and lined out each time you re-start. If it's quick and easy, then shutting down may be the right answer. But if these are large columns with tight product quality specs, the keeping them running may be better.
RE: issues on continuos process plant operated intermitently