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What is the process for detecting leak in feed/effluent heat exchanger of C5/C6 isonerization process which uses zeolite catalyst, without shutdown or using radio active tracers? Is there any component which when injected along with feed will completely react in isomerization reactor?
 
Answers
11/08/2017 A: NS Murthy, Suez, murthy.ns.ext@suez.com
Perhaps checking the level of Benzene in product will help to identify extent of leak from feed to product in the feed vs effluent exchanger as I see in most ISOM units, Bz gets fully saturated too. Other option could be check the mol. ratio of nC5/nC6 in feed vs product. It could throw some light on leak across the exchanger. Good luck.
10/08/2017 A: Patrick Bullen, UOP, patrick.bullen@uop.com
The benzene that is in the feed is a good check for exchanger leaks if the catalyst is in good condition and has demonstrated in the past nearly complete saturation to cyclohexane. With active zeolitic catalyst having 1-5 wt% benzene in the feed, the catalyst will reduced the benzene to trace levels to 0.01-0.05 wt% in the product. If you can confirm from previous data that you have good benzene saturation, then benzene in the product can be used as a tracer to determine how much the exchanger is leaking.
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10/08/2017 A: Eric Hennings, Technip Stone & Webster, EHennings@technip.com
I have injected a small amount of dye into the feed side, whilst taking continuous visual samples on effluent. A temporary cooler and separator is required.