Effectively design and simulate thermosyphon reboiler systems: Part 2

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Hydrocarbon Processing

OSTI ID:80160

Martin, G R ^[1]; Sloley, A W ^[2]

---

1. Process Consulting Services, Grapevine, TX (United States)
2. Process Consulting Services Inc., Houston, TX (United States)

Thermosyphon reboilers provide a simple, low-maintenance design for distillation tower reboiler systems. With an understanding of all the factors involved, thermosyphon designs should be more reliable than most other reboiler systems due to an absence of moving parts (pumps) in the process circulation loop. Design of true thermosyphon exchangers requires an intimate knowledge of a distillation tower`s heat balance, temperature levels and pressure balance in the reboiler loop. Temperature levels vary strongly with composition gradients depending on the system`s relative volatilities. Case studies of two industrial units demonstrate implications on exchanger design of the correct and incorrect simulation configuration. The two cases compare a low relative-volatility ({alpha}) system (ethylene-ethane splitter) and a high {alpha} system (FCCU deethanizer). Part 1 covered basic thermosyphon design, advantages and disadvantages. Also, simulation requirements, {alpha} impacts and one-heat-source configurations were discussed. Part 2 continues with configurations of two heat sources at the same and difference temperatures. In addition, comparisons are made between the different designs to show an optimum for each case.

• OSTI ID: 80160
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing, Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 74; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
BAFFLES
DESIGN
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FLOWSHEETS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT SOURCES
THERMOSYPHON EFFECT
VOLATILE MATTER