Methyl Chlorine Plant 1 Instruction ManualMethyl
ChlorideProduction:General:Methyl Chloride is a solvent or Chemical
Reagent (e.g. use as an alkylatingagent). It is also used as a
refrigerant.Generally methyl chloride is a gas under atmospheric
pressure andambient temperature (30 C). Some of its characteristics
are:Chemical FormulaMolecular WeightMelting PointBoiling
PointColourFlammabilityFlammable LimitOdourSolubulityHealth
Hazard
CH3Cl50.49-97.7-23.8Gas : colourlessLiquid: transparentFlammable
gasLower: 10.7 % in airUpper: 17.4% in airFaintly sweetSoluble in
water; very solublein alcohol, chloroform, mineral oils
etcThreshold limit: 100 ppm
Methyl Chloride can be produced in the following process:a)
Direct chlorination of methane gasb) Reaction of gaseous HCl and
vapour methanolFor our process, we produce it by the reaction of
gaseous HCl andvaporized methanol. One of the raw material for the
above process, i.e.hydrochloric acid, is readily available from our
existing Chloro-Soda plant.Introduction to the ProcessMethyl
Chloride (CH3Cl) is produced by combination of gaseous HCl
andvapour methanol in a glass-lined reactor (G100) using zinc
chloridesolution as the reaction catalyst. Thus,ZnCl2
CH3OH + HCl
CH3Cl + H2O + h145 C
The reaction is exothermic i.e. heat h is generated.
1
For the same reactor and at the same reaction conditions
andconsequences, Methyl Oxide formation (CH3 O CH3) through
methanolown molecules reaction also take place as side reaction
is:ZnCl2
CH3OH + CH3OH
145 C
CH3OCH3 + H20
The side reaction can be suppressed to a very small extent (only
0.1%) byan excess HCl atmosphere in the reactor. The most economic
and optimalHCL excess is 25% more than what requires for the
reaction.The products which is then coming out from the reactor is
called thecrude products which contain: 1.2.3.4.5.6.
Methyl Chloride (CH3Cl)Excess and or Unreacted HClWater vapour
(a reaction product)Methyl Oxide (0.1 %)Unreacted Methanol (in
Trace)Traces of ZnCl2 due to foaming
This hot crude is then condensed in a condenser E101 leading to
the gasliquid phase separation inside a knock down drum D101
where:1. HCl and water vapour is condensed as the liquid phase
product as31% HCl solution which is pumped back to the process
forreutilisation.2. The gas phase products still contains the same
material asdescribed above but with lesser amount of HCl which has
beencondensed.It is then send for purification process called the
Gas Treatment Unit (GTU)where all the impurities, HCl, CH3-O-CH3,
trace of ZnCl2 and methanol,water vapour, are removed leaving only
a very pure product of methylchloride.Pure methyl chloride is then
compressed in a two stage compressor P105the Crepelle compressor,
to a Pressure of 9 bar. The temperature of thiscompressed gas is
usually 110 C. When this cooled down to below 40 Cin the
liquefactor E104, methyl chloride becomes liquid and has a
vapourpressure of about 7 bars.Liquified methyl chloride is then
stored in the storage tank. It is then filledinto ISO Container
(International Standard Organisation) and dispatch toindividual
customer.
2
Process Flow DiagramFrom the above description, a process flow
diagram can be computes asbelow:HClDistillationUnit
GaseousHCl
Reactor
Crude CH3Cl135 C
G100
CondenserE101
MethanolEvaporator
Knock DownDrumD101
VapourMethanol
Liquid CH3Cl35 C7 barPureCH3Cl
LiquefactorE104Liquid CH3Cl35 C7 bar
Remove CH3-O-CH3 &Water Vapour
CH3Cl105 C8 bar
Remove water vapourcompletely
P105
98%H2SO4ColumnC102B
78 %H2SO4ColumnC102A
84 % Full
SodaWashColumnC101
Remove Methanol & ZnCl2& HCl
Brink MistSeparatorR107
Remove HCl Completely
40 C0.3 bar
WaterWashColumnC100
CH3Cl StorageR130
TankerP130
3
Methyl ChlorideDetail Description of the reaction Process and
Important ControlParametersThe reaction to produce methyl chloride
(CH3Cl) is performed byintroducing gaseous HCl ( 96%) and vapour
methanol ( 99%) into thebase of a glass-lined reactor G100 which
contains a Zinc Chloride solution(acts as the reaction catalyst) at
its bottom.
E101Condenser
GaseousProductCrude CH3Cletc
G100D101Knock DownDrum
ZnCl2
HClDistillingColumn
HCl Gas
1m
MethanolVapour
MethanolEvaporator
Liquid Product(31% HCl)
In 25%Excess
Reaction Conditions:Reaction Pressure: 0.5 1 barGReaction
Temperature: 145 CCatalyst Concentration: 68 70% (SG 1.96)Catalyst
Boiling Point: 150 CHCl Gas Concentration: 96 %Methanol Vapour
Concentration: 99 %Excess HCl: 25 %
4
The whole reaction process (until final product in storage)
takes place in aclosed atmosphere inside the glass lined reactor
G100 in the absence of airand other impurities especially oxygen
which can form an explosivemixture with methyl chloride. Therefore,
it is necessary to purge out allthe air, especially oxygen from all
the process equipments using nitrogengas before reaction is carried
out.CatalystThe zinc chloride solution inside the reactor has a
level of 1 meter in heightmeasures from the injecting point of the
raw materials. The bottom part ofthe reactor which contains the
zinc chloride solution is called catalystbathofthereactor.Gaseous
HCI and methanol vapor will only react inside ZnCl solutioncatalyst
bath. Out of the ZnCl solution boundary, reaction will not
takeplace. Therefore, a sudden flush of raw material inside the
reactor shouldalways be avoided. This is to prevent:a.) Wasteful of
raw materials, unreacted HCI and methanolb.) Flooding of the
reactorc.) More importantly: Pressure risePressure FactorThe most
important factor to note in raw materials feeding is that a
suddenflush of methanol and HCI inside the reactor will produce an
abundanceyield of methyl chloride gas which gives a sudden pressure
rise in thereactor. If this high pressure rise exits the Rupture
Pressure Limit of theSafety Rupture Disc on top of the reactor,
this disc will blow off leading to acomplete shutdown of the plant
for maintenance replacement of a newdisc- In any case, this would
be prevented from happening.Side ReactionIt is important to note
that, in this process methanol will tend to react in thecatalyst
bath with its own molecules to form methyl oxide (CH-0-CH) inthe
following way:CHOH + CHOH CH-O-CH + HOMethanol
Methanol
Methyl Oxide
Water
Methyl chloride, being a side reaction product without much
usefulness,will not only affects the quality of the main product
methyl chloride, butalso will:5
a.) Increase consumption of sulphuric acid which is used to
absorb it(methyl oxide) in this gas treatment unit. Thus increase
the productioncost.b.) Affects the production rate of the main
reaction to yield CHCl in thereactor and thus give a poor
production efficiency.c.) Methanol is wasted for its formation of
methyl oxide. It is a burden forthe unit production cost of methyl
chloride.Fortunately this side reaction can be suppressed to a very
small extend (0.1% by weight under normal operation condition) by
an excess amount ofHCI feeding into the reactor. The excess HCI
(25% extra of require for thereaction) atmosphere will not only
increases the frequencies and chancesof the HCI molecules and
methanol molecules collision leading to afavorable chemical
formation of methyl chloride but also that this excesscan be easily
recovered for reutilization in the process.Excess HCIWhen there is
an excess HCI atmosphere inside the reactor, the
reactionenvironment will change. As soon as the methanol is
injected into the zincchloride catalyst bath, its molecules will be
surrounded by more HCImolecules, with its aids of the catalysts,
favorable reaction for producingCHCl take place. Methyl oxide
formation is thus suppressed.But through experience, it is not
possible and not practical also to controlthe reaction process in
such a way that gives zero production of methyloxide.By experiment
and by experience, the most economic way of the operationis by
feeing a 25% excess HCI into the reactor. By doing this, methyl
oxideformation through the process reaction is only 0.1% under
normal optimaloperation condition.This small amount of methyl oxide
can be treated in the gas treatment unitby absorption of the
sulphuric acid and is get rid of easily.It will be described in
later pages about the excess HCI atmosphere in thereactor, and why
a 25% excess is required and not more.Therefore, with a 25% excess
HCI feeding, the reaction is 99.9% in favor ofmethyl chloride
production and 0.1% in favor of methyl oxide formationonly.*This is
an important control parameter of the reaction.*
6
Catalyst DilutionZnCl
Reaction Formula:
CHOH
+
HCI
CHCl
+
HO
Catalyst
Molecular Weight:
32
36.5
50.5
18
ZnCl2
Reaction Formula:
CHOH
+
CHOH
CH-O-CH + HOCatalyst
Molecular Weight:
32
32
46
18
From the above reaction equation, it is noticed that water, HO,
is one ofthe products from the main reaction:18__________Quality of
water produced, H0 ==
100%
50.5 + 1826.3% of total product
Actually, this reaction produced water is in vapor state at 145%
reactiontemperature. It will come out from the reactor together
with the mainproduct CHCl, excess HCI etc. This is then condensed
together with themajor part of the excess HCI in Crude Condenser E
101 and is separatedfrom the gaseous products (CHCI etc) in a knock
down drum D 101 to givea 31% HCI solution. Therefore, the zinc
chloride solution, which has aboiling point of 150c will retain its
concentration without being affected bythe water generated through
the main reaction.Therefore, as far as the catalyst is concerned,
there is no dilution problem,no loss quantity, unless the reactor
or the reaction process has beenoperated in a wrong way for a long
time. (Foaming of ZnCI inside thereactor will cause only negligible
lost of catalyst only.)By wrong operation, this means:a.) Low
catalyst temperature during start upb.) Low HCI excess during start
upc.) Feed CHOH, methanol first before HCI feeding during start
upd.) Low reaction temperatureThe DOGMA of Reaction OperationAs it
was mentioned above, that formation of methyl oxide (CH-O-CH)should
be avoided or reduced to a minimum extent for economic reason, itis
important to observe during any start up operation or increases
in7
production rate. Raw material feeding should be carried out in
the followingway:Always feeds HCI gas into the Reactor G 100
firstMethanol feeding should follow only if it is 100% sure and
confirmedthrough testing at the down stream side of the process
that HCI hasalready been introduced into the reactor and is in
EXCESS.Therefore, we can say in this way, for this process, the
DOGMA of theoperation is Always feeds HCI gas into the reactor
first.Control Parameter of the Reaction ProcessIt is mentioned
above that, by experience and by experiment, 25% excessHCI feeing
is an economic operation process that gives only 0.1% methyloxide
formation in the reactor and that this amount of methyl oxide
iseasily and quite economically get rid of in the Gas Treatment
Unit (GTU)through Sulphuric acid absorption.Operation wise, it is
quite impossible to measure the exact flow rate of HCIgas and
methanol vapor that is being fed into the reactor, In order to
decideand to determine an optimal operation condition, the 31%
HCIconcentration in the knock down drum D 101 after a liquid and
gas phaseseparation of the reaction products ia an IMPORTANT
CONTROLPARAMETER of this process.From the reaction formula:Reaction
Formula: CHOHMolecular Weight:32
+
HCI36.5
ZnCl2
CHCl50.5
+
HO18
We know that, if 32 grams if methanol reacts with 36.5 grams of
HCI, thereaction will produce 50.5 grams of methyl chloride and 18
grams of water.If HCI is in 25% excess, total HCI gas feed into the
reactor will be36.5
______125= 45.625 grams100
Amount in excess is (42.625 36.5) grams or 9.125 grams.This
excess will come out from the reactor together with all the
gaseousproducts of the reaction, i.e. methyl chloride, water vapor
etc.
8
At 40c condensation temperature, a major part of the excess HCI
willcondense together with almost all the water vapor in a
condenser to form31% HCI in the knock down drum D 101.
If the amount of condensate is X,ThenX_______= 0.31X+ 18X =
8.087 gramsThis leaves (9.125 8.087) grams or 1.038 grams of
uncondensed HCI to betreated in the gas treatment unit.Under
optimal operation condition, a 31% HCI condensate in the knockdown
drum D 101 is an indication that the reactor is operated at 25%
HCIexcess and that methyl oxide formation is suppressed to a very
smallextend of only 0.1%.Therefore: 31% HCI condensate in the knock
down drum is an importantcontrol parameter of the whole reaction
process.This control parameter is important because it guarantees
smoothproduction process and also it is the Base of Trouble
Shooting Works ifthings have gone wrong with the process.Trouble
Shooting of the Reaction ProcessIn case there is a change in the
knock down drum, HCI condensateconcentration (normally 31%), for
example a low% HCI condensate and athigh temperature, the methyl
chloride crude products condenser E 101must be check of fouling.
Its efficiency of condensing should be rectifiedand maintained.The
same checking should be carried out on the concentration of the
HCIthat is being fed into the HCI distilling column C 201
also.Higher HCI excessFor this process, it is possible, of course,
to feed HCI into the reactor G 100at a higher excess rate, but
generally, this is not economically favorablebecause of the
following reason.
9
1. Methyl oxide formation is already very small (0.1% only) at
25% HClexcess will not give very obvious suppression result of
methyl oxideformation.2. There will be more uncondensable HCl in
the knock down drumwhich willa) increases the work load of the
GTUb) requires more waste treatment effort and thus increases
theproduction cost3. HCl is wasted.ConclusionFor this reaction
process, it is important to note:1. DOGMA : Always feed HCl gas
into the reactor first.2. EXCESS: 25% HCl in excess feeding is
important.3. CONTROL PARAMETER: 31% HCl in knock down drum is
animportant control parameter of the reaction.
10
METHYL CHLORIDEProcess Description (an outline)Process Flow
DiagramC Valve 203b
Cooling H2OCrude CH3Cl
E101CondenserC Valve 203a32% HClFeed
C201HClDistillationColumn
G100Reactor
E203
HClGas
E204HClReboiler
Azeotropic HCl
D101KnockDownDrumCH3OH Vapour
Liquid Product31% forreutilization
E102MethanolEvaporator
R100Catalyst Tank
Steam CondenserMethanol Feed
Pure CH3Cl
R107BrinkMistSeparator
P105
C100B
C102A
C101
C100
98%H2SO4WashColumn
78%H2SO4WashColumn
CasuticSodaWashColumn
WaterWashColumn
Compressed CH3ClP103B
P103A
P102
CH3Cl StorageR130
P101
Filling (ISO or Cylinders)
E104 Liquefactor
11
Process Description (Outline)1.) The Raw Materials Preparation
UnitTo produce methyl chloride, the raw materials requires for the
reactionarea.) GASEOUS HCI of > 96% concentration andb.)
METHANOL VAPOR of > 99% concentration2.) The Reaction UnitBoth
the raw materials, i.e Gaseous HCI, methanol vapor are injectedinto
the base of a glass-lined reactor G 100 which at its bottom
containsliquid Zinc Chloride Solution (70% in concentration) which
acts as acatalyst for the following reaction:ZnCl2
+
CHOH
HCI
CHCI + HO
145C
For the same reactor and at the same reaction conditions
andconsequences, another side reaction will also take place; ie.
theformation of methyl oxide through own molecules reaction of
themethanol:CHOH
+
CHOH
ZnCl2
CH-O-CH
+ HO
Fortunately this side reaction can be suppressed to a very small
extend(0.1% under normal operation condition) by creating an excess
HCIatmosphere inside the reactor. The excess HCI feed is 25% (in
extra)After the reaction, the products contain:1) Methyl
Chloride(main product of the reaction)2) HCI Gas(Excess upon
feeding and or unreacted)3) Water Vapor(a product of the
reaction)4) Methanol(Unreacted: in very small quantity)5) Methyl
Oxide(Side reaction product : about 0.1%)6) ZnCI(in traces only,
due to foaming)This crude products will pass through a condenser E
101 where uponcooling will lead to a liquid-gas phase separation of
the product in aknock down drum D 101 wherea) The liquid phase
product is a 31% HCI solution which is pumpedback to the process
for reutilization
12
b)
The gas phase product which contains the same materials as inthe
original crude with the most of its water vapor and HCI
gascondensed in (a).
The gas phase crude will then send for purification process. The
wholepurification facility is called the Gas Treatment Unit3.) Gas
Treatment Unit (G.T.U)Gas treatment unit is a very important
section of the whole productionprocess, because the quality of the
product CHCI totally depends on aproper control of the operation of
this whole unit.It mainly consists of four gas wash columns and a
brink filter called theBrink Mist Separator.In all the four wash
columns, the gas always takes the upward streamflow and the wash
solution take a downward flow. They are termly:a) The water wash
column C 100 :where all the unreacted methanol trace of ZnCI are
completelyremoved and most of the uncondensed HCI are also
removed.b) The soda wash column C 101:which acts as a safety
precaution Wash Column using 20%caustic solution to remove any
trace of HCI not removed by theprevious column.c) The 78% sulphuric
acid wash column C 102 A:where all the methyl oxide and most of the
water vapor areremoved.d) The strong sulphuric acid (98%) wash
column C 102 Bwhere all trace of water vapor are removed.e) The
brink mist separator:This only allows dry and pure methyl chloride
to pass through.Mist of sulphuric acid is filtered by the Brink
candle.4.) Compression, Liquefaction, StorageMethyl Chloride gas up
to this state is totally pure and free of anypreviously mentioned
impurities except that there might be some inertgases like N, O, in
a very small quantity.It is then compressed by a two stages
compressor P 105 up to amaximum pressure of < 9 bars
(Temperature: 110C after thecompression). This compressed gas is
then passed through aliquefactor E 014 where upon cooling, it is
liquefied and send intostorage tank R 130 A and R 130 B and store
as a liquid product.
13
METHYL CHLORIDEDetail Process Description and Unit OperationThe
process of methyl chloride production consists mainly the
followingfour major sections, namely:1.) Raw Material Preparation
Unit includes:a.b.c.
HCI Distillation UnitMethanol EvaporatorCatalyst Preparation
Tank
C 201, E 204, E 201, E 202, E 203, R 201 & R 202E 102R
100
2.) Reaction Unit, which include:a.b.c.
ReactorCrude Methyl Chloride Condenser31% HCI knock down
drum
G 100E 101D 101
3.) Gas Treatment Unit, which include:a.b.c.d.e.
Water wash columnCaustic wash columnWeak sulphuric acid wash
columnStrong sulphuric acid wash columnBrink mist separator
C 100C 101C 102 AC 102 BR 107
4.) Compression and Liquefaction Unit, which include:a.b.
The Crepelle CompressorMethyl chloride liquefactorStorage
tank
P 105E 104R 130 A & R 130 B
All these four sections have their unique roll for functions and
are equallyimportant in the course of methyl chloride production.A
detail description of each section is given below which include:i.)
Name of equipmentsii.) Equipment description and functionsiii.)
Detail process descriptioniv.)Operation Conditionv.)Operation
Procedures ( Individual Unit)
14
DETAIL PROCESS DESCRIPTIONRaw Materials Preparation Unita.) HCI
Distillation UnitFLOW DIAGRAM: HCI DISTILLATION UNIT95 C
E203RefluxCondenser
34%Feed HClFV211
RefluxCondensate
HCl Distilling ColumnC201
Steam
75 C, 32% HCl
E204Reboiler
CondensateE201HeatExchanger
L
GraphiteJacket
Steam
HCl, 85C
96% HCl
160 C, 5.2 bar
FV221
CoolingWater
130 C
E202AzeoCooler
HV203aTo ReactorG100
HV203bTo HClventabsorptionunit
LV21120% HCl,35C
Azeo HCl, 90C
CoolingWaterR202R201LV201L
20%AzeoHClStorage
32%StrongHClStorage
LV202
L
P201
P202
15
HCI DISTILLATION UNITI.) Name of
Equipments:No123456789101112131415
CodeC 201E 204E 201E 202E 203R 201P 201R 202P 292HV 203a &
HV 203bLV 211LV 201FV 211LV 202FV 221
NameHCI Distilling ColumnHCI ReboilerFeed HCI Heat ExchangerAzeo
HCI CoolerReflux CondenserStrong HCI Buffer Storage TankROPAC HCI
Feed PumpAzeo HCI Storage TankROPAC Azeo HCI PumpInter-operating
ValvesColumn Liquid Level Control ValvesMake up HCI Control
ValveFeed HCI Control ValveAzeo HCI Flow Control ValveSteam Flow
Control Valve
II.) Equipment Description and Functions1.) C 201: HCI
Distilling ColumnDimensionMaterialInternal PackingFacilitated
withFunction
Height 7039mm, Outside Diameter 310mmGraphitePacked with 3
layers of PVDF pall ringsBottom liquid level control and recording
systemTo generate gaseous HCI of more than 96% concentrationfor
process reaction.
2.) E 204: HCI ReboilerDimensionMaterialService
FluidFunction
Height 3800mm, Outside Diameter 300mmGraphite, outer surface
insulatedSteam for HCI DistillationTo heat up HCI solution for
distillation
3.) E 201: Feed HCI Heat ExchangerDimensionMaterialFunction
Height 605mm, Outside Diameter 460mmGraphite, outer surface
insulatedUsing heat obtains from the Azeotropic HCI solution
topreheat the Stromg Feed HCI Solution (32%) before enteringHCI
Distilation Column C 201
16
4.) E 202: AZEO HCI CoolerDimensionMaterialFunction
Height 620mm, Outside Diameter 660mmMade of graphiteTo cool down
Azeo HCI solution to below 40C beforeentering Azeo HCI solution
enter its storage tank R 202
5.) E 203 : HCI Reflux CondenserDimensionMaterialFunction
Height 1499mmMade of graphiteTo condense water vapor coming out
from top of HCIdistilling column. Thus, enriches gaseous
HCIconcentration.
6. R 201: Strong HCI Buffer Storage Tank (HCI Feed
Tank)DimensionMaterialFunction
Height 2800mm, Internal Diameter 1250mmCarbon Steel Tank,
internally rubber lined.As 32% HCI Feed tank.
7. P 201: ROPAC HCI Feed PumpPowerMaterialMaximum
Del.RateFunction
4kWGraphite Pump35m /hrFeeding strong HCI solution into
distilling column
8. R 202: Azeo HCI Storage TankDimensionMaterialFunction
Height 2800mm, Internal Diameter 1250mmCarbon Steel Tank,
internally rubber lined.Store Azeo HCI from Distilling Column
before sending itfor reabsorption ( reconcentration in HCI
plant
9. P 202: ROPAC Azeo HCI Transfer PumpPowerMaterialMaximum
del.rateFunction
4kWGraphite Pump37m /hrTo transfer Azeo HCI solution
10. HV 203a & HV 203b: Inter operating Control
ValvesService
CONTROL VALVES
HV 203a
Open when reactor G100 is ready to accept > 96% HCIgas for
reaction. Remain open when reaction is inprogress. Close when plant
trip or shut down.
HV 203b
Open to HCI vent absorption unit during S/U of distillingcolumn
or when after plant trip or shut down.
17
The above valves HV 203a and HV 203b are inter-operating ie.When
HV 203a is opened to feed gaseous HCI (> 96%) into thereactor,
HV 203b is cvlosed from sending HCI gas to HCI ventabsorption unit
or otherwise: when HV 203a is closed, then at thesame instance HV
203b is opened.11. LV 211: Distilling Column Level control
valveServiceFunction
CONTROL VALVESControls and maintains liquid HCI level atbottom
of distilling column at 750 mm. This is aLevel Control Valve.
12. LV 201: Make up HCI control valveServiceFunction
CONTROL VALVESTo control make up HCI flow rate so as tomaintain
Feed HCI tank R 201 AT HALF. This is alevel control valve.
13. FV 211: Feed HCI Control ValveServiceFunction
CONTROL VALVESTo control HCI flow rate feeding into
DistillingColumn. This is a Flow Control Valve.
14. LV 202: Azeo HCI Flow rate Control ValveServiceFunction
CONTROL VALVESTo control Azeo HCI flow rate from Azeo HCIstorage
tank R 202 that is being sent forreconcentration process. Also
maintains R 202level at half. This is a Level Control Valve.
15. FV.221: Steam Flow Control ValveServiceFunction
CONTROL VALVESTo control steam flow rate into reboiler E
204.This is a Flow Control Valve.
18
III.) Detail Process DescriptionHCI Distillation Unit is
installed in order to generate gaseous HCI ofmore than 96%
concentration for methyl chloride reaction process.In normal
operation, the whole unit functions in the following ways:1. Steam
is fed onto reboiler E 204 for heating up HCI solution insidethe
reboiler.Note: In the case of start up follows a short shut down,
steamshould be fed in slowly at first in order to avoid flooding
ofdistilling column.2. Pump (P 201) pumps strong HCI (32%) under a
well determined ratefrom the strong HCI feed storage tank (R 201)
and feedcontinuously into the distilling column C 201.Before
entering top of distilling column, strong HCI solution ispreheated
by the Azeotropic HCI solution coming out from thebottom of
distilling column from 35C to 80C in the heat exchangerE 201.Strong
HCI solution enters side way into distilling column top atspace
between the column top packing and middle packing.3. On entering
the distilling column, liquid HCI will flow downwardsand reaches
the bottom of the distilling column and maintains aheight of 750 mm
by Level control valve LV 211 situated at thedown stream pipe line
of HCI Azeotropic solution. At this state,reboiler is operated
under totally immersed condition which hasits best efficiency.4.
Inside the Reboiler, HCI solution is heated up to 130C by
processsteam and boils and evaporates. When hot HCI solution on top
ofreboiler evaporates into the distilling column, azeotropic
HCIsolution from bottom of the distilling column comes in to
replacethe space: This phenomenon is called Thermosyphoning effect
ofthe reboiler.5. Inside the distilling column, HCI being more
volatile than water isseparated from its solution and travels up
the column. On its path,it comes into contact with the freshly feed
HCI from R 201. Usingthe heat it carries, it evaporates HCI gas out
from the fresh feed HCIsolution. Thus as this hot gas travels up,
its concentration isenriches continuously until when it reaches the
top of distillingcolumn, gaseous HCI concentration will be >
96%.
19
6. At the same instance that gaseous HCI traveling up the column
andenriches its concentration, liquid HCI solution will
traveldownwards the column and decreases in HCI concentration.
Whenit reaches the bottom of distilling column, its concentration
willdecreases from 32% to about 20%. The weak HCI solution is
calledthe Azeotropic HCI solution.7. As the distillation process
goes on, HCI gas exerts a pressure of1.3 bars in the column.8.
Azeotropic HCI solution at the bottom of the Distilling Column
willeithera) Acted by the column pressure fo 1.3 bars, flow through
HeatExchanger E 201 where it preheats the fresh feed HCI solutionto
80C and is cooled down in Azeo HCI cooler to 40C beforeit enters
Azeo HCI storage tank R 202 where pump P 202pumps it away for
reconcentration process in HCI plant orsend for vent absorption
unit.b) By the thermo-Syphoning effect of reboiler E 204, enters
thereboiler proceeding for distillation process.9. During start up
period of HCI Distillation Unit, gaseous HCI of lessthan 96%
concentration has to be sent to HCI vent absorption unitby way of
opening inter-operating valve HV 203b.10. Azeo HCI solution
sampling and Test (130C 30% concentration)and Reflux condensate
sampling and Test (75C, 32.3% HCI) willprovide information of
gaseous HCI coming out from the top of thedstilling column.On top
of that, the following control parameter is also important forus to
attain an optimal operation condition of distilling column.Reboiler
Temperature = 130C (Increases steam flow rate if temperature is
below 130C)Distilling Column Top Temperature = 90CReflux Condensate
Temperature = 75C
11. An experienced person will need 20 or 30 minutes to bring
distillingcolumn under optimal operation condition and provide >
96%gaseous HCI for methyl chloride reaction process.Note:
Azeotropic solutionPhysical Chemistry Terms: which mean a solution
through boilingand distillation process to separate out one of its
component outfrom it, when reaches its Azeotropic Boiling point
will give its gasphase product in equivalent concentration to the
liquid phasesolution.
20
IV Process Operation ConditionsDescriptionService Steam for
ReboilerLiquid HCI in ReboilerDistilling Column TopDistilling
Column BottomReflux Condenser GasReflux Condenser LiquidFeed HCI
from R 201Feed HCI entering C 201Azeo HCI Before E 201Azeo HCI
After E 201Azeo HCI Before E 202Azeo HCI After E 202
Temperature160C130C90C130C90C75C< 35C80C130C89C89C<
40C
Pressure5.3 bars1.3 bars1.3 bars-
ConcentrationSteam20%> 96% HCI gas20% Liquid HCI> 96% HCI
Gas< 32.3% Liquid Gas32% Liquid Gas32% Liquid Gas20% Liquid
HCI20% Liquid HCI20% Liquid HCI20% Liquid HCI
V Operation ProceduresBefore start up HCI Distillation Unit,
check and make sure that:a) HCI vent absorption unit in operationb)
Inter-operating valves HV 203b is opened and HV 203a is closedc)
Pumps P 201 and P 202 are functioningd) Cooling water are on for E
202 and E 203e) Make up HCI is available from General Storage
TankVI Operation and Controls1. Feed steam onto the Reboiler E
204Regulates Regulator FIC 221 to control steam flow rate
feedingonto the reboiler. Set control valve FV 221 at requires
value ofsteam flow rate.Note: In the case of start up after a short
shut down of the plant, steamshould be fed in slowly to avoid
flooding of distilling column.
2. Start up pump P 201 to feed 32% HCI into HCI Distilling
Column 201Regulates Regulator FIC 211 to control HCI flow rate
feeding into C201. Set control valves FV 211 at requires value of
HCI flow rate.3. Check Level of R 201Regulates Regulator LIC 201 to
maintain HCI liquid level in R 201 athalf tank position, This will
induce the control on the control valveLV 201 which controls the
make up HCI flow rate from the generalstorage.Check and compare HCI
flow rate recorded by Flow Recorder FR201 and FR 211:a) FR 201 flow
rate = FR 211 flow rate during start up operation of HCI Distilling
Column.b) FR 201 flow rate + HCI flow rate from D 101= FR 211 flow
rate after reactor G 100 in
21
operation
4. Set level control valve LV 211 to give 750 mm liquid HCI
level atbottomof HCI Distilling Column.5. Start up pump P 202 as
soon as Azeotropic HCI solution reachesdown to R 202.6. Regulates
Regulator LIC 202 to maintain HCI liquid level in R 202 athalf tank
position- This will induce control on the control valve LV202 which
controls the Azeotropic HCI pumping rate to:a) Azeotropic HCI
solution general storage tankb) E 210 in HCI vent absorption
unit.7.
Actions to be takenCheck Reflux Condensate Temperature TJR
203Check Reflux Condensate ConcentrationCheck Azeotropic HCI
Temperature TJR 201Check Azeotropic ConcentrationCheck gaseous HCI
Temperature at Distilling Column Top TJR211
75C32.30%130C20%95C
8. When above conditions are met, interchange operation of
valves HV203a and HV 203b.That is:a) Open HV 203a and send > 96%
gaseous HCI into reactor G 100reactionb) Close HV 203b to the HCI
vent absorption unit.9. Increase steam flow rate and maintains its
temperature andpressure whenever HCI Feeding rate into C 201 is
increased.10. It takes about 20 or 30 minutes to attain an optimal
condition in thedistilling column.Remark: Study P&I of HCI
Distillation Unit
22
METHYL CHLORIDETHE RAW MATERIALS PREPARATION UNIT0.7 barTo
ReactorG100
Pressure induce control valveV4
PV102
3 bar
V3
P
HAP
30% Level
HV122V2
LV102E102
Steam fromBoiler
L
V6 SteamCondensate ByPass ValveFV112R120MethanolStorageTank
MethanolFeedingPump
V5MethanolDrain Valve
7 Pipes
Steam Trap
P120
23
Methanol EvaporatorI. Name of EquipmentsCodeE 102FV 112HV 122PV
102LV 102P 120V1V2V3V4V5V6SPHAPLV 102
II.
Name of EquipmentsMethanol EvaporatorTotal Methanol Flow Control
ValveLiquid Methanol Flow Control ValveVapor Methanol Flow Control
ValveSteam Flow Control ValveMethanol Feeding PumpEvaporator Feed
Methanol Isolation ValveReactor Liquid Methanol Isolation
ValveReactor Vapor Methanol Isolation ValveReactor Feed Methanol
Isolation ValveEvaporator Methanol Drain ValveEvaporator: Steam by
pass valveEvaporator Safety Blow ValveVapor Methanol Pressure
GaugeVapor Methanol High Pressure Alarm SystemEvaporator Methanol
Levl Indication and Recording SystemSteam Trap
Equipments Description and Its Function1. E 102: Methanol
EvaporatorDimensionMaterialFacilities
Length 1.2m, Internal Diameter 0.5m, cylindrical bombshape
likeMade of carbon steel. Internally fixed with seven Ushaped steel
tubes for steam passing.a.) Level alarm and recording systemb.)
Pressure alarm and recording system
Function
a) Service: Tube side: Steam at 160 and 5.2 bars to heatand
evaporate methanol into its vapor.b.) Shell side: contains liquid
methanol to be evaporatedfor reaction purpose
OtherAccessories
S: Safety Blow ValveP: Vapor Methanol Pressure Gauge
2. FV 112: Total Methanol Flow Rate Control ValveService
Control Valve. Incorporated with Flow Rate Recorder
Function
To control total methanol flow requires for the reactionand
recording hourly methanol feeding rate.
24
3. HV 122: Liquid Methanol Flow Control ValveServiceFunction
Control Valve. Hand regulatesTo feed cool liquid methanol into
the reactor if reactiontemperature is too high.(Reason: The
reaction is exothermic)
4. PV 102: Vapor Methanol Flow Control ValveServiceFunction
Control Valve. This is a pressure induced control valve.Open
only when methanol vapor pressure is > 3 barsTo control flow of
vapor methanol feeding into the reactor
5. LV 102: Steam Flow Control ValveServiceFunction
Control Valve.To control flow rate of steam in order to provide
enoughheat for methanol evaporation.
6. P 120: Methanol Feeding PumpPowerRPMMaximum del. rateMaximum
del. pressureFunction
3 kW2900 rpm37m /hr5 barsTo pump liquid methanol from its
storage ( R120) and feed into methanol evaporator orreactor.
7. V1: Evaporator Feed Methanol Isolation ValveFunction
To isolate liquid methanol from going into evaporatorwhen
methanol evaporator is not in use.
8. V2: Reactor Liquid Methanol Isolation ValveFunction
Isolation valve before HV 122. Open when after E 102 is
inoperation and let HV 122 to be regulated for reactiontemperature
adjustments.
9. V3: Reactor Vapor Methanol Isolation ValveFunction
Isolate methanol vapor from going into reactor after aplant shut
down.
10. V4: Reactor Feed Methanol (Liquid and Vapor) Isolation
ValveFunction
Total methanol feed isolation valve.
25
11. V5: Evaporator Methanol Drain ValveFunction
To drain evaporator empty after a plant shut down and toavoid a
sudden pressure rise in the evaporator when reshut up.
12. V6: Evaporator Steam By Pass ValveFunction
To by pass steam from evaporator steam tube and topurge steam
condensate directly after a plant shut down.
13. Steam TrapFunction
To purge steam condensate out from the evaporator whenit is in
operation.
III. Detail Process DescriptionMethanol Evaporator E 102 is
installed in order to generate vapormethanol and feed this into the
reactor to react with gaseous HCI toproduce methyl chloride.When
Reactor G 100 is ready to accept vapor methanol for reaction,steam
( at 160C, 5.2 bars steam pressure) is fed into theevaporator E
102. Methanol pump P 120 feeds the evaporatorwith liquid methanol
from its storage tank R 120.When liquid methanol level in the
evaporator rises and immersesthe steam U-tubes, the heat from the
steam will heat up the liquidmethanol and vaporize it. When
methanol vapor reaches 3 bars ormore, valve PV 102 is induced to
open. Vapor methanol will be fedinto the reactor by the
differential of pressure between theevaporator (higher pressure at
3 bars) and reactor ( lower pressureat 1 bar).Methyl chloride
reaction is exothermic. ie. heat is generated duringthe reaction,
If the reaction temperature is too high, it is necessaryto divert
some the liquid methanol and feed them directly into thereactor in
order to regulate the reaction temperature. This diversionis
achieved through manipulation on the control of valve HV
122.Methanol evaporator will cease its operation when:a) Reactor is
operated at very high pressure.b) Evaporator is operated at own
high pressure.
26
IV. Process ConditionNo12345678910
DescriptionTotal Methanol Flow RateMethanol Flow Rate for
EvaporationVapor Methanol TemperatureVapor Methanol PressureSteam
Flow RateSteam PressureSteam TemperatureVapor Methanol High
Pressure AlarmVapor Methanol Very High PressureAlarm
(Tripping)Level of Methanol Inside Evaporator
Start Up100 kg/hr100 kg/hr110C3 bars30 kg/hr5.2 bars160C
Normal Condition (Max)200 kg/hr100 kg/hr110C3 bars60 kg/hr5.2
bars160C4.5 bars gauge5 bars gauge
half
half
V. Operation ProceduresTo operate methanol evaporator safely and
smoothly, it isimportant toobserve the followings:a.) After a plant
shut down:1. Always drain evaporator empty of methanol2. Always
open steam by pass valve3. Close isolation valves V1, V2, and
V3.b.) Before start up evaporator:1. Make sure there is no methanol
inside2. Check and make sure that isolation valves V1, V2 and V3
areall at close position as yet.Procedures:1. Feed steam into
evaporator slowly.Regulates regulator LIC 102 to pen control valves
LV 102Set steam flow rate at 30 kg/hr during S/UCheck steam
pressure and temperature at 5.2 bars & 160C2. Close steam by
pass valve V6 at steam condensate outlet3. Close methanol drain
valve V54. Start up methanol feeding pump P 120Regulates regulator
FIC 112 to open control valve FV 112Set FIC 112 to open FV 112 at
minimum operating position5. Open isolation valve V1 to feed liquid
methanol into EvaporatorE 1026. Wait until the level builds up and
immerses the steam tubes.
27
Check level of methanol in evaporator through level recorederLR
102.Set LIC at .Keep close watch on methanol vapor pressure at
Localpressure gauge on top of methanol evaporator.7. When methanol
vapor pressure is 3 bars or more, open valveV3. At the same time
open also valve V2 for stand by.Communicate with control room and
informs all the aboveinformation:That is: a.) Methanol vapor
pressure is at 3 bars nowb.) Valves V2 and V3 are opened.8. Open
valve V4 to feed vapor methanol into Reactor G 100 forreaction with
gaseous HCI.Note: As soon as V4 is opened a strong bubbling sound
is heardfrom inside the reactor. Reaction is taking place now.The
above 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 are on site operation.9. Pass control of
methanol evaporator to Control Room.10. Increases reaction rate by
regulating FIC 112.Regulates Control Valves FV 112 opening position
to increasemethanol flow rate slowly.11. Keep close watch on
methanol evaporator pressure and alsoreactor pressure.12. Increases
methanol feeding rate in accordance with HCI(Excess) flow rate for
the reaction, Keep close watch onCompressor (P 105) performance
while reaction rate isincreased.13. When reaction temperature is
too high, ie.> 145C,Regulate HIC 122 to open HV 122 to feed in
liquid methanol foradjustment on reaction temperature.Note: Total
methanol flow rate is not affected.14. Always: proceeds to increase
total methanol flow rate intoreactor SLOWLYThis is to avoid a
sudden pressure rise in the reactor due to an
28
abundance yield of Methyl Chloride which will cause the
rupturedisc on top of Reactor G 100 to blow off leading to a plant
shutdown.
29
DETAIL PROCESS DESCRIPTION AND UNIT OPERATIONREACTION UNIT- FLOW
DIAGRAM OF REACTION UNIT135C
CH3Cl
135CCoolingWater
E101CondenserRuptureDisc(graphite)2.7 bar
RuptureDisc
High PressureAlarmSystem
35CTrippingPressureAlarmSystem
CrudeCH3Cl
G100ReactorHCl Injectors1.3 bar
HClDistillation Unit
`
CH3OH Injectors1.3 bar
D101KnockDownDrum
145C,ZnCl2
LV101
To R201,31% HCl
Steam
PV102
Catalyst TankR100
P202B
HV122MethanolEvaporator
30
Reaction UnitI.) Name of EquipmentsReaction Unit of Methyl
Chloride plant mainly consists of thefollowing equipments:CodeG
100E 101D 101P 202BFR 100PV 101LV 101PAH 101PAHH 101
Name of EquipmentsMethyl Chloride ReactorHot Crude Condenser31%
HCI Knock Down Drum31% HCI Solution PumpGaseous HCI Flow Rate
RecorderCrude CHCI Pressure Induced Control Valve31% HCI Levl
Induced Control ValveReactor High Pressure Alarm CircuitReactor
Very High Pressure Alarm and Tripping Circuit
II.) Equipments Description and Functions1. G 100: Methyl
Chloride ReactorDimensionMaterial
Description
Function
Outside Diameter 1.4m, Height 5.3mInternally glass lined carbon
steel cylindera.) Cylindrical in shape, vertically installedb.)
Three HCI injectors and three methanol injectors, enter Reactor
at600mm position measures from its base at opposite direction
anddirectly pointing at one anotherc.) Bottom of reactor is a Zinc
Chloride solution catalyst bath. Its levelis 1m measures from the
raw material injection points. This levelcan be check through a
level indicator LI 100 installed on the reactor.d.) On top of
reactor are(1) Outlet for reaction products(2) A safely rupture
disc which leads to catalyst tank if blow off.e.) Temperature
Detect Element TE 120 installed on top of reactormeasure gaseous
product and indicates by TJR 120 in control roomf.) Temperature
detect element TE 120 installed on top of reactormeasure gaseous
products temperature and indicates by TJR 120 incontrol roomg.)
Near the bottom, there is a man-hole for visual inspection of
reactorinternal glass lining or if required enter for spark
test.For reaction of gaseous HCI and vapor methanol to take place
incatalyst bath inside this reactor
2. E 101: Hot Crude CondenserDimensionMaterialDescription
Function
6.88m in height installed verticallyGraphitea.) This is a
graphite heat exchanger. Hot crude enters from top, traveldownwards
and come out from bottom. Water enters from side wayat bottom and
comes out side way from top.b.) Internally baffledTo condense
excess HCI gas from the reactor together with thereaction produced
water to form 31% HCI solution
31
3. 31% HCI Knock Down DrumsDimensionMaterial
Description
O.D 1.2M, height 1.4m, bottle shape drumInternally glass lined
carbon steela.) Bottom part of this glass lined drum receives 31%
HCI solutioncondensed by E 101.b.) Level transmitter LT 101
coordinates with regulator LIC 101 ofcontrol valve LV 101 to
maintain drum 31% HCI level at 60% heightof drum.c.) On top is
flanged outlet of crude Methyl Chloride and uncondensedvapor and
gas and recycles HCI inlet through HCI solution pumpP 202B.
4. P 202B: 31% solution pumpDimensionMaterialMotorNormal
Discharge RateMaximum Discharge RateSuction PipeDischarge
PipeFunction
O.D 1.2M, height 1.4m, bottle shape drumGraphite pump. ROPAC
type2.2kW, 3 phases, 440 volts, 1450 rpm0.15 m/hr2 m/hr50 mm I.D32
mm I.DTo transfer 31% HCI solution receives by D 101 into R201 of
HCI Distillation Unit.
5. FR 100: Gaseous HCI Flow Rate RecorderServiceFunction
Gas Flow Rate RecorderTo record hourly gaseous HCI flow rate
into Reactor G 100.
6. PV 101: Crude CHCI Pressure Induced Control
ValveServiceFunction
Control ValveSet to maintain reactor pressure at 0.5 or 1 bar
gauge
7. LV 101: 31% HCI Level Induced Control
ValveServiceFunction
Control ValveTo control pumping rate of 31% HCI from D 101 and
maintain levelinside D 101 at 60% height.
8. PAH 101: Reactor High Pressure AlarmServiceFunction
AlarmSignal reactor high pressure. Comes out when PR 101 is more
than 1.5bars
32
9. PAHH 101: Reactor Very High Pressure Alarm & Tripping
CircuitServiceFunction
Alarm & TrippingShut down of plant when reactor is working
at very high pressure of >1.75 bars. This will shut off methanol
flow control valve FV 112 andsteam valve of evaporator LV 102.
Signals reverse operation of HV 203a& HV 203b.
III.) Detail Process Description of Reaction UnitIn normal
operation, reaction proceeds in the following ways:1.
Hot Zinc Chloride solution forms a catalyst bath at the bottom
ofglass-lined reactor G 100 and immerses HCI gas injectors
andmethanol vapor injectors with a level of 1 meter above
theseinjectors.
2.
96% above HCI gas feeds into reactor catalyst bath through
HCIinjectors. 99% or above methanol vapor feed into reactorcatalyst
bath through methanol injectors.Both these raw materials feeds into
catalyst bath at oppositedirection pointing directly at one
another. As they bubblesthrough the Zinc Chloride solution, with
the help of this catalyst,HCI & methanol reacts to form Methyl
Chloride thus:HCI
3.
+
CHOH
ZnCl2
CHCI + HO +
Catalyst
h
The reaction products bubbles out from the catalyst solutionand
goes into space at reactor top where they find their outletinto
that crude Condenser E 101.Note: HCI gas feed was in 25% Excess for
the reaction.
4.
As this hot crude enters condensers E 101, it travels
downwardsthrough tubes of 10 mm diameter. At the outer surface of
thesetubes, cooling water passes at upward direction though
bafflesand cools the hot crude down from 135C to 40C.
5.
When this hot crude is being cooled down, the excess fed
HCIcondenses together with water vapors produced through
thereaction to form a 31% HCI solution.The condensed 31% HCI
solution (liquid) is received by knockdown drum D 101.Inside knock
down drum D 101, gas phase products and liquidphase products of the
reaction are separated with:
6.
33
a. The liquid phase product, ie. 31% HCI solution beingpumped
away from the pump P 202B to R 201 for processutilization again.b.
The gas phase products which contain:i.) CHCIii.) Uncondensed Water
Vaporiii.) Uncondensed HCI gasiv.)Trace of MethanolFind their
outlet on top of knock down drum D 101 to the GasTreatment Unit on
the process where all impurities are removedfrom Methyl Chloride
gas before sending for compression andliquefaction.7.
Until just at the outlet of knock down drum D 101, the
reactionunit works on a pressure of 0.5 or 1.0 bar gauge
pressure.a. On top of knock down drum D 101, high pressure
alarmsystem of reaction unit which include PT 101, PR 101, PSH101,
PAH 101 will provide information of reaction pressureand signals
alarm of high pressure if this unit works on highpressure.CodePT
101
ComponentsPressure Transmitterinstalled on D 101CHCI outlet
line
PR 101
Pressure Recorder
PSH 101
High Pressure Switch
PAH 101
High Pressure Alarm
FunctionsTransmit pressure signal of reactionunit to PR 101 in
control roomRecords pressure signals transmitby PT 101 in control
roomSignals high pressure alarm PAH 101Alarm comes in when reaction
unitpressure is more than 1.5 bars gauge
b. Reactor very high pressure alarm & Tripping Circuit
installedbefore (a) which includes1.PSHH 1012.PAHH 101if comes in
will:i.) Shut feed steam control valve LV 102 of
methanolevaporatorii.) Shut feed methanol control valve FV 112iii.)
Inter-operate HV 203a to HV 203b
34
The above will result and bring a shut down of the plant
forinvestigation on faults.Under normal operation, PAH 101 setting
is 1.5 bars gauge &PAHH setting is 1.75 bars gauge.IV.
Operating ConditionsA. TemperatureNo123
DescriptionReaction Temperature (catalyst bath)Product
Temperature ( Gas on ReactorTop)31% Condensed HCI at D 101
bottom
RecorderTJR 110
Temperature145C
TJR 120
135C
TJR 101
Below 40C
RecorderPR 101PR 102(ALARM)PAH 101PAHH 101PAH 102PAHH 102
Bars0.5 or 1 bar3 bars(SETTING)1.5 bars1.75 bars4.5 bars5
bars
B. PressureNo123456
DescriptionReaction PressureMethanol vapor (Feed)
Pressure(PRESSURE ALARM STSTEM)Reactor High PressureReactor Very
High PressureMethanol Evaporator High PressureMethanol Evaporator
Very High Pressure
C. LevelNo123
DescriptionReactor Catalyst Level (1m above injector)D 101 31%
HCI LevelMethanol Liquid Level in Evaporator
RecorderLI 100LI 101LR 102
Setting1600mm600mm250mm
V. Operation Procedure:Commissioning of the reaction unit brings
the whole of MethylChloride plant to its total momentum. Before
reaction can actuallystarts in the reactor, the following operation
had to be carried outfirst.1. Start-up the cooling water network
and make sure sufficientcooling water are supplied to all coolers,
condensers,liquefactor,etc.2. HCI vent absorption unit is in
operation.3. Gas treatment unit is in operation.4. Steam network is
started for HCI Distillation Unit & methanolevaporator.5.
Compressor is running with minimum operation suction pressure.
35
6. Reactor had already been filled with minimum operation
suctionpressure.7. Reactor had already been filled with Zinc
Chloride catalystsolution( > 80C)When all these are ready or in
operation, then actual functioning ifthe reaction unit can be
achieved through the following operation:1. Inter-operate HV 203a
and HV 203b, that is by opening HV 203a tofeed HCI gas into the
reactor and close HV 203b from sending HCIgas to HCI vent
absorption unit.2. Regulates regulator PIC 101 to keep HCI
Distilling Column top at1.3 bars. Check this pressure through HCI
Distlling Column TopPressure Recorder PR 211.Note: Wait for few
seconds after each regulation of PIC 101 allowresponse from PT 211
to be reflected to PR 211 and showson the recorder.3. Check Gas
Treatment Unit water wash column C 100 outlet pH tojustify HCI gas
practical for justification.Note: During S/U period, D 101 sampling
to test for HCI gaspresence is not practical for
justification.Reason: Reaction not yet started, no water produced.
E 101couldnt condense pure HCI gas into liquid HCI solution.4. Once
C 100 outlet shows presence of HCI gas in the reaction unitsystem,
Methanol Evaporator E 102 can be started to introducemethanol vapor
into the reactor for the reaction to progress.5. Immediately after
reaction started:a) Check reaction pressure, increases compressor P
105suction rate to keep reactor pressure at 0.5 or 1 barb) Increase
reaction rate slowly especially the feeding ofmethanol into reactor
G 100c) Keep close watch on reaction temperature.6. When reaction
is in progress, and if reaction temperature is toohigh, HV 122 can
be opened to introduce liquid methanol intoreactor G 100 in order
to control the reaction temperature.Opening of HV 122 will not
effects the total flow rate of methanol
36
being injected into the reactor as this flow rate is control by
FV1112.Note: Regulates steam flow rate into E 102 after opening HV
122liquid methanol feeding valve, in order to keep E 102methanol
vapor pressure at 3 bars only. Too high pressurein E 102 may lead
to a shut down of plant.7. Performance of compressor must be keep
close watch afterreaction unit is in operation. Adjust suction rate
of compressor tokeep reactor pressure all times as at (a) of 5.8.
When reaction unit is under well control, check D 101 condensedHCI
to justify HCI excess of 25%.a) Increase HCI feed to HCI
distillation unit if D 101 condensedis below 31%.b) Increased
methanol flow rate if D 101 condensate is morethan 31% or else
decrease HCI feed to HCI distilling columnif reactor is at its full
capacity.9. Starts pump P 202B once methanol is added into the
reactor forreaction. Regulates LIC 101 to control pumping rate and
tomaintain D 101 level at 600mm all times.
37
GAS TREATMENT UNITI. Name of EquipmentsNo1234567891011
CodeC 100C 102C 102 AC 102 BR 107E 103E 105P 101P 102P 103 AP
103 B
NameWater Wash ColumnCaustic Soda Column78% HSO Column
Washing98% HSO Column WashingBrink Mist SeparatorRecycle 78% HSO
CoolerRecycle Caustic CoolerC 100 Recycle PumpC 101 Recycle PumpC
102 A Recycle PumpC 102 B Recycle Pump
InstrumentNo123456789101112131415
CodeTJI 130LR 110LAL 110LAH 110TJI 141LR 111LAH 111TJI 152LR
112LAL 112LAH 112LR 122LAH 122PDR 107PDAH 107
NameC 100 Outlet CHCI Gas Temperature IndicatorC 100 Bottom Drum
Level RecorderC 100 Bottom Drum Low Level AlarmC 100 Bottom Drum
High Level AlarmC 101 Outlet CHCI Gas Temperature IndicatorC 101
Bottom Drum Level RecorderC 101 Bottom Drum High Level AlarmC 102 A
Outlet CHCI Gas Temperature IndicatorC 102 A Bottom Drum Level
RecorderC 102 A Bottom Drum Low Level AlarmC 102 A Bottom Drum High
Level AlarmC 102 B Bottom Drum Level RecorderC 102 B Bottom Drum
High Level AlarmR 107 Pressure Drop RecorderR 107 High Pressure
Drop Alarm
38
II. Equipments Description and Functions1.) C 100 Water Wash
ColumnThis unit consists of:a) An internally glass-lined carbon
steel column sectionb) An internally glass-lined bottom drumc) A
glass-lined bobbin neck flanged to the column and drum.Column
sectionDimension
Bottom SectionBobbin Neck
Outside DiameterHeight of columnOutside DiameterHeight of
columnTop FlangeBottom FlangeHeight
300mm4000mm1200mm1500mm300mm500mm620mm
The bottom part of the column section is packed with 35mmPPH
pall rings of a length of 2500mm. This is called packedcolumn
section.A demister is installed on top of the column. A level
transmitteris installed at the bottom drum.Crude Methyl Chloride
Gas InletCrude Methyl Chloride Gas OutletRecycle Wash Water
InletRecycle Wash Water Outlet(to recycle pump)Function
At the bobbin neckRight on the column top500 mm above the packed
columnsectionRight at the bottom
Water is used in this column to absorb methanol vapor,ZnCI and
HCI gas carried by the crude methyl chloride gas.
2. C 101: Caustic Wash ColumnThis unit also consists of:a) An
internally glass-lined carbon steel column sectionb) An internally
glass-lined carbon steel bottom drumc) A glass-lined bobbin neck
flanged to the column section andbottom drumThe unit materials,
dimension, packing material, crude MethylChloride gas inlet and
outlet, recycle wash liquid (NaOH) inletand outlet are all exactly
the same as the previous column C100: Water Wash Column. The only
exception is a plunging pipesprayer installed on top of the
demister use to wash salt crystalforms on the demister. A level
transmitter is installed to thebottom drum also.
39
Function
Using 20% caustic soda solution recycling by Pump P102 to absorb
any left behind HCI gas from the previouscolumn.
3. C 102 A: 78% HSO Wash ColumnThis unit also consists of:a) An
internally glass-lined carbon steel column sectionb) An internally
glass-lined carbon steel bottom drumc) A glass-lined bobbin neck
flanged to the column section andbottom drumThe unit materials (i.e
internally glass lined carbon steel vessel),packing materials
dimension of bottom drum and bobbin neck,curde Methyl Chloride gas,
recycle wash liquid ( 78% HSO)inlet and outlet are exactly the same
two previous wash column.The differences are:1. The column section
is shorter, i.e only 3000mm but thepacked column section remains
the same as 2500mm.2. No demister is installed on column top (It is
not necessaryup to (..) The remaining of the sentence was
notprinted on the paper.Function
Using recycle 78% HSO to absorb Methyl Oxide andmost of the
water vapor carries by the reaction productMethyl Chloride gas.
4. C 102 B: 98% HSO Wash ColumnMaterial
Carbon Steel VesselColumn section
DimensionBottom Section
Outside DiameterColumn HeightOutside DiameterHeight of
column
350mm4500mm600mm1750mm
The packed column section is right in the middle of thecolumn
section; the packing material is polypropylene pallrings of 25mm
diameter.Methyl Chloride Gas InletMethyl Chloride Gas OutletRecycle
Sulphuric Acid InletRecycle Sulphuric Acid Outlet(to recycle
pump)
Below the packed column sectionRight on the column topOn top of
the packed column sectionRight at the bottom of the acid
reservoir
40
Function
Using recycle 98% Sulphuric Acid toabsorb any left behind water
vapor fromthe previous column C 102 A.
5. R 107: Brink Mist SeparatorMaterial
Carbon steel cylindrical vesselOutside
Diameter500mmDimensionHeight2300mmInternally fix with a Brink Type
glass fibre candleGas InletAt 550mm heightGas OutletAbove the
candleLiquid InletSame height as gas inletLiquid OutletAt 400mm
heightFunction
"Filter" mist of sulphuric acid carries by Methyl Chloridegas.
Methyl Chloride gas coming out from this vessel ispure
6. E 103: Recycle 78% HSO CoolerMaterialDimensionCooling
AgentLiquid to be cooledTemperature of inlet cooling
waterTemperature of outlet cooling waterTemperature of inlet 78%
HSOTemperature of after cooled 78% HSOFunction
Tube SideGraphiteShell SideCarbon SteelLength1725mmProcess
Cooling Water78% HSO31C32C36.7C35CTo cool down recycle 78%HSO
before sending to thecolumn top, C 102 A forabsorption again.
41
7. E 105: Recycle Caustic CoolerThis is a multi-plates
cooler.Plate MaterialFrame MaterialNumber of platesDimensionCooling
AgentLiquid to be cooledTemperature of inlet cooling
waterTemperature of outlet cooling waterTemperature of inlet
caustic solutionTemperature of after cooled
causticsolutionFunction
TiraneCarbon Steel15 pieces180mm X 585mmProcess Cooling Water20%
caustic solution< 31C> 32C> 41.2C< 40CTo cool down
recycle causticsolution before sending to C 101column top for
absorption columnagain.
8. P 101: C 100 Wash Water Recycle Pump
Pump
MotorFunction
Pump MaterialGraphiteNormal Pumping Rate5m/hrNormal
DischargePressure3.7 barsMaximum Head21 metresMotor3 phase /
50HzHorse Power (Hp)3kWRPM1450To recycle wash water from C 100
bottom drum to thecolumn top for the absoprtion process.
9. P 102: C 101 Caustic Recycle Pump
Pump
MotorFunction
Pump MaterialGraphiteNormal Pumping Rate5 m/hrNormal
DischargePressure3.7 barsMaximum Head21 metresMotor3 phase /
50HzHorse Power (Hp)3kWRPM1450To recycle caustic solution from C
101 bottom drum tothe column top for the absorption process.
42
10. P 103 A: C 102 A 78% HSO Recycle Pump
Pump
MotorFunction
Pump MaterialHastelloy CNormal Pumping Rate5 m/hrNormal
DischargePressure4 barsMaximum Head18 metresMotor3 phase /
50HzHorse Power (Hp)2.2kWRPM1450To recycle 78% HSO from C 102 A
bottom drum to thecolumn top for the absorption process.
11. P 103 B: C102 V 98% HSO Recycle Pump
Pump
MotorFunction
Pump MaterialHastelloy CNormal Pumping Rate5 m/hrNormal
DischargePressure4 barsMaximum Head18 metresMotor3 phase /
50HzHorse Power (Hp)212kWRPM1450To recycle 98% HSO from C 102 B
acid reservoir tothe column top for the absorption process.
12. P 106: 98% HSO Feed Pump
Pump
MotorFunction
Pump MaterialNicromaz CNormal Pumping Rate1 m/hrNormal
DischargePressure3.5 barsMaximum HeadMotor3 phase / 50HzHorse Power
(Hp)2.2kWRPM2900To feed 98% HSO storage tank into R 107 Brink
Mistseparator for C 102 A & C 102 B uses.
43
GAS TREATMENT UNITIII Detail Process DescriptionGas Treatment
Unit is an important section in the process of MethylChloride
production, as the quality of the final product totallydepends on a
proper and careful control of the process conditionsof this
section.In this section, there are four chemical reagents wash
columns anda mist elimination, namely:CodeC 100C 101C 102AC 102BR
107
ComponentsWater Wash ColumnCaustic Wash Column78% HSO Wash
Column98% HSO Wash ColumnBrink Mist Separator
Water is used in the first wash column C 100 to dissolve
methanolvapor and trace of ZnCI completely from the crude product.
Amajor part of the uncondensed HCI gas is also dissolve by water
inthis column.The second wash column C 101, actually acts as a
safetyprecaution column. This column uses 20% caustic soda solution
todissolves any left behind HCI gas from the first column.In the
third column C 102A, 78% HSO removes all Methyl Oxideformed in the
side reaction and most of the water from the crudeproduct.The
fourth column, 98% HSO Wash Column C 102B, complete thepurification
process of the whole unit by removing all the moisturefrom the
crude product. Methyl Chloride gas comes from the top ofthis column
is dry and traps in the gas stream.Pure Methyl Chloride gas comes
out from R 107 is thencompressed, liquefied and stored up.Detail
Description of Flow and Process is given below:1.) C 100: Water
Wash Column Treatment Process:Crude Methyl Chloride, after its
gas-liquid phase separation inKnock Down Drum D 101 enters through
gas inlet at the bottomof the packed column section of Water Wash
Column C 100.
44
The crude gas travels up to the column top through spacesbetween
the pall rings packing while being washed by the waterwashed down
from column top. As this crude Methyl Chloridegas comes into
contact with the wash water, methanol vaporand trace of ZnCI that
it carries is completely dissolved by thewash water. Uncondensed
HCI gas from D 101 is also almostcompletely dissolved.Liquid stream
wash solution then flows down to the bottomdrum of this wash column
forming a 5% HCI solution dissolveswith methanol and trace of ZnCI
together with it. This washsolution is then recycled by wash water
Recycle Pump P 101and feeds at a rate of 5m/hr to the top of the
wash column againfor the same washing purpose.Fresh make-up water
feeds constantly (rate = 120kg/hr undernormal operating condition,
check flow rate through make-upwater rotameter F1-110) into the
wash solution recycle line onthe column top in order to maintain
the after washed solution ata constant 5% HCI concentration. This
after washed solution isconstantly discharged away to the waste
treatment pit where itis treated (neutralized) and disposed off.
The rate of discharge isequivalent to the make-up water flow rate
feeds into this columnat normal conditions.The discharge line,
Tee-out from the Recycle Pump delivery lineis fixed with an
automatic level control valve LV 110: Thisenables liquid level in
the bottom drum to be controlled at halfall the time. Level control
of the bottom drum is importantbecause:1. Recycle Pump P 101 must
be assured of constant liquidsupply in order to feed the column
with enough washwater and also to avoid this pump from running dry
whichmay lead to its damage.2. Crude Methyl Chloride gas must be
prevented frombubbling through wash solution in the bottom
drum(when level inside is too high) which causes a highpressure
drop across this wash column.The Automatic Level Control Valve LV
110 accomplished itsduty of level control in the following way:1.
If liquid level in the bottom drum is low, it will
closeautomatically and let all wash solution to recycle back tothe
column top for washing until liquid level is built upback to half
again.
45
2.
If liquid level in the bottom drum is high, it will open moreto
increase the discharge rate of 5% HCI solution to thewaste
treatment pit until the liquid level is brought downto the set
level of half in the bottom drum.
High and Low Level Alarm is installed at the bottom drum
tosafeguard smooth running of this washing process.Crude Methyl
Chloride gas after water washing, passesthrough a demister at the
column top which condenses themoisture the gas carries and enters
the second wash columnC 101: Caustic Wash Column for the complete
removal of HCIgas from this crude.II C 101: Caustic Wash Column
Treatment ProcessComing from the previous column, crude Methyl
Chloride gasenters Caustic Wash Column at its gas inlet below the
packedcolumn section. The crude gas then travels up to the column
topthrough spaces between the pall rings packing of the
packedcolumn section.Caustic solution feeds at a rate of 5m/hr by
Caustic RecyclePump P 102 enters the column top and flows down. As
thiscaustic solution comes into contacts with the crude gas in
thepacked column section, any untreated HCI gas from the
firstcolumn is immediately (and effectively) absorbed by the
causticsolution.Caustic solution then flows down to the bottom drum
andrecycles back to the column top for absorption again. As
theabsorption reaction of HCI gas by caustic solution
generatesheat, caustic solution has to be cooled down first in
RecycleCaustic Cooler E 105 before recycling back to the column
top.Unlike the washing process in the first column, caustic
solutionafter washing crude Methyl Chloride is not
continuouslydischarged away. It is because the amount of untreated
HCI gasfrom the previous column C 100 is negligible if its
processcondition is under well control. The initial concentration
ofcaustic solution uses for this column is 20%, it is replaced
onlywhen the free 0H content drops to about 2%. Therefore this
iscalled a batch-wise process.Methyl Chloride gas again passes
through a demister at thecolumn top which condenses its moisture
and comes out formthis column completely free of HCI gas. It will
then enter the
46
third wash column for treatment of Methyl Oxide and
watervapor.III C 102 A: 78% HSO Wash ColumnC 102 B: 98% HSO Wash
ColumnR 107 : Brink Mist SeparatorThe working process of these
equipments: i.e. C 102A, C 102Band R 107 are inter-related. They
use sulphuric acid feeds into R107 which then flows to R 102B and R
102A for absorption ofMethyl Oxide and moisture carries by crude
Methyl Chloridegas. The after washed sulphuric acid which has a
concentrationof 78% is then send to the weak sulphuric acd storage
tank. Theafter treatment Methyl Chloride gas which is now pure is
sendfor compression, liquefaction process and stores up.Detail
Description of the process is given below:a) C 102A: 78% HSO Wash
ColumnCrude Methyl Chloride gas enters 78% sulphuric acidWash
Column C 102A at the gas inlet below the packedcolumn section. The
crude gas travels up through spacesbetween the pall rings packing
of this packed columnsection. 78% HSO Recycle Pump P 103A pumps the
acidfrom the bottom drum and feed it at a rate of 5 m/hr to thetop
of the wash column. This acid flows down to thebottom drum passing
through the pall ring packing and asit comes into contact with
crude Methyl Chloride gas,Methyl Oxide carries by the gas stream is
completelyadsorbed together with most of the water vapor
bysulphuric acid.The absorption of water vapor by suphuric acid
generatesheat, therefore the recycle acid has to be cooled down inE
103, Recycle HSO before its is fed back to the columntop
again.Absorption of Methyl Oxide and water vapor by sulphuricacid
in this column attains its best efficiency and is alsoeconomical
when the washed down acid concentration is78%. Dilution of the acid
by the water vapor it adsorbed isconstantly reconcentrated by make
up 98% HSOsupplies from C 102B.In order to maintain level of
sulphuric acid in the bottomdrum at half all the time, 78% HSO is
constantly sent toits storage tank at a controlled rate. Automatic
Level
47
Control Valve LV 112 on Pumps P 103A delivery lineperforms the
duty of controlling the acid level in thebottom drum. By doing so,
Pump P 103A is preventedfrom controlling the acid level in the
bottom drum. Bydoing so, Pump P 103A is prevented from running
emptyand caused damages. And also methyl chloride can enterthis
column smoothly without being forced to bubblethrough the wash
liquid and causes high pressure dropacross this column if level of
the acid is higher than thegas outlet.The Level Control, Recording,
and Alarm system of thiscolumn performs exactly the same as in C
100: WaterWash Column.Crude Methyl Chloride gas comes out from this
columncarries along with its small amount of water vapor
butcompletely free of methyl oxide, enters the last washcolumn C
102b for complete removal of water vapor bythe 98% HSO in this
column.b) C 102B: 98% HSO Wash ColumnMethyl Chloride gas enters the
gas inlet below the packedcolumn section of 98% HSO Wash Column C
102B. As inthe previous columns, Methyl Chloride gas travels
upbetween spaces of the pall rings packing to the columntop. 98%
HSO feeds to the column top at a rate of 5m/hrby Recycle Pump P
103B.As Methyl Chloride gas comes into contact with thewashed down
98% HSO, unabsorbed water vapor fromthe previous column (in small
quantity) is completelyabsorbed. Acid then flows down to the bottom
acidreservoir and is recycled back to the column top
againcontinuously. Fresh supply of 98% HSO flows into theacid
reservoir from R 107 Brink Mist Separator outlet lineunder a
constant flow rate. Same quantity of 98%sulphuric acid as supplied
from R 107 overflowscontinuously through the overflow outlet of the
acidreservoir to the bottom drum of C 102A. As there is noacid
discharge line on pump P 103B delivery, 98% HSORecycle Pump P 103B
is assured of liquid supply.Therefore only high level alarm is
installed in order towarn fro proper action to be taken to avoid
bubbling ofMethyl Chloride gas through this wash column andcauses a
high pressure drop across it.
48
Methyl Chloride gas comes out from the column top ofthis last
water column is considered to be pure exceptthat some mist of
sulphuric acid traps in the gas streamhas to be lastly removed in R
107, Brink Mist Separator.c) R 107: Brink Mist Separator Treatment
ProcessMethyl Chloride gas, comes out from C 102B completelydry and
free from other impurities enters the gas inlet of R107, Brink Mist
Separator together with 98% HSO feedsat a rate of 18kg/hr into CHCI
gas line at a Tee- jointbefore the gas entrance to R 107.III Detail
Process DescriptionMethyl Chloride gas after passing through Brink
Mist SeparatorR 107 is pure and dry. Before its entrance into the
MethylChloride Compressor P 105 for compression, its flow rate
isdetected (FE 105: Flow Element), measured (FT 105:
FlowTransmitter) and recorded (FR 105: Flow Rate Recorder).It then
enters a Manifold Receiving pipe (the gas reservoir) ofthe Crepelle
Compressor P 105. The compressor will thencompress the pure Methyl
Chloride gas from 0.3 bar pressure to2,75 bar at first stage
compression. The compressed gas is hotand the temperature is about
110C.This hot Methyl Chloride gas is then cooled down to 40C in
thecompressed gas intercooler before it is compressed in thesecond
stage.Second Stage Compression gas brings the Methyl Chloride Gasto
a pressure of 8 bars (maximum=9 bars). The compressed gasis hot at
a temperature of 110C. This high pressure and hotMethyl Chloride
gas is then cooled down to below 40C byLiquefactor 104 installed on
top of the plant. At 40C, MethylChloride liquefies and becomes
liquid which is then flows downby the difference of its static head
into Methyl Chloride storagetanks R 130A & R 130B.On top of the
storage tank, a chiller unit and a Methyl ChlorideVapor Chiller E
130 is installed. This is to provide a lowtemperature (5C) cooling
facilities for the Methyl Chloride vaporfrom the Storage Tank R
130A & B and also those uncondensedvapor from Liquefactor E
104. The vapor after chilled will liquefyagain and flow back to the
storage tank.
49
At ambient temperature of 35C, pure liquid Methyl Chlorideexerts
a vapor pressure of 7 bars in the storage tank. In anycase when
this vapor pressure is more than 7 bars, it is anindication that
inert gas like N, SO etc is presence in thestorage tank. Through
analysis of the gas composition from thestorage tanks by
laboratory, vent valve on top of E 130 may beopened to vent off
these inert gas in order to bring down thevapor pressure inside the
storage tanks back to its normalpressure of 7 bars.IV Compression,
Liquefaction and StorageI Name of EquipmentsThis unit deals with
the compression, liquefaction and storageof pure chloride. The main
equipments are:CodeP 105E 104R 103 A & BP 130E 130PV 105
Name of EquipmentsMethyl Chloride CompressorMethyl Chloride
LiquefactorMethyl Chloride Storage TankMethyl Chloride Loading
PumpMethyl Chloride Vapor CondenserCompressor P 105 By-Pass Line
Control Valve
InstrumentsCodeFR 105PR 105PAL 105TAH 105PR 104PAH 104TJR 103SAL
116
Name of EquipmentsMethyl Chloride Flow Rate RecorderCompressor P
105 Suction Pressure AlarmCompressor P 105 High Suction Pressure
AlarmCompressed Methyl Chloride High Temperature AlarmLiquefactor
Pressure RecorderLiquefactor High Pressure AlarmLiquified Methyl
Chloride Temperature RecorderCompressor Stopped Alarm
II Equipments Description and Functions1.) P 105: Methyl
Chloride Compressor (Crepelle Compressor)Nature of CompressorNormal
Compression RateMaximum Compression RateRPMNormal Discharge
PressureNormal Suction PressureMotor Horse Power (HP)Other
Facilities
Two stages compressor312 kg/hr400 kg/hr397 RPM - 875 RPM8 bars,
maximum = 9 bars0.3 bar30kW1.) By Pass Gas Cooler2.) Inter-Stage
Gas Cooler
50
Function
To compress pure Methyl Chloridegas from 0.3 bar to 8 bar
2.) E 104: Methyl Chloride Methyl
LiquefactorNatureMaterialDimensionTube SideShell SideFunction
Tube and Shell Type Heat ExchangerCarbon SteelLength 4.5 metres,
Outside Diameter (O.D) = 0.4 metresInternal Tubes: 4000mm X 4
pieces24 bafflesTo liquefy compressed Methyl Chloride gas using
wateras the cooling agent.
3.) R 130 A and R 103 B: Methyl Chloride Storage
TankMaterialDimensionLengthOutside DiameterCapacityFunction
Carbon SteelAs liquid Methyl Chloride storage.
4.) P 130: Methyl Chloride Loading PumpMaterialCapacityNormal
DischargePressureRPMMotorHPFunction
Cast Steel (Sealess Pump)10m/hr9.5 bars gauge29003 phase X 440
volts X 50 HzTo load liquid Methyl Chloride from storage tankR 130A
& B into ISO container
5.) E 130: Methyl Chloride Vapor
CondenserNatureMaterialDimensionTube SideShell SideFunction
Tube and Shell Type Heat ExchangerCarbon SteelLength 4500mm,
Outside Diameter (O.D) = 200mm4000mm XXLength36 bafflesUsing chill
water from the refrigeration unit to cool downvapor of Methyl
Chloride into liquid from storage tanks,ISO container, Liquefactor.
And also vent out inert gasfrom the storage and liquefaction
system.
6.) PV 105: Compressor P 105 By-Pass Line Control
ValveServiceFunction
Control Valve: Pressure InducedAutomatic Control of Suction
Pressure of CompressorP 105
51
V Operation ProceduresBesides the cooling water network of this
plant, Gas treatment Unitis the very first section to put into
operation in the process ofMethyl Chloride production. This section
is not only important inquality control of the final product; also
it is equally important inthe safe running of CompressorP 105,
Liquefactor E 104 andstorages R 130 A and R 130 B, all of which
depends on a good andpropel control of the process conditions of
this section.Followings is a test on operation procedures.1. Check
and make sure that cooling water is fed to RecycleCaustic Cooler E
105 ( at 5m/hr) and recycle 78% SulphuricAcid Cooler E 103 ( at
4m/hr)2.
Starts up Wash Water Recycle Pump P 101 of Water WashColumn C
100.Set Regulator LIC 110 to operate Automatic Level ControlValve
LV 110 to control the waste water discharge in order tomaintain C
100 bottom drum level at 700mm. Check LevelRecorder LR 110.Feeds
make-up water into C 100 column top at 500kg/hr.Check Flow
Rotameter FT 110 to assure the make-up waterflow rate.
3.
Starts up Wash Caustic Recycle Pump P 102 of Caustic WashColumn
C 101.Check Level Recorder LR 111 of this column to assure ofenough
caustic for recirculation by Pump P 102.
4.
Starts up Wash Caustic Recycle Pump P 102 of Caustic WashColumn
C 101.Set Regulator LIC 112 to operate Automatic Level ControlValve
LV 112 to control 78% HSO discharge rate in order tomaintain bottom
drum level of this column ( C 102 A) at700mm. Check Level Recorder
LR 112 to make sure of steel.
5.
Starts up 98% HSO Recycle Pump P 103 B of 98% HSOWash Column C
102 B.Check Level Recorder LR 112 of this column to ensure levelof
98% HSO in the reservoir or C 102 B is at its overflowpoint.Note:
Pumps P 101, P 102, P 103 A & P 103 B are started
upsimultaneously at the same time.
52
6.
As soon as reaction started, Feeds R 107 Brink MistSeparator
with 98% HSO at 18kg/hr.Check HSO Flow Rotameter FI 107, to ensure
of HSO flowrate.
7.
Check PDR 107, Pressure Drop Recorder of Brink MistSeparator R
107. Open R 107 bottom drain valve if LAH 107comes in.
8.
After reaction started,a) Check C 100 waste discharge
concentration (HCI) andadjust make up water flow rate
accordingly.b) Check C 101 caustic concentration by titration
method;replace caustic solution if concentration is below 2%.c)
Check temperature of recycle caustic ( TW 151 and TW161) and also
temperature of recycle 78% HSO ( TW142 & TW 132)Note: Method of
Replacement of Caustic Solution in C 101.a) Open discharge line
isolation valve and dischargecaustic solution to waste treatment
until level inbottom drum of C 101 is at 10%. Check LR 111.b) Stop
discharge to avoid Pump P 102 to run empty.Close discharge
isolation valve.c) Feeds Caustic from R 101 to original position
ofcaustic level in bottom drum.
53
IV Gas Treatment Unit: Normal Operation Conditions of
Temperature, Pressure andLevelColumn
Description
TemperatureCHCIgascolumn outlet
C 100
Instrument
ofat
Temperature IndicatorTJI 130
NormalSet Point
40
Actions on Abnormalities1.) If > 40C, check C 100 discharge
HCI.Increase make up water flow if necessary.2.) Check HCI excess
for reaction. AdjustHCI to C 201 accordingly.3.) Check D 101 HCI
concentration, temperatureetc.1.) Check LR 110 of Column C 100
bottom drumlevel. Reset LIC 110 if level too high.2.) Check
pressure of other column inlet and otherCompressor P 105
performance.
Pressure of CHCLgas at column inlet
Local Pressure Gauge
0.46 bars
Level of wash waterin bottom drum
Level Indicator LR 110
700mm
Low level alarm ofbottom drum
Alarm LAL 110
450mm
1.) Increase make-up water flow rate: checkdischarge HCI
concentration2.) Reset LIC 110 to bring up level to set point
High level alarm ofbottom drum
Alarm LAL 110
950mm
1.) Increase discharge HCI flow rate.2.) Reset LIC 110 to bring
down level to set point.
Temperature IndicatorTJI 141
35
1.) Check C 100 performance2.) Check E 105 of foiling, increase
cooling waterto E 105 if necessary.
TemperatureCHCIgascolumn outlet
ofat
See Action Below: LAL 110 & LAH 110
1.) Check LR 111 of column C 101 bottomC 101
Pressure of CHCLgas at column inlet
Local Pressure Gauge
0.42 bars
Level of causticsolution in bottomdrum
Level Recorder LR 111
850mm
High level alarm ofbottom drum
Alarm LAH 111
950mm
TemperatureCHCIgascolumn outlet
ofat
Temperature IndicatorTJI 152
drum level. Reset LIC 110.2.) Check pressure of other column and
alsocompressor P 105 performance.See Action Below: LAH 1111.) Bring
down level of caustic solution inthe bottom drum.
40
1.) If > 40C, check Recycle 78% HSO Cooler E1032.) Increase
cooling water flow rate to E 103 ifnecessary.1.) Check bottom drum
level, avoid flooding andbubbling of CHCI gas2.) Check pressure of
other column and alsoCompressor P 105 performance.
Pressure of CHCIgas at column inlet
Local Pressure Gauge
0.38
Level of 78% HSOin bottom drum
Level Recorder LR 112
700mm
Low level alarm ofbottom drum
Alarm LAL 112
450mm
1.) Reset LIC 112 to bring up level to set point.2.) Check
make-up flow rate HSO level in R 107
High level alarm ofbottom drum
LAH 112
950mm
1.) Reset LIC 112. Increase discharge 78% HSOto bring down the
level to set point
C 102A
See Action Below: LAL 112 and LAH 112
54
Description
Instrument
NormalSet Point
Pressure of CHCIgas at column inlet
Local Pressure Gauge
0.34 bars
1.) Check pressure drop of R 1072.) Check HSO level in R 107
Level of 98% HSOin acid reservoir
Level Recorder LR 122
1250mm
See Action Below on LAH 122
Alarm LAH 122
1500mm
1.) Check over flow line to C 102 A for choke or airlock.2.)
Drain to check for sulphate deposit. (Take safetyprecaution)
Pressure RecorderPDR 107
150m HOcolumn
See Action Below
Alarm PDAH 107
500mmHOcolumn
Clean Brink Filter after plant major shut down
formaintenance.
Column
C 102B
High level alarm of98% HSO in acidreservoir
R 107
Pressuredropacross brink mistseparatorHigh pressure dropalarm of
brink mistseparator
Actions on Abnormalities
IV Compression, Liquefaction and storage: Operation condition,
Alarm etc.Equipments
MethylChlorideCompressorP 105
Description
Instruments
Normal SetPoint
Methyl ChlorideCompressor P 105
Flow RateRecorder FR105
150 kg/hrto40 kg/hr
Record accordingly to actual production rate.
Suction Pressureof Compressor
PressureRecorder PR105
0.3 bar
1.) Check production rate.2.) Check compressor performance.3.)
Check Compressor By Pass Control Valveperformance.
Compressor LowSuction PressureAlarm
Alarm PAL 105
Check by pass valve operation.
Compressor HighSuction PressureAlarm
Alarm PAL 105
0.5 bar
1.) Check Liquefactor E 104 performance andcompressor discharge
pressure.2.) Degass inert if inert content high.3.) Check FR 105 on
Methyl Chloride flow rate.4.) Check By Pass Control Valve
performance
Compressor HighDischarge GasTemperatureAlarm
Alarm PAL 105
120C
1.) Check intercooler performance, i.e coolingwater
temperature
Compressor StopSignal SAL 116
PSL 116 Oil Pressure LowFSL 116 Cooling H0 Flow LowPSLL 116
Suction pressure LowPSHH 116 Discharge Pressure HighTSHH 116
Discharge TemperatureHigh
LiquefactorPressureE 104
- 0.1 bar
Comments and Action on Abnormalities
Liquid MethylChloridetemperature
PressureRecorderPR 104TemperatureRecorderTJR 103
Top up compressor oil before start up again.Rectify cooling
water system before start upagainCheck compression and
liquefraction unitCheck compressor cooling system
9 bars(maximum)
1.) Check cooling water of E 1042.) Degass inert if inert
contact high
40C(maximum)
Check E 104 performance
55
HCI Vent Treatment UnitI. Name of EquipmentNo123
CodeE 210C 210P 210
NameHCI Gas Isothermal AbsorberHCI Tail Gas ScubberVent Gas
Blower
InstrumentNo1234
CodeTR 400TR 401TAH 401FI 401
NameE 210 Product Temperature RecorderC 210 Scrubbed Water
Temperature RecorderC 210 Scrubbed Water High Temperature AlarmC
210 Scrubbing Feed Water Rotameter
II Equipment Description:1. E 210: HCI Gas Isothermal
AbsorberMaterialDimension
Function
a.) Absorption Tubes are made of graphiteb.) Cooling water
jacket is made of carbon steela.) Absorption tubes: Diameter 24mm,
Length 2000mmb.) Cooling water jacket: Diameter 370mm, length:
2000mma.) To absorb HCI gas from HCI Distilling Column 201 (during
plantstart up or shut down)b.) To absorb HCI fume from strong HCI
Buffer StorageTank R 201 or fume form Azeotropic HCI Receiving Tank
R 202
2. C 210: HCI Tail Gas ScrubberMaterialDimensionFunction
PVC, Internally packed with 1500mm, length of PP pall rings of
25mmPVC Pipe: Outside Diameter 150mm, length: 2000mmTo absorb
unabsorbed tail gas from E 210
3. P 210: Vent Gas BlowerMaterialFunction
Porcelain Type BlowerTo vent off waste gas from C 210
III Detail Process DescriptionDuring Methyl Chloride plant start
up process before HCI DistillingColumn C 201 attains its optimal
process condition to give > 96%HCI gas for reactor,
Inter-operating Valves HV 203B is opened tosend the early HCI gas
from C 201 to the HCI vent Treatment Unit.When plant shut down due
to power failure or powe dip, excess HCIgas is also sent to this
unit.
56
HCI fume from HCI Buffer Storage Tank R 201 and Azeotropic
HCIReceiving Tank R 202 is also sent to HCI Vent Treatment Unit
forabsorption.The HCI gas (or fume) enters the top of Isothermal
Absorber E 210.Weak HCI (20% Azeotropic HCI) send by Pump P 202
enterssideway to the absorber top. These gas and liquid flows down
tothe bottom of E 210 through the graphite tubes at the same time
forabsorption of gas by weak acid to take place. This acid will
thenflow back to R 202 and pump away for further reconcentration
inthe HCI plant.Unabsorbed HCI gas is separated at the bottom
separator of E 210and flows up to the Tails Gas Scrubber, C 210.
This tail gas travelsup through the packed column of C 210 and is
absorbed by purewater flows down from the top of the scrubber. The
weak scrubbedsolution then flows to the top of E 210 for absorption
again. Othergases are vent off to the atmosphere by Vent Gas Blower
P 120.HCI Vent Treatment Unit Operation Condition and
Alarm:EquipmentsE 210
C 210
Instruments
NormalSet Point
Comments and Action on Abnormalities
E 210 ProductTemperature Record
35C
1. Check cooling water temperature for the absorber2. Check weak
acid temperature3. Choke up of absorption tubes4. Absorption liquid
not enough (Increase flow rate)
C 210 ScrubbedSolution Temperature
35C
1.) If high temperature: Increase feed water flow rate
Scrubbed Solution HighTemperature Alarm
> 40C
Increase feed water flow rate
Feed Water Rotameter
Adjust flow rate of feed water to C 210 according toproduction
rate.
V. Operation Procedures1. Start up Vent Gas Blower P 2102. Feed
C 210 with pure waterAdjust water flow rate (Rotameter FI 401) in
accordance tothe HCI gas rate from HCI Distilling Column C 201
duringplant start up or shut down.3. Check TR 401 of scrubbed water
temperature.Increased scrubbing water flow rate if temperature
ofscrubbed water is too high4. Maintain E 210 product concentration
at below 34%. Increasescrubbing water feeds into C 210 if E 210
productconcentration is too high.5. Keep observe on level of R
202.
57