NAOU Reactor Coil Cleaning

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Questions and Answers

During the solvent wash process, what actions are taken to ensure that minimal solvent is lost during the ethylene purge of R-201?

The purge stream is cooled by E-620, condensing any entrained solvent back to D-620. Additionally, any solvent flashed off with the ethylene purge from D-600 is condensed in E-610, further minimizing solvent loss.

Describe the process of initiating solvent circulation through R-201 for cleaning, including the steps taken to ensure proper flow and pressure management.

First, one of the P-600A/B pumps is started on minimum flow bypass back to D-600. Once flow is established, circulation of the solvent through R-201 is initiated. Pressure is managed by equalizing R-201 with the D-600 pressure before opening it to the solvent surge drum.

Explain how the system determines when R-201 and E-201 need to be taken offline for cleaning, and what initial steps are taken to prepare R-201 for the solvent wash process?

R-201 and E-201 are taken offline when polymer fouling is indicated by hot spots in the reactor coil, increased differential pressure, or high fouling in downstream equipment. Initially, catalyst flow to R-201 is cut, the injection line is flushed with C14 product, and R-201 is purged with ethylene to D-310A/B.

What is the purpose of using 400 psig sparge steam during and after the solvent wash process of R-201, and how does it contribute to the efficiency of the cleaning and restart operations?

During the wash process, 400 psig sparge steam maintains the average temperature of R-201. After the wash cycle, it's used to heat up the water if required, facilitating the return of R-201 to service. This ensures efficient removal of polymer deposits and prepares the reactor for ethylene feed. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the pathway of the solvent during the circulation phase of the reactor coil cleaning process. Include the equipment used in the circulation loop.

Solvent circulates from D-600, through P-600A/B, R-201 coil, E-201, and F-600A/B, then returns to D-600. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the solvent cleanup process contributes to the continuous operation of reactors R-201 through R-205. How would a failure in the solvent cleanup system impact these reactors?

The solvent cleanup ensures a consistent, clean solvent supply to R-201-205, crucial for optimal reaction conditions. If the cleanup system fails, contaminated solvent would reduce reaction efficiency, potentially halting operations due to product quality issues or equipment fouling. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the functions of E-610 and E-620 in the solvent recovery process. How do their roles contribute to the overall efficiency of the system?

Both cool overhead vapors using cooling water, but E-610 handles vapors from D-600 and D-610, while E-620 cools vapors from D-620. E-610 condenses spent solvent vapors, while E-620 condenses clean solvent vapors. By separately condensing spent and clean solvents vapors they prevents loss of solvents in each of the solvent streams. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the purpose of D-610 (Solvent Blow Down Drum) and E-615 (Solvent Vaporizer) and explain how they work together to process spent solvent. What principle governs the separation achieved in this process?

D-610 separates liquid from vapor spent solvent. E-615 vaporizes lighter components from the liquid spent solvent using 400 psig steam. Together, they separate and recover valuable solvent components. This separation relies on the principle of vapor pressure and boiling point differences. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key differences between P-610 and P-620 in terms of their function and design, and what do these differences suggest about their specific applications in the solvent handling system?

P-610 is a 40 HP pump, whereas P-620 is a 15 HP pump. Their purpose is route solvent from D-620 to the inlet of D-600. The difference suggests they are handling different quantities of solvent. P-610 has the higher horsepower. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of using deep well pumps (P-600A/B) in the solvent circulation system. What specific problem do these pumps address, and how does their design mitigate this issue?

Deep well pumps, like P-600A/B, have submerged impellers to prevent cavitation, which can damage the pump. This design is crucial because the long shaft design of the pump minimizes the distance between the impellers and solvent to reduce cavitation. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Solvents (C12s, C14s, C16s,C18s)

Liquids used to remove residual buildup from NAOU Reactor Coils.

TK-54 (Wash Solvent Storage Tank)

Tank in the 1795 Tank Farm that stores solvent for NAOU Units 1797 and 1798.