×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Contact US

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization
4

ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
In our storage tanks Biphenyl Product tan & Terphenyl Product tank, there is problem in Emergency Vent cover for frequent chocking.

The Emergency vent cover pops up within 100 mmWC while its set pressure is 150 mmWC and while overhauling we observed the process crystalizes due to which it causes continues passing.

To prevent the crystallization of process in the valve seats during operation, we provided electrical heat tracing cable over the valve bodies. But not effective.

Attached photographs.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Your file is missing a .jpg so won't download. Please try again.

Your best point of contact is really the vendor and what they recommend for fouling service.

But you seem to be normalising failure here. The "emergency" vent should NOT OPEN in normal operation, so fix the process first so that the valve doesn't open and worry about the valve not reseating second. If it keeps happening even at 150mm WC, then there is something wrong in your design which you need to fix.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

That's not good, but you're ignoring my point that these shouldn't be lifting.

Any lift of an EMERGENCY valve should be investigated and treated as a failure of the system.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
Yes, any lift is a risk, which we already raised to process safety dept to take care. But as integrity we are checking how to overcome. Thanks for your support.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

P&ID or pic. of the installation?

Was insulation over the ERV and tracing? Is N2 injected just below ERV inlet and flows into tank to keep vapors/solids away from ERV?

Biphenyl has a relatively high sublimation pressure.

Good Luck,
Latexman

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
@Mr. Latexman,
Thanks for your interest, pls find below:

Was insulation over the ERV and tracing?
---There is insulation and EHT around the ERV and EHT around the PVRV. The EHT number of turns are provided to the maximum we can without affecting the instrument moving parts integrity.

Is N2 injected just below ERV inlet and flows into tank to keep vapors/solids away from ERV?
----As per the P&ID and GA drawing the nitrogen is injected into “N7” which is not below ERV. We have a newly installed nitrogen supply for the PVRV line which is just below the PVRV, but we are still seeing BP crystals after we removed it.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Hi,
Please check with your process engineer.
EDIT:
https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C92524&a...
Below 70C risk of crystallization.
Note: For Terphenyl the melting point is much higher :212-214 C.
How do you keep warm the tanks?
What about other PVRV's? risk of tanks collapsing because safety reliefs ineffective.
Btw share with us the PID of your storage tank to get a good understanding of your operation. If you use N2 blanketing, this could be the local point for crystallization. You may need to warm the N2 prior to enter the tanks.
Good luck.
Pierre

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

The P&ID and GA drawing did not make it.
What temperature do you keep/control the liquid in the tank?

Good Luck,
Latexman

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Musha,

your file is just called P and won't download. Please try again and include a.pdf or whatever.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
@Latexman
The P&ID and GA drawing did not make it.
- sorry for that, i am trying to upload, it is showing same what i did before.
What temperature do you keep/control the liquid in the tank?
- 90degC as steam coil is there inside the tank.

@LittleInch
first time i uploaded in pdf format only, but i think that was also not opening.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Same thing. file is just called P

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

No idea why the file is not uploading. Maybe use "Contact Us" for help.

Biphenyl melts at 70o C. You'll probably reduce the problem by getting closer to 70o C, but I understand the need for a safety margin. Do you have experience with this? Maybe a low power agitator or gentle recirculation and 75 or 80o C?

Good Luck,
Latexman

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

When I went to close Chrome, it said, "still downloading". This was 10-15 minutes after I tried to see the P&ID. That may be a hint to why the P&ID is not being available.

Good Luck,
Latexman

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

What is
a)design pressure of this tank - lower and upper design
b)N2 injection pressure regulator setpoint

N2 injection below PVRV assembly may not work unless there is a constant flow of N2 at injection point to enable downward flow of N2. To make this happen, inbreathing N2 PCV setting should be HIGHER than that of outbreathing PCV, and this will mean a lot of N2 loss. What do you have? P&ID or some sketch required with settings for PCVs'.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
Thanks ALL gentlemen and for your patience to my reply:

@pierreick
How do you keep warm the tanks?--- steam coil inside the tank maintaining at 90degC.
What about other PVRV's? risk of tanks collapsing because safety reliefs ineffective.----PVRV also have issue but not that ------ Noted, already raised this concern to Process Safety.
Btw share with us the PID of your storage tank to get a good understanding of your operation. If you use N2 blanketing, this could be the local point for crystallization. You may need to warm the N2 prior to enter the tanks.
----I am trying to attaché in another format pls check now.

@Latexman
No idea why the file is not uploading. Maybe use "Contact Us" for help.

Biphenyl melts at 70o C. You'll probably reduce the problem by getting closer to 70o C, but I understand the need for a safety margin. Do you have experience with this? Maybe a low power agitator or gentle recirculation and 75 or 80o C?-------- No experience & no agitator. We will discuss this option with our internal team.


@LittleInch
Same thing. file is just called P----I am trying to attaché in another format pls check now.


@georgeverghese
I will reply to you soon, pls bear with me.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
@georgeverghese

a) design pressure of this tank - lower and upper design---------- (0.0175/-0.004) kg/cm2g
b) N2 injection pressure regulator setpoint--------- (0.0080) kg/cm2g

N2 injection below PVRV assembly may not work unless there is a constant flow of N2 at injection point to enable downward flow of N2. To make this happen, inbreathing N2 PCV setting should be HIGHER than that of outbreathing PCV, and this will mean a lot of N2 loss. What do you have?----------(Correct, this is our current setup)

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Hi,
What is really missing is your PID, PDF format is the best.
How the solution is mixed? Coil is definitely not the best equipment to heat up your tank, do you have tracer in place on the shell, on the top of the tank?
What is the temperature of N2 entering the tank? This could be an issue and promote crystallization, if below 70 C.
Pierre

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
Hi Mr. Pierreick,
What is really missing is your PID, PDF format is the best.------------- i attached but i don't know why it is showing P while download, i raised query to eng-tips.com Contact Us also. Lets wait.
How the solution is mixed--------- Mixing not required, this is product tank, solution is coming after mixing by piping(externally EHT with insulation).
Coil is definitely not the best equipment to heat up your tank, do you have tracer in place on the shell, on the top of the tank?--------It is designed like that. No traces on shell or top of the roof.
What is the temperature of N2 entering the tank? This could be an issue and promote crystallization, if below 70 C.---------N2 entering at ambient temperature.

Thanks once again.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Apologies for this problem. I have corrected the filenames so they will now open and let the original poster know how to avoid this issue in the future.

Thanks, Jon

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
Thanks Jon,

Gents,
@pierreick, @Latexman and @LittleInch
Now pdf attached file is opening.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

It looks like liquid biphenyl is sprayed at the cone top. I assume this is to wash/melt the "whiskers" off from time to time. Could liquid be sprayed underneath the ERV from time to time to do the same?

Good Luck,
Latexman

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Hi,
Thanks, we got the PID.
Regarding your tank, I'm also worried about solid accumulation on the ceiling, in other words the integrity of the roof.
You need to pay attention to every cold spot (below 70c).
Pierre

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

re P&I D uploaded: Some have notes in them, some dont. One has tank data on titlehead, others dont. All are poor resolution, difficult to read everything.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

"&" is not a character the download software handles.

The upload software really should do the filename cleaning.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

All the files download just fine.

The photos showing the solids buildup, suggest the entire vessel top and the RV require insulation and heat tracing to avoid solids build up.

Basically you are dealing with an unsafe vessel design.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Since process drawings loaded are all poor resolution, I cannot see the details on N2 inbreathing / outbreathing controls, and other related design info also not clear.
Off hand, you can install a rupture disc upstream of safety valve to stop the safety valve from contacting biphenyl in normal operation. See API and other guidelines for installation and design details on rupture disc in series with PSV combination ( rupture detection, sizing of PSV etc). For better reliability, use a reverse buckling type RD.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

(OP)
@hacksaw Thanks for your reply, actually its Tank and on above the Tank there is PVRV & ERV which are already insulated and in between insulation there is electrical wires for heating which is acting as heat tracing.

@georgeverghese Thanks Sir, N2 inbreathing / outbreathing controls are provided which is working fine & it is confirmed by inlet/outlet PCV & N2 injection pressure regulator setpoint is 0.0080kg/cm2g. Regarding RD we will discuss with our team. Thanks for suggestion. Pls refer photos for process design data of ERV.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Hi George,
There is no guarantee that the RD will not be coated with solid.
To me there is a huge risk that the ceiling of the tank is also coated, no prevention in place to prevent cold spots.
It should be traced and insulated.
Pierre

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

@pierre,
Am not an expert on RDs', but these are in the API for polymerisation or fouling or corrosive applications ( at least when I saw these in the API many years ago), so I presume these RDs' will still burst the same as in clean service.
Agreed, purging of the RV nozzle neck on constant flow control will also help to keep biphenyl off the RD / RV.
Pls check with RD manufacturer.

RE: ERV facing frequent chocking by process crystallization

Hi,
25 years ago, manufacturing latex in SE Asia, I found several times RD coated with latex on SB reactors. What was supposed to protect from runaway reaction was ineffective.
Pierre

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members! Already a Member? Login


Resources

Low-Volume Rapid Injection Molding With 3D Printed Molds
Learn methods and guidelines for using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed molds in the injection molding process to lower costs and lead time. Discover how this hybrid manufacturing process enables on-demand mold fabrication to quickly produce small batches of thermoplastic parts. Download Now
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
Examine how the principles of DfAM upend many of the long-standing rules around manufacturability - allowing engineers and designers to place a part’s function at the center of their design considerations. Download Now
Taking Control of Engineering Documents
This ebook covers tips for creating and managing workflows, security best practices and protection of intellectual property, Cloud vs. on-premise software solutions, CAD file management, compliance, and more. Download Now

Close Box

Join Eng-Tips® Today!

Join your peers on the Internet's largest technical engineering professional community.
It's easy to join and it's free.

Here's Why Members Love Eng-Tips Forums:

Register now while it's still free!

Already a member? Close this window and log in.

Join Us             Close