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We have a thermosyphon reboiler for our stripper column. Before shutdown we were circulating more hot oil in this reboiler, but after shutdown we cannot increase the hot oil at the same feed rate.
How can we rectify?
 
Answers
13/05/2010 A: Ralph Ragsdale, Ragsdale Refining Courses, ralph.ragsdale@att.net
I am assuming the hot oil flow is on flow control. If it is not, other parts of the column system may be misleading you and calling for a lower reboiler duty than before the shutdown. Check all flowmeters.
13/05/2010 A: Ralph Ragsdale, Ragsdale Refining Courses, ralph.ragsdale@att.net
Conduct a pressure survey of the entire hot oil circuit and examine to see if the pressure drop of each element (valves, pipe, pump) is reasonable. Compare those data with previous surveys, if available. Are you relying on one flow meter reading when you say the flow rate is low, or are you obviously short of heat input? Make sure your flow measurements are accurate.