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Our Deep Catalytic Cracking unit, commissioned an year ago, is constrained with high stripper/absorber pressure drop problems. When stripper feed temp was 42 deg, stripper exhibited high del pr even at 80% loads. After failure of HPS inlet condensers cooling water exchangers, the stripper feed temp increased to 67 deg C. Though the stripper del P peaked around at 95% load, but absorber column del P exceeded the max operating value.
What may be reasons behind stripper del P incursions? What is the optimum stripper feed temperature?
 
Answers
15/05/2020 A: Prince George, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, prince.george@gmail.com
The Stripper inlet temperature of 67 deg C is high. Maintain the same at around 50-55 deg c. This will help to reduce the dP across the stripper and also will reduce the load on the absorber
09/05/2016 A: James Chacko, GE Power and Water, james.chacko@ge.com
Olefinic light ends with water presence could lead to corrosion, plus add up particulates and makes a mess with distillation. Post scanning, remedial measures could be sought after
Foaming emulsion could be probable reason and there are treatments available
22/02/2016 A: Eric Hennings, Technip Stone & Webster, EHennings@technip.com
The higher feed temperature will contain more dissolved water. Water draw must be functional. Consider tray design as source of flooding. Best practice is to conduct a scan of tower.
06/01/2016 A: NS Murthy, Suez, murthy.ns.ext@suez.com
It looks to be more of corrosion and scaling issues apart from likely poor wash water management and separation from different boots in the GASCON section. Pl contact your local GE representative to take a holistic view and provide right remedial plans and lasting solutions on process reliability.