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my question is related to an Isomerization unit. In a highly moisture sensitive Penex unit, what is the recommended practice to dry out the exchanger/system after the hydrotest of an exchanger in case of Leakage?
 
Answers
06/09/2007 A: Hubert Mueller, Bayernoil, guhumueller@web.de
Unfortunately you will have to run through the normal drying procedure with all steps including acidizing. This is because all iron surfaces open to atmosphere got oxidized to some extent. But it should be possible to shorten the process by draining all free water extremely carefully, filling the system (reactors bypassed and blinded) with dry nitrogen (use one gas-dryer and temporary piping) and heat the nitrogen with a temporary heat source.
Blow down the nitrogen via all low points at an elevated rate and continue until you cannot find any trace of free water. Then switch to the normal dry out procedure.......