CHEMICAL PROCESS
ENGINEERING
Design and Economics
Harry Silla
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S.A.
m
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6. Acetylene-Based Chemicals from Coal and Other Natural Resources,
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7. Chemically Resistant Masonry, Walter Lee Sheppard, Jr.
8. Compressors and Expanders: Selection and Application for the Process
Industry, Heinz P. Bloch, Joseph A. Cameron, Frank M. Danowski, Jr.,
Ralph James, Jr., Judson S. Swearingen, and Marilyn E. Weightman
9. Metering Pumps: Selection and Application, James P. Poynton
10. Hydrocarbons from Methanol, Clarence D. Chang
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20. Deactivation and Poisoning of Catalysts, edited by Jacques Oudar and
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25. Catalytic Cracking: Catalysts, Chemistry, and Kinetics, Bohdan W.
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26. Chemical Reaction and Reactor Engineering, edited by J. J. Carberry
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27. Filtration: Principles and Practices, Second Edition, edited by Michael J.
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28. Corrosion Mechanisms, edited by Florian Mansfeld
29. Catalysis and Surface Properties of Liquid Metals and Alloys, Yoshisada
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30. Catalyst Deactivation, edited by Eugene E. Petersen and Alexis T. Bell
31. Hydrogen Effects in Catalysis: Fundamentals and Practical Applications,
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32. Flow Management for Engineers and Scientists, Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff and Paul N. Cheremisinoff
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34. Powder and Bulk Solids Handling Processes: Instrumentation and
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64. Handbook of Grignard Reagents, edited by Gary S. Silverman and Philip
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65. Shape Selective Catalysis in Industrial Applications: Second Edition,
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74. Fluid Cracking Catalysts, edited by Mario L. Occelli and Paul O'Connor
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83. The Chemical Process Industries Infrastructure: Function and Economics, James R. Couper, O. Thomas Beasley, and W. Roy Penney
84. Transport Phenomena Fundamentals, Joel L. Plawsky
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87. Plantwide Dynamic Simulators in Chemical Processing and Control,
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ADDITIONAL VOLUMES IN PREPARATION
Thermodynamic Cycles: Computer-Aided Design and Optimization,
Chih Wu
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Preface
Chemical engineers develop, design, and operate processes that are vital to
our society. Hardigg* states: "I consider engineering to be understandable by the
general public by speaking about the four great ideas of engineering: structures,
machines, networks, and processes." Processes are what distinguish chemical from
other engineering disciplines. Nevertheless, designing chemical plants requires
contributions from other branches of engineering. Before taking process design,
students' thinking has been compartmentalized into several distinct subjects. Now,
they must be trained to think more globally than before. This is not an easy transition. One of my students said that process design is a new way of thinking for him.
I have found it informative to read employment ads to keep abreast of skills required of process engineers. An ad from General Dynamics* in San Diego, CA,
states, "We are interested in chemical engineers with plant operations and/or process engineering experience because they develop the total process perspective and
problem-solving skill we need."
The book is designed mostly for a senior course in process design. It could
be used for entry-level process engineers in industry or for a refresher course. The
book could also be used before learning to use process simulation software. Before
enrolling in process design, the student must have some knowledge of chemical
engineering prerequisites: mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, transport
* Hardigg, V, ASEE Prism, p.26, April 1999.
Chemical and Engineering News, January 29, 1990.
f
Mi
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
iv
Preface
phenomena, separator design, and reactor design. I encourage students to refer to
their textbooks during their process design, but there is need for a single source,
covering the essentials of these subjects. One reason for a single source is the
turnover in instructors and texts. Besides, it is difficult to teach a course using several texts, even if the students are familiar with the texts. Another objective of a
process design course is to fill the holes in their education. This book contains
many examples. In many cases, the examples are familiar to the student. Sources
of process-design case studies are: the American Institute of Chemical Engineers
(AIChE) student contest problems; the Department of Chemical Engineering,
Washington University, at St. Louis, Missouri; and my own experience.
I am fortunate to have worked with skilled engineers during my beginning
years in chemical engineering. From them I learned to design, troubleshoot, and
construct equipment. This experience gave me an appreciation of the mechanical
details of equipment. Calculating equipment size is only the beginning. The next
step is translating design calculations into equipment selection. For this task, process engineers must know what type and size of equipment are available. At the
process design stage, the mechanical details should be considered. An example is
seals, which impacts on safety. I have not attempted to include discussion of all
possible equipment in my text. If I had, I would still be writing.
The book emphasizes approximate shortcut calculations needed for a preliminary design. For most of the calculations, a pocket calculator and mathematics
software, such as Polymath, is sufficient. When the design reaches the final stages,
requiring more exact designs, then process simulators must be used. Approximate,
quick calculations have their use in industry for preparing proposals, for checking
more exact calculations, and for sizing some equipment before completing the
process design. In many example problems, the calculated size is rounded off to
the next highest standard size. To reduce the completion time, the approach used is
to purchase immediately equipment that has a long delivery time, such as pumps
and compressors. Once the purchase has been made the rest of the process design
is locked into the size of this equipment. Although any size equipment - within
reason - could be built, it is less costly to select a standard size, which varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer. Using approximate calculations is also an excellent
way of introducing students to process design before they get bogged down in
more complex calculations.
Units are always a problem for chemical engineers. It is unfortunate that the
US has not converted completely from English units to SI (Systeme International)
units. Many books have adopted SI units. Most equipment catalogs use English
units. Companies having overseas operations and customers must use SI units.
Thus, engineers must be fluent in both sets of units. It could be disastrous not to be
fluent. I therefore decided to use both systems. In most cases, the book contains
units in both systems, side-by-side. The appendix contains a discussion of SI units
with a table of conversion factors.
Chapter 1, The Structure of Processes and Process Engineering, introduces
the student to processes and the use of the flow diagram. The flow diagram is the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Preface
way chemical engineers describe a process and communicate. This chapter contains some of the more common flow-diagram symbols. To reduce the complexity
of the flow diagram, this chapter divides a process into nine process operations.
There may be more than one process operation contained in a process unit (the
equipment). This chapter also describes the chemical-engineering tasks required
in a project.
Chapter 2, Production and Capital Cost Estimation, only contains the essentials of chemical-engineering economics. Many students learn other aspects of
engineering economics in a separate course. Rather than placing this chapter later
in the book, it is placed here to show the student how equipment influences the
production cost. Chapter 2 describes cash flow and working capital in a corpora-
tion. This chapter also describes the components of the production cost and how
to calculate this cost. Finally, this chapter describes the components of capital cost
and outlines a procedure for calculating the cost. Most of the other chapters discuss equipment selection and sizing needed for capital cost estimation.
Chapter 3, Process-Circuit Analysis, first discusses the strategy of problem
solving. Next, the chapter summarizes the relationships for solving design problems. The approach to problem solving followed throughout most of the book is to
first list the appropriate design equations in a table for quick reference and checking. The numbering system for equations appearing in the text is to show the chapter number followed by the equation number. For example, Equation 5.7 means
Equation 7 in Chapter 5. For equations listed in tables, the numbering system is to
number the chapter, then the table and the equation. Thus, 3.8.12 would be Equation 12 in Table 8 and Chapter 3. Following this table another table outlines a calculating procedure. Then, the problem-sizing method is applied to four singleprocess units, and to a segment of a process consisting of several units.
Heat transfer is one of the more frequently-occurring process operations.
Chapter 4, Process Heat Transfer, discusses shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and
Chapter 7, Reactor Design, discusses jacket and coil heat exchangers. Chapter 4
describes how to select a heat-transfer fluid and a shell-and-tube heat-exchanger
design. This chapter also shows how to make an estimate of heat-exchanger area
and rate heat exchangers.
Transferring liquids and gases from one process unit to another is also a frequently occurring process operation. Heat exchangers and pumps are the most
frequently used equipment in many processes. Chapter 5, Compressors, Pumps,
and Turbines, discusses the two general types of machines, positive displacement
and dynamic, for both liquids and gases. The discussion of pumps also could logically be included in Chapter 8, Design of Flow Systems. Instead, Chapter 5 includes pumps to emphasize the similarities in the design of pumps and compressors. This chapter shows how to calculate the power required for compressors and
pumps. Chapter 5 also discusses electric motor and turbine drives for these machines.
Chapter 6, Separator Design, considers only the most common phase and
component separators. Because plates and column packings are contained in ves-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
vi
Preface
sels, this chapter starts with a brief discussion of the mechanical design of vessels.
Although chemical engineers rarely design vessels, a working knowledge of the
subject is needed to communicate with mechanical engineers. The phase separators considered are: gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, and solid-liquid. The common component separators are: fractionators, absorbers, and extractors. This chapter shows
how to approximately calculate the length and diameter of separators. Flowrate
fluctuations almost always occur in processes. To dampen these fluctuations requires installing accumulators at appropriate points in the process. Accumulators
are sized by using a surge time (residence time) to calculate a surge volume. Frequently, a phase separator and a component separator include the surge volume.
This chapter also discusses vortex formation in vessels and how to prevent it. Vortexes may form in a vessel, drawing a gas into the discharge line and forming a
two-phase mixture. Then, the two-phase mixture flows into a pump, damaging the
pump.
Chapter 7, Reactor Design, discusses continuous and batch stirred-tank reactors and the packed-bed catalytic reactor, which are frequently used. Heat exchangers for stirred-tank reactors described are the: simple jacket, simple jacket
with a spiral baffle, simple jacket with agitation nozzles, partial pipe-coil jacket,
dimple jacket, and the internal pipe coil. The amount of heat removed or added
determines what jacket is selected. Other topics discussed are jacket pressure drop
and mechanical considerations. Chapter 7 also describes methods for removing or
adding heat in packed-bed catalytic reactors. Also considered are flow distribution
methods to approach plug flow in packed beds.
Designing flow systems is a frequently occurring design problem confronted
by the process engineer, both in a process and in research. Chapter 8 discusses
selecting and sizing, piping, valves, and flow meters. Chapter 5 considered pump
selection. Chapter 8 also describes pump sizing, using manufacturer's performance curves. Cavitation in pumps is a frequently occurring problem and this chapter also discusses how to avoid it. After completing the chapter, the students work
on a two week problem selecting and sizing control valves and a pump from
manufacturers' literature. Many of these problems are drawn from industrial experience.
Most things in life are not possible without the help of others. I am grateful
to the following individuals:
the many students who used my class notes during the development of the senior
course in process design, and who critiqued my class notes by the questions they
asked
Otto Frank, formally Process Supervisor at Allied Signal Co., Morristown, NJ,
who critiqued a draft of my book from an industrial point of view.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Preface
vii
Prof. Deran Hanesian, Prof, of Chemical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of
Technology, Newark, NJ, who also critiqued the draft but from an academic point
of view
Charles Bambara, Director of Technology, Koch-Otto York Co., Parsippany, NJ,
who contributed many flow-system design problems
My wife, Christiane Silla, who guided me through the graphics software, Adobe
Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, and drew or edited many of the illustrations
and to BJ Clark, Executive Acquisitions Editor, for his help in the review process
and Brian Black and Erin Nihill, Production Editors, who guided the book through
the production process.
Harry Silla
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Contents
Preface
Hi
1
The Structure of Processes and Process Engineering
1
2
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
29
3
Process Circuit Analysis
83
4
Process Heat Transfer
147
5
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
189
6
Separator Design
267
7
Reactor Design
8
Design of Flow Systems
365
417
Appendix: SI Units and Conversion Factors
471
Index
477
ix
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
1
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The Structure of Processes and
Process Engineering
The activities of most engineering disciplines are easily identifiable by the public,
but the activities of chemical engineers are less understood. The public recognizes
that the chemical engineer is somehow associated with the production of chemicals, but often does not know the difference between chemists and chemical engineers. What is the distinguishing feature of chemical engineering? Briefly, chemi-
cal engineering is the development, design, and operation of various kinds of
processes. Most chemical engineering activities, in one way or another, are process oriented.
The chemical engineer may work in three types of organizations. One is the
operating company, such as DuPont and Dow Chemical, whose main concern is to
produce products. These companies are also engaged in developing new processes. If a new plant for an old improved process, or a plant for a recently developed process is being considered, a plant construction organization, the second
company type, such as the C.E. Lummus Corp. or the Forster Wheeler Corp., will
1
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 1
Table 1.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Selected Process Types
Process
1. Chemical Intermediaries
2. Energy
Example
Ethylene
Gasoline
3. Food
Bread
4.
5.
6.
7.
Vitamin C
Activated Sludge Process
Aspirin
Food Additive
Waste Treatment
Pharmaceutical
Materials
a) Polymer
b) Metallurgical
8. Personal Products
9. Explosives
10. Fertilizers
Polyethylene
Steel
Lipstick
Nitrocellulose
UreazyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
be contacted. Finally, numerous small and large companies support the activities
of the operating and plant construction companies by providing consulting services and by manufacturing equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, and distillation columns. Because many companies are involved in more than one activity,
classifying them may be difficult.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
PROCESS TYPES
There are numerous types of processes and any attempt to classify processes will
meet difficulties. Nevertheless, attempts at classification should be made to
achieve a better understanding of the process industries. Wei, et al. [1] discuss the
structure of the chemical process industries. A classification is also given by
Chemical Engineering magazine, and the North American Industry Classifica-
tion System (NAICS) is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Budget. A selected list of
process types, classified according to the product type, is given in Table 1.1, illustrating the variety and diversity of processes.
Chemical intermediates are listed first in Table 1.1. These are the chemicals
that are used to synthesize other chemicals, and are generally not sold to the public. For example, ethlyene is an intermediate produced from hydrocarbons by
cracking natural gas derived ethane or petroleum derived gas oil, either thermally
using steam or catalytically. Ethlyene is then used to produce polyethylene (45%),
a polymer; and ethlyene oxide (10%), vinyl chloride (15%), styrene (10%), and
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Processes and Process Engineering
3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
other uses (20%) [2]. The number of chemicals that are classified as intermediates
is considerable.
Examples of energy processes are the production of fuels from petroleum or
electricity in a steam power plant. A steam power plant is not ordinarily considered a process, but, nevertheless, it is a special case of a process. The plant contains a combustion reactor, the furnace; pumps; fans; heat exchangers; a water
treatment facility, consisting of separation and purification steps; and most likely
flue gas treatment to remove particulates and sulfur dioxide. Because of the mechanical and electrical equipment used, mainly mechanical and electrical engineers operate power plants. However, all chemical plants contain more or less
mechanical and electrical equipment. For example, the methanol-synthesis process, discussed later, contains steam turbines for energy recovery. Chemical engineers have the necessary background to work in power plants as well, complementing the skills of both mechanical and electrical engineers.
Bread making, an example of a food process, is almost entirely mechanical,
but it also contains fermentation steps where flour is converted into bread by yeast
[3]. Thus, this process can also be classified as a biochemical process. Another
well known biochemical process that removes organic matter in both municipal
and industrial wastewater streams is the activated sludge process. In this process,
microorganisms feed on organic pollutants, converting them into carbon dioxide,
water, and new microorganisms. The microorganisms are then separated from
most of the water. Some of the microorganisms are recycled to sustain the process, and the rest is disposed of.
Aspirin, one of the oldest pharmceutical products, has been produced for
over a hundred of years [4]. A chemist, Felix Hoffmann, who worked for the
Bayer Co. in Elberfeld, Germany, discovered aspirin. He was searching for a
medication for pain relief for his father who suffered from the pain of rheumatism.
Besides pain relief, physicians have recently found that aspirin helps prevent heart
attacks and strokes.
Vitamin C, classified as either a pharmaceutical [5] or a food additive [6],
has annual sales of 325 million dollars, the largest of all pharmaceuticals produced
[7]. Pharmaceuticals, in general, lead in profitability for all industries [6]. Although vitamin C can be extracted from natural sources, it is primarily synthesized. In fact, it was the first vitamin to be produced in commercial quantities [6].
Jaffe [8] outlines the synthesis. Starting with D-glucose, vitamin C is produced in
five chemical steps, one of which is a biochemical oxidation using the bacterium
Acetobacter suboxydans. D-glucose is obtained from cornstarch in a process,
which will be described later.
The personal products industries, which also includes toiletries, is a large
industry, accounting for $10.6 billion in sales in the United States in 1983 [9].
The operation required for manufacturing cosmetics is mainly the mixing of various ingredients such as emollients (softening and smoothing agents), surfactants,
solvents, thickeners, humectants (moistening agents), preservatives, perfumes,
colors, flavors and other special additives.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
4
Chapter 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Over a period of many years polymeric materials have gradually replaced
metals in many applications. Among the five leading thermoplastics; low and
high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polystyrene;
polyethylene is the largest volume plastic in the world. Polyethylene was initially
made in the United States in 1943. In 1997, the estimated combined worldwide
production of both low and high-density polyethylene was 1.230 x 1010 kg (2.712
x 1010 Ib) [10]. Low density polyethylene is produced at pressures of 1030 to
3450 bar (1020 to 3400 arm) whereas high density polyethylene is produced at
pressures of 103 to 345 bar (102 to 340 arm) [11].
Explosives are most noted for their military, rather than civilian uses, but
they are also a valuable tool for man in construction and mining. Interestingly, as
described by Mark [12], the first synthetic polymer, although it is only partially
synthetic, was nitrocellulose or guncotton, a base for smokeless powder. Nitrocellulose was discovered accidentally in 1846 when a Swiss chemist, Christian
Schoenbein, wiped a spilled mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids using his wife's
cotton apron. After washing the apron, he attempted to dry it in front of a strove,
but instead the apron burst into flames. Although the first application of modified
cellulose was in explosives, it was subsequently found that cellulose could be
chemically modified to make it soluble, moldable, and also castable into film,
which was important in the development of photography. Nitrocellulose is still
used today as an ingredient in gunpowder and solid propellants for rockets.
Nitrogen is an essential element for life, required for synthesizing proteins
and other biological molecules. Although the earth's atmosphere contains 79%
nitrogen, it is a relatively inert gas and therefore not readily available to plants and
animals. Nitrogen must be "fixed", i.e., combined in some compound that can be
more readily absorbed by plants. The natural supply of fixed nitrogen is limited,
and it is consumed faster than it is produced. This led to a prediction of an eventual world famine until 1909 in Germany, when Badische Anilin and Soda Fabrik
(BASF) initiated the development of a process for ammonia synthesis [13]. In
1910, the United States issued a patent to Haber and Le Rossignol of BASF for
their process [14]. The first plant was started up in 1913 in Ludwigshafen, Germany, expanded in the 1960's, and only shut down in 1982 after seventy years of
production [15]. This is certainly an outstanding engineering achievement. Although the fixed nitrogen supply is no longer limited by production from natural
sources, they are still major sources. Agricultural land produces 38%; forested or
unused land, 25%; combustion, resulting in air pollution, 9%; lightning, 4%; and
industrial fixation, 24% [16]. The oceans produce an unknown amount.
Processes could be subdivided according to the type of reaction occurring,
as illustrated by bread making and the activated sludge process, by also classifying
them as biochemical processes. Similarly, we could also have electrochemical,
photochemical, and thermochemical processes and so on, but this subclassification
could lead to difficulties because in some processes more than one type of reaction
occurs, such as in the vitamin C process.
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CHEMICAL ENGINEERING ACTIVITIESzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
It is usefiil to delineate the various activities of a chemical engineer, from the conception of a project to its final implementation. Companies will assign a variety of
job titles to these activities. In some companies, these activities will be subdivided, but in other companies many activities may be included under one job title,
according to company policy. In this discussion, the engineering activity is of
more concern than any particular job title assigned by a company. We will use the
most frequently employed job title, keeping in mind that any particular company
must be consulted for its definition of the job.
A project is initiated by determining if there is a market for a product, which
may be a chemical, a processed food, a metal, a polymer or one of the many other
products produced by the process industries. For example, a chemist first synthesizes a new drug in the laboratory, which after many tests is approved by the Food
and Drug Administration (PDA) of the federal government. Then, chemical engineers develop and design the process for producing the drug in large quantities.
The steps required to accomplish this task are outlined in Table 1.2. Under some
circumstances, where knowledge of the process is highly developed and sufficient
data exists, the research or pilot phase of the process, or both, may be omitted. In
order to cover all aspects of a project, we will assume that a new chemical, which
is marketable, has just been synthesized in the laboratory by a chemist.
Next, the technical, economic, and financial feasibility of proposed processes must be demonstrated. Unless the project shows considerable promise when
matched against other potential projects, it may be abandoned. Any particular
company will have several projects to invest in but limited financial resources so
that only the most promising projects will be continued. The research engineer
should estimate the capital investment required and the production cost of the
product. No matter how crude or incomplete the process data may be, the research
engineer must estimate the profitability of the process to determine if further process development is economically worth the effort. This analysis will also uncover
those areas requiring further research to obtain more information for a more accurate economic evaluation.
If the project analysis shows sufficient uncertainty or the need for design
data, the research engineer will plan experiments, design an experimental setup
and correlate the resulting data. After completing the experiments, the research
engineer, or more likely a cost engineer, revises the flow diagram and reevaluates
the project. Again, he must show that the project is still economically feasible.
After completion of the research phase, it is usually found that further demonstration of the viability of the process and more design data is needed, but under
conditions that will more closely resemble the final plant. It may also be required
to obtain some product for market research. In this case, the development engineer will plan the development program and design the pilot plant. Whenever possible the equipment selected will be smaller versions of the plant size equipment,
using the same materials of construction selected for the plant.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
6
Chapter 1
Table 1.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Structure of a ProjectzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Research
1. Process Evaluation
The objective is to evaluate the technical, economic, and financial feasibility of a process.
a) Construct a preliminary process flow diagram
b) Approximate equipment sizing
c) Economic evaluation
d) Locate areas requiring research
2. Bench Scale Studies
The objective is to obtain additional design data for process evaluation.
a) Plan experiments
d) Revise flow diagram
b) Design experimental setup
e) Revise economic evaluation
___c) Correlate data________________f) Locate areas requiring development
Process Development
Objective: To obtain more design data and possibly product for market research.
a) Plan development program
e) Correlate data
b) Design pilot plant
f) Revise flow diagram
c) Supervise pilot-plant construction
g) Revise economic evaluation
d) Supervise pilot-plant operations
Process Design
Objective: To establish process and equipment specifications.
a) Construct flow diagram
f) Conduct economic studies
b) Perform mass and energy balances
g) Conduct optimization studies
c) Consider alternative process designs
h) Evaluate safety and health
d) Size equipment
i) Conduct environmental impact
e) Design control systems_______
studies
___
Plant Design and Construction
Objective: To implement the process design.
a) Specify equipment
b) Design vessels (mechanical design of reactors, separators, tanks)
c) Design structures
d) Design process piping system
e) Design data acquisition and control system
f) Design electric-power distribution system
g) Design steam-distribution system
h) Design cooling-water distribution system
i) Purchase equipment
j) Coordinate and schedule project
___k) Monitor progress___________________________________
Plant Operations
Objective: To produce the product.
a) Plant startup
d) Production
b) Trouble shooting
e) Plant engineering
____c) Process improvement_________________________________
Marketing
Objective: To sell the product.
a) Market research
b) Product sales
c) Technical customer service
d) Product development
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Processes and Process Engineering
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At the end of the pilot-scale tests, the process is again evaluated, but since
the process-design phase of the project will require a substantial increase in capital
investment, the calculations require improved accuracy. Table 1.2 lists the activities of the process-design engineer. Usually, there are several technically acceptable alternatives available for each process unit, so that the process-design engineer will have to evaluate these alternatives to determine the most economical
design. Additionally, each process unit can operate successfully under a variety of
conditions so that the engineer must conduct studies to determine the economically-optimum operating conditions. It is clear from the foregoing discussion that
economics determines the direction taken at each phase of the project. Consequently, process economics will be discussed in the next chapter. It can also be
seen from Table 1.2 that there are several social aspects of the process design that
must be considered. The effects of any possible emissions on the health of the
workers, the surrounding community, and the environment must be evaluated.
Even aesthetics will have to be considered to a greater extent than has been done
in the past.
The next phase of the project is plant design and construction, which employs a variety of engineering skills, mainly mechanical, civil, and electrical. The
objective in this phase of the project is to implement the process design. Table 1.2
outlines the major activities of this phase. Most likely a plant design and construction company will conduct this phase of the project, commonly called outsourcing.
After the plant is constructed, the operations phase of the project begins,
which includes plant startup. Rarely does this operation proceed smoothly. Troubleshooting, process modifications, and repairs are generally required.
Because of the need to get the plant on-stream as soon as possible, the process design, plant design, plant construction and plant startup must be completed as
rapidly as possible. Electrical, mechanical or chemical systems, as well as any
human activity need to be controlled or regulated to approach optimum performance. Similarly, project management, or more appropriately project control, is
needed because of the complexity of process and plant design, and construction.
Numerous activities must be scheduled, coordinated and progress monitored to
complete the project on time. It is the responsibility of the project engineer to plan
and control all activities so that the plant is brought on-stream quickly. It is poor
planning to complete the tasks sequentially, i.e., completing one task before starting another task. To reduce the time from the initiation of a project to routine plant
operation, the strategy is to conduct as many parallel activities as possible. Thus,
as many tasks as possible are conducted simultaneously. This strategy, illustrated
in Figur e 1.1, shows that detailed plant design starts before completing the process
design, construction before completing the plant design, and finally, startup begins
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 1
Plan EWWtkxi
Process Design
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Plant Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
I————————I——————————————I
6 months
9 months
I————————————I
15 months
Startup
Routine Operation
3 months
«t restricted capacity
Routine Operation
|———|—————————|———zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
+at design capacity
Debottknecklng
Tlmeftom Conceptlonaf Stage to Routlrw Operation
Figure 1.1 Sample of a process and plant-design schedule.
Source: Ref. 17, with permission.
before completing plant construction. Usually, from the start to the time a plant
reaches design capacity may take anywhere from three to four years. [17].
Even after the plant has been successfully started, it will need constant attention to keep it operating smoothly and to improve its operation. This is the responsibility of the process engineer. Many of the skills that were used by the
process-design engineer are also utilized by the process engineer. A major activity
of the process engineer is the "debottlenecking" study to increase plant capacity,
in which the process is analyzed to determine what process unit limits the plant
capacity. When this unit is located, the process engineer will consider alternative
designs for increasing plant capacity.
PROCESS DESIGN
Our main goal is to develop techniques for solving problems in process design.
Process design generally proceeds in the following stages:
1. Developing process flow diagrams
2. Process circuit analysis
3. Sizing process units
4. Estimating production cost and profitability
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Processes and Process Engineering
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Chemical engineers express their ideas by first constructing a process flow
diagram to describe the logic of the process. At an early stage of the process design, several flow diagrams are drawn to illustrate process alternatives. Following
this initial stage, a preliminary screening will reduce the many alternatives to a
few of the most promising, which are studied in detail. Process-circuit analysis,
which establishes specifications for the process, will be the subject of a later chapter. These specifications are quantities, such as flow rates, compositions, temperatures, pressures, and energy requirements. Once the process specifications are
established, each process unit is sized. At the beginning of a process design, simple sizing procedures are sufficient to determine a preliminary production cost. In
fact, it may be poor strategy to use more exact, and therefore more costly design
procedures until the economics of the process demands it. The process design
engineer will have a number of design procedures available, each one differing in
accuracy. He will have to decide which procedure is the more appropriate one for
the moment. To determine the economic viability of a process, the product manufacturing and capital costs are estimated first. Using simplified cost estimating
techniques, the most costly process steps are located for a more detailed analysis.
The steps in a process design, listed above, do not have well defined
boundaries, but overlap. New information is fed back continuously, requiring
revision of previous calculations. Process design is a large-scale iterative calculation which terminates on a specified completion date.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
PROCESS STRUCTURE
Because of the numerous process types, it is essential to be able to divide a process
into a minimum number of basic logical operations to aid in the understanding of
existing processes and in the development and design of new processes. The electrical engineer designs electrical circuits consisting of transistors, resistors, capacitors and other basic elements. Similarly, the chemical engineer designs process
circuits consisting of reactors, separators, and other process units. Early in the
development of chemical engineering the concept of unit operations and processes
evolved to isolate the basic elements of a process. Unit operations consist of
physical changes, such as distillation and heat transfer, and unit processes consist
of chemical changes, such as nitration and oxidation. Thus, any process consists
of a combination of unit operations and processes. Trescott [18] discusses the history of this concept.
A modification of the unit-operations, unit-process division is shown in Table 1.3, where a process is divided into nine basic process operations. According
to this division, the unit operations are subdivided into several basic operations
and conversion is substituted for all unit processes for a total of nine process
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
10
Chapter 1
TablezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
1.3 Basic Process Operations____________________
1. Conversion
Thermochemical
Biochemical
Electrochemical
Photochemical
Plasma
Sonochemical
2. Separations zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Component (Examples)
Distillation
Absorption
Extraction
Adsorption
Phase(Examples)
Gas-Liquid
Gas-Solid
Liquid-Liquid
Liquid-Solid
3. Mixing
Component
Dissolving
Phase (Examples)
Gas-Liquid
Gas-Solid
Liquid-Liquid
Liquid-Solid
Solid-Solid
4. Material Transfer
Pumping Liquids
Compressing Gases
Conveying Solids
5. Energy Transfer
Expansion
Heat Exchange
6. Storage
Raw Materials
Internal
Products
7. Size reduction
8. Agglomeration
9. Size Separation
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Processes and Process Engineering
11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
operations. The nine basic process operations will be discussed separately. More
than one process operation can occur in a single piece-of-equipment, which is
called a process unit.
Conversion of material from one form to another is a task of the chemical
engineer. Table 1.3 lists a number of ways conversion can be accomplished, depending on what form of energy is supplied to the reactor. The most common form
of energy is heat to carry out a reaction thermochemically.
Rarely do the reaction products have an acceptable degree of purity. Thus,
separators are necessary process units. Together, conversion and separation constitute the heart of chemical engineering. In turn, separations consist of two parts,
component and phase. In component separations, the components in a single
phase are separated, usually by the introduction of a second phase. Molecules of
different substances can be separated because their chemical potential in one phase
differs from their chemical potential in a second phase. Thus, separation occurs by
mass transfer, whereas phases separate because a force acting on one phase differs
from a force acting on the other phase. Usually, it is a gravitational force. Examples are sedimentation and clarification, where a solid settles by the gravitational
force acting on the solid. Generally, phase separation follows component separation. For example, in distillation vapor and liquid phases mix on a tray where
component separation occurs, but droplets and possibly foam form. Then, the vapor is separated from the liquid drops and foam, by allowing sufficient tray spacing and time, for small drops to coalesce into large drops and the foam to collapse.
The large drops and collapsing foam then settle on the fray by gravity.
Mixing, the reverse of component and phase separation also occurs frequently in processes. This operation requires energy to mix the two phases. For
example, in liquid-liquid extraction, one of the liquid phases must be dispersed
into small drops by mixing to enhance mass transfer and increase the rate of component separation. Thus, extractors must contain a method for dispersing one of
the phases.
Material is transferred from one process operation to another by compression, pumping or conveying; depending on whether a gas, liquid or a solid is transferred. This operation also requires energy to overcome factional losses.
Many of the process operations listed in Table 1.3 require an energy input.
Energy must be supplied to the process streams to separate components and to
obtain favorable operating temperatures and pressures. For example, it may be
necessary to compress a mixture of gases to achieve a reasonable chemical conversion. This work is potentially recoverable by expanding the reacted gases
through a turbine when the system pressure is eventually reduced downstream of
the reactor. Similarly, a high-pressure liquid stream could be expanded through a
hydraulic turbine to recover energy. Heat transfer and expansion of a gas or liquid
through a turbine are energy transfer operations. In addition to elevating the gas
pressure to obtain favorable reaction conditions, gases are also transferred from a
previous process unit to the reactor. This material transfer operation requires work
to overcome frictional losses. Both the material and energy transfer operations are
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12
Chapter 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
combined and only one compressor is used. If the conversion is less than 100%, a
recycle compressor will transfer the unreacted gases back to the reactor after separating out the products. Since the recycled gases are already at a high pressure, but
at a lower pressure than at the reactor inlet because of frictional pressure losses, a
compressor is needed to recompress the gases to the reactor inlet pressure. This
step would be considered primarily material transfer.
Because raw-material delivery cannot be accurately predicated, on account
of unforeseen events such as bad weather, strikes, accidents, etc., storage of raw
materials is a necessity. Similarly, the demand for products can be unpredictable.
Also, internal storage of chemical intermediates may be required to maintain
steady operation of a process containing batch operations or to store chemical intermediates temporarily if downstream equipment fails. Production can continue
when repairs are completed.
The last three process operations; size reduction, agglomeration, and size
separation; pertain to solids. Examples of size reduction are grinding and shredding. An example of agglomeration is compression of powders to form tablets.
Screening to sort out oversized particles is an example of size separation.
The first step in the synthesis, or development and design of a process, is to
construct a flow diagram, starting with raw materials and ending with the finished
product. The flow diagram is a basic tool of a chemical engineer to organize his
thinking and to communicate with other chemical engineers. A selected list of
flow-diagram symbols for the process operations discussed above are given in
Figure 1.2. Other symbols are given by Ulrich [19] and by Hill [20] and have
been collected and reviewed by Austin [21]. The various process operations discussed above, using the flow-diagram symbols in Figure 1.2, are used to describe a
process for producing glucose from cornstarch, which is illustrated in Example
1.1.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 1.1 Glucose Pr oduction fr om Corn Star ch_______________
A process flow diagram for the production of glucose is shown in Figure 3. Identify each process unit according to the process operations listed in Table 3.
Although glucose could be obtained from many different natural sources,
such as from various fruits, it is primarily obtained by hydrolysis of corn starch,
which contains about 61% starch. Starch is a polymer consisting of glucose units
combined to form either a linear polymer called amylose, containing 300 to 500
glucose units, or a branched polymer called amylopectin, containing about 10,000
glucose units. Glucose is a crystalline white solid, which exists in three isomeric
forms: anhydrous cc-D-glucose, oc-D-glucose monohydrate and anhydrous (3-Dglucose. Most of the glucose produced is used in baked goods and in confectionery as a sweetener. It is sold under the trivial name of dextrose, which has evolved
to mean anhydrous a-D-glucose and a-D-glucose monohydrate.
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Processes and Process Engineering zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
13zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Converters (C)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFE
T
Stirred Tank
Packed Bed
Fluid Bed
Electrochemical
Figure 1.2 Flow-diagram symbols.
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14zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 1
Component Separators (CS)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
D
D- a
T
T
\L/
Fractionator zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Absorber
Liquid-Liquid Extractor
(Tray Column)
(Packed Column)
(York-Schiebel Column)
Figure 1.2 Continued.
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Processes and Process Engineering zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
15zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Phase Separators (PS)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
T
Gas-Liquid
Liquid-Liquid
(Settler or Decanter)
Q
1
Liquid-Solid
(Centrifuge)
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T
Gas-Solid
(Cyclone)
16zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Component or Phase Mixers (CM or PM)
Stirred Tank
In Line
(Liquid-Liquid)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(Liquid-Liquid)
(Gas-Liquid)
KXXXXXI-*
T
Solid-Solid
(Ribbon Blender)
Figure 1.2 Continued.
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Gas-Liquid
(Sparger)
Processes and Process EngineeringzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
17
Material and Energy Transfer
Pumps (P)
-o*
Centrifugal
Reciprocating
Rotary
Fans(F)
cH
Centrifugal
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Axial
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
18
Chapter 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Compressors (C)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Axial
Centrifugal
Reciprocating
Ejector zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
Expanders (E)
Combustion
Gas
Air
T
Fuel
Hydraulic Turbine
Steam Turbine
Figure 1.2 Continued.
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Gas Turbine
19zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Processes and Process Engineering zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Heat Exchangers (H)
Interchanger
Cooler zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
Fuel I I Air
Heater
Heater or Cooler
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Furnace
Chapter 1
20
StoragezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(S)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
Tank
SpherezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(Liquid or Gas)
(Liquid)
(
Accumulator
(Liquid)
Figure 1.2 Continued.
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Bin
(Solid)
Processes and Process Engineering zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
21
SizezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Reducers (SR)
Roll Crusher
Ball MillzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
T
Gyratory Crusher
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Hammer Mill
22zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 1
Aglomerators (A)
Drum
Pellet Mill
Roll Press
Extruder
Size Separators (SS)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Coarse
Coarse
Fine
Fine
RakezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Classifier
Screen
Figure 1.2 Continued.
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Processes and Process Engineering
23zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Figure 1.3 shows the process flow diagram for converting starch into glucose. Table 1.4 identifies the basic process operations in the process, according to
those given in Table 1.3. Sinclair [22] describes the process but it has been modified after discussion with Leiser [23]. Harness [24] describes the corn wet-milling
process for producing a corn-starch slurry containing 30 to 40% solids, which
flows to the first hydrolyzer, R-l. The first hydrolyzer converts 15 to 25% of the
starch into glucose using alpha-amylase, an enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis. Two process operations occur in the hydrolyzer - conversion and mixing - but
the main purpose of the process unit is conversion. After hydrolysis the viscosity
of the slurry is reduced. The centrifuge, PS-1, removes any residual oil and proteins, which were not removed in the corn wet-milling process. This is a phaseseparation operation. The oil and protein will be processed to make animal feed.
The second hydrolyzer, R-2, completes the hydrolysis using glucoamylase,
another enzyme. The reduction in viscosity of the starch slurry in R-l aids in the
mixing of glucoamylase and prevents the formation of a unhydrolyzable gelatinous material in R-2. Most of the remaining starch is hyrolyzed to glucose in 48 to
72 h in a batch operation. Aspergillus phoenicis, a mold, produces the glucoamylase enzyme in a fermentation process. The overall conversion of starch in this
two-step hydrolysis is almost 100%. The effluent from R-l is cooled by preheating
the feed stream to R-l, which is an energy transfer operation. After the second
stage of hydrolysis, the solution is decolorized in an adsorber, CS-1, packed with
carbon. Because the hydrolysis is a batch operation, internal storage, S-l, of the
solution is required to keep the next step of the process operating continuously.
After converting the starch into glucose, the rest of the process removes water from the glucose to obtain a dry product. The solution is pumped from storage
to the first of three stages of evaporation (called effects) where some water is removed. To conserve steam and therefore energy, the first evaporator employs mechanical recompression of the water vapor evolved from the evaporation. Compressing the vapor elevates its temperature above the boiling point of the solution
in CS-2 so that heat can be transferred to the boiling solution. Also, because the
glucose is heat sensitive, the evaporation is carried out in a vacuum produced by
the vacuum pump C-1. Each stage of evaporation is carried out in two steps. In the
first step, a component-separation operation, energy is transferred to the solution
in a boiler to evaporate some water, concentrating the glucose. Thus, the boiler is a
component separator. In the second step, vapor and liquid are separated in a phase
separator. After the first stage of evaporation, the solution is again decolorized in
the adsorber, CS-3, and the small amounts of organic acids are removed in an ion
exchanger. The ion exchanger, R-3, replaces anions with hydrogen ions and
cations with hydroxyl ions, and thus the net effect is to replace the organic acids
with water. Although the operation is a chemical reaction, the overall process is a
separation because the ion exchanger is eventually regenerated and reused.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
24
Chapter 1
5
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O)
CD
T3
I
ipzyxwvutsrqponmlkj
CD
8
O
O
CO
oc
^
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3
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Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
CO
Processes and Process Engineering
25
Table 1.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Glucose Production Process Operations
Process Unit
Hydrolyzer, R-1
Process Conditions
Time -2 h
Feed - 30 - 40% solids
Process Operations
Conversion
Mixing
Temperature - 80 - 90 °C
pH - 5.5 - 7.0
Hydrolysis -15 -25%
Interchanger, H-1
Energy Transfer
Heater, H-2
Energy Transfer
Centrifuge, PS-1
Solids Removed
0.3 - 0.4 % protein
0.5 - 0.6 % fat
Phase Separation
Hydrolyzer, R-2
Time -48- 72 h
Conversion
Mixing
Temperature - 55 - 60 °C
pH -4.0-4.5
Dissolved Solids 97.0 - 98.5 % glucose
Pump, P-1
Material Transfer
Adsorber, CS-1
Component Separation
Tank, S-1
Storage
Pump, P-2
Material Transfer
Evaporators (contains three effects or stages)
1st Effect
Product - 40 - 58% solids
2nd Effect
Product - 58 - 70% solids
3rd Effect
Product - 70 - 78% solids
First Effect
Evaporator, CS-2
Flash Drum, PS-2
Compressor, C-1
Pump, P-3
Adsorber, CS-3
Ion Exchanger, R-3
Tank, S-2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Component Separation
Phase Separation
Material Transfer
Material Transfer
Component Separation
Conversion
Storage
Chapter 1
26zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Second Effect
Barometric Condensers
2 stages, CS-5, CS-6
Steam Jet Ejectors
Material Transfer
Component Separation
Phase Separation
Component Separation
& Phase Separation
Material Transfer
2 stages, C-2, C-3
& Mixing
Pump, P-4
Evaporator, CS-2
Flash Drum, PS-3
Same as Second Effect
Third Effect
Crystallizer, CS-10
Seed crystals - 20 - 25% of
Component Separation
the batch
Temperature - from
43 - 46 °C to 20 - 39 °C
Time - 2 days
Yield - 60% crystals
Conveyor, CV-1
Centrifuge, PS-5
Material Transfer
Product-14% H2O
Phase Separation
Conveyor, CV-2
Material Transfer
Rotary Dryer, CS-11
Component Separation
Conveyor, CV-3
Material Transfer
Bin, S-3
Storage
Melter, H-3
Energy Transfer
Pump, P-7
Material Transfer
Pressure Filter, PS-6
Phase SeparationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
The next two stages of evaporation are carried out in a vacuum produced by
a two-stage steam ejector. The water vapor from the phase separator is first condensed by direct contact with cold water in the barometric condensers, C-5 and
C-6. Each condenser contains a long pipe, where the condensate accumulates until
the static pressure becomes great enough for the water to flow out of the condenser. Effectively, the barometric condenser is a pump. The remaining water
vapor and non-condensable gases - from the gases dissolved in the feed solution,
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Processes and Process Engineering
27zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
in the cooling water, and the air leaking into the system - are compressed to the
pressure of the next stage by a steam-jet ejector before being condensed and compressed again. This operation is material transfer because the main purpose is to
transfer the non-condensable gases and the remaining vapor to the atmosphere.
After the evaporation is complete, the glucose solution could be sold as a syrup
or processed further to obtain powdered a-D-glucose monohydrate. To obtain the
powder, the glucose is separated from the solution in horizontal cylindrical crystallizers by cooling and slowly mixing at 1.5 rpm. The concentrated solution is
seeded with glucose crystals to promote crystallization. Approximately, 60% of
the dextrose in the solution crystallizes as the monohydrate. After two days, the
slurry is transferred by a screw conveyor, MT-1, to a perforated-screen centrifuge
where the solution is partially separated from the crystals. The wet crystals, containing 14% water, are then conveyed to a rotary dryer to remove the remaining
water. In this particular case, component separation occurs because water is being
removed from the sugar solution that adheres to the crystals. As the water evaporates further crystallization of the glucose dissolved in the solution occurs. If water were removed from a insoluble solid by drying, such as from wet sand, then the
operation is a phase separation.
The powdered glucose from the drier contains some oversized crystals,
which must be removed to obtain a more marketable product of fine crystals. The
oversized crystals are separated by the screen, SS-1, a size-separator. When removing a small amount of oversized crystals (less than 5%) from a feed, which
consists predominately of fines, the operation is called "scalping". The oversized
crystals are recovered by first melting and then pumping the liquid through a leaf
filter to remove any insoluble material that has been carried through the process.
After filtering, the liquid is recycled back to the evaporators for reprocessing.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
REFERENCES
1. Wei, J., Russel, T.W.F., Swartzlander, T.W., The Structure of the
Chemical Processing Industries, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1979.
2. Greek, B.F., Petrochemicals Inch Toward Recovery, Chem. & Eng. News,
p. 18, Nov. 22, 1982.
3. Matz, S.A., Modern Baking Technology, Sci. Am., 251, 5, 122,1984.
4. Reisch, M., Aspirin is 100 Years Old, Chemical & Eng. News, p. 12,
Aug. 18, 1997.
5. Stinson, S.C., Bulk Drug Output Moves Outside U.S., Chem. & Eng.
News, p. 25, Sept. 16,1985.
6. Thayer, A.M., Use of Specialty Food Additives to Continue to Grow,
Chem. & Eng. News, p. 25, June 3, 1991.
7. Stinson, S.C., Custom Synthesis Expanding for Drugs and Intermediates,
Chem. & Eng. News, p. 25, Aug. 20, 1984.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
28
Chapter 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
8. Jaffe, G.M., Ascorbic Acid, Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology, 3rd ed., H.F. Mark, D.F. Othmer, C.G. Overberger,
G.T. Seaborg, eds. Vol. 24, p.8, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY,
1998.
9. Layman, P.L., Cosmetics, Chem. & Eng. News, p.19, Apr. 29, 1985
10. Anonymous, Facts and Figures for the Chemical Industry, Chem. & Eng.
News, p.40, June 29, 1998.
11. Albright, L.F., Polymerization of Ethylene, Chem. Eng., 73,24, 127,
1966.
12. Mark, H.F., The Development of Plastics, Am. Sci., 72,2, 156,1984.
13. Sterzloff, S., Technology and Manufacture of Ammonia, John Wiley &
Sons, New York, NY, 1981.
14. Haber, F., Le Rossignol, R., Production of Ammonia, US Patent 971,
501, Sept. 27, 1910.
15. Anonymous, Chementator, Chem. Eng., 89, 18, 17, 1982.
16. Anonymous, Worldwide Nitrogen Fixation Estimated, Chem. & Eng.
News, p.34, 1976.
17. Fulks, B.D., Planning and Organizing for Less Troublesome Plant Startups, Chem. Eng., 89,18,96, 1982.
18. Trescott, M.M., Unit Operations in the Chemical industry: An American
Innovation in Modern Chemical Engineering, A Century of Chemical
Engineering, W.F. Furter, Ed., Plenum Press, New York, NY, 1982.
19. Ulrich, G.D., A Guide to Chemical Engineering Process Design and
Economics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1984.
20. Hill, R.G., Drawing Effective Flowsheet Symbols, Chem. Eng., 75, 1,
84, 1968.
21. Austin, D.G., Chemical Engineering Drawing Symbols, John Wiley &
Sons, New York, NY, 1979.
22. Sinclair, P.M., Enzymes Convert Starch to Dextrose, Chem. Eng., 72,
18,90, 1965.
23. Leiser, R., Personal Communication, A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co.,
Decatur, II, Mar. 25,1986.
24. Harness, J., Corn Wet Milling Industry in 1978, Product of the Corn
Refining Industry in Food, Corn Refiners Association, Washington, DC,
1978.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost
Estimation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Before initiating the development of a process, at various stages in its development, and before attempting the design of a process and plant, process engineers
must make economic evaluations. The evaluation determines whether they should
undertake a project, abandon it, continue with it (but with further research), or take
it to the pilot plant stage. If they decide to proceed with process development, an
economic evaluation will pinpoint those parts of the process requiring additional
study. Winter [1] has stated that the economic evaluation of a project is a continuous procedure. As the process engineer gathers new information, he can make a
more accurate evaluation followed by a reexamination of the project to determine
if it should continue.
Even if insufficient technical information is available to design a plant completely, we must still make an economical evaluation to determine if it is economically and financially feasible. A project is economically feasible when it is more
profitable than other competing projects, and financially feasible when management can raise the capital for its implementation. Although calculations may show
that a given project could be extremely profitable, the capital requirements may
strain the financial capabilities of the organization. In this case, the project may be
abandoned unless partners can be found to share the risk. The economic evaluation
of a process proceeds in several steps [1]. These are:
1. preparing a process flow diagram
2. calculating mass and energy flows
3. sizing major equipment
4. estimating the capital costzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
29
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
30
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
5. estimating the production cost
6. forecasting the product sales price
7. estimating the return on investment
The main objective here is to determine the production cost of a chemical. Estimating the product-sales price and the return on investment is beyond the scope of
this discussion. There are several texts, such as Valle-Riestra [20], Peters and
Timmerhaus [4], and Holland and Wilkinson [38], that discuss methods of evaluating profitability and other aspects of process economics.
The difficulty in a process evaluation is not the computations, but the variability in the terminology that appears in the literature, which is a result of differences in company practice. Another difficulty is that in many cases the basis of
the economic data reported in the literature is not clear as to what is included in the
data. When economic data are not clearly defined, our only recourse is to compare
data from several sources or to assume the worst case. Baasel [37] discusses the
pitfalls of economic data.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
CORPORATE CASH FLOW
The management of an organization needs estimates of the production cost and the
capital required for a proposed process. Their responsibility is to raise the capital
to construct the plant and to evaluate the process to maximize its profitability. Figure 2.1 depicts schematically the cash flow in an organization where the management of a firm is considered a bank, acquiring and dispensing funds. Corporate
management acquires capital for various projects from profits earned by several
existing divisions of the company, sale of bonds and stock, borrowed funds from
banks and other organizations, income from licensing processes to other firms,
various services to other firms, and return on investments obtained from other
organizations. On the other hand, they dispense funds for payments of loans, purchase of stock, dividend payments, investments in other organizations, funds for a
new plant, plant expansion, and improvements made on existing operations.
Corporate management provides funds, obtained from sales of products and
return on investments for existing operations, such as a division of the corporation.
Working capital is the funds required to keep a plant in operation. It flows in and
out of an existing operation, as shown in Figure 2.2, and it is usually assumed to
be completely recoverable at the end of a project without loss. Figure 2.2 shows
that working capital is divided into two main categories, current liabilities and
current assets. Current liabilities consist of bank loans and accounts payable
(money owed to vendors for various purchases).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
31zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Stock
Dividends
! t
Income from
.Licenses and
Services for
Outside Firms
Investments
Firm's Bank
Borrowed Capital
New Projects
f
Equlpme
Plant Im
Plant E>
Production
Costs
\
r
u.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
£.
w
ID
Sales
——>•
Existing
Operations
^
Working Capital
Total Income
Depreciation
Depletion
Ne f .Income
Profit
^ :—.——————————————.
1
i
Income Tax
Figure 2.1 Cash flow in a corporation. Source: adapted from Ref. 2.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
32
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Current Liabilities
Current zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
Assets
Bank Loans
Cash
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Product Inventory
In Process Inventory
Raw Material Inventory
Figure 2.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Flow of working capital. Source: adapted from Ref. 27.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
33zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Current assets consist of:
1. available cash - for salaries, raw material purchases, maintenance
supplies, and taxes
2. accounts receivable - extended credit to customers
3. product inventory - material in storage tanks and bins
4. in-process inventory - material contained in pipe lines and vessels
5. raw material inventory - material in storage tanks and bins
Funds are continually required for equipment replacement, land improvement, and
plant expansion, when economic conditions are favorable. Because funds for a
project were originally provided by management, the division must return them as
depreciation or depletion. Also, use of their capital management requires a profit.
The sum of profit and depreciation or depletion constitutes cash flow.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
PRODUCTION COSTS
To determine the financial attractiveness of a process, management requires both
the total capital requirements and the production cost of a product. Operating cost
and manufacturing cost have also been used synonymously with production cost.
Figure 2.3 lists the various costs that contribute to the production cost. Peters and
Timmerhaus [4] lists some of these costs. Perry and Chilton [3] give a more extensive list. Figure 2.3 groups costs under various categories. The important point is
not under what category to include each cost, which is determined by the accounting practice of a firm, but more importantly not to omit any cost that influences the
production cost.
Figure 2.3 divides the total production cost into three main categories direct
costs, indirect costs, and general costs. Direct costs, also called variable costs, tend
to be proportional to the production rate, whereas the indirect cost, composed of
fixed cost and plant overhead cost, tend to remain constant regardless of the production rate. General costs include the costs of managing the firm, marketing the
product, research and development on new and old products, and financing the
operation.
Table 2.1, which corresponds to Figure 2.3, outlines a rapid method of estimating the production cost of a chemical using numerical factors given by Winter
[1] and Humphreys [5]. These factors are only approximate, and they will vary
with the type of process considered. They are useful, however, for preliminary
estimates. Most companies will have their own factors that are specific for their
processes.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
34
Raw Materials, Catalysts, Solvents
Steam
Electricity
Fuel
Refrigeration
Water
Utilities
Waste Treatment
Direct Costs
Operating Supplies
Maintenance Supplies
Operating Labor, Supervision
Maintenance Labor, Supervision
Quality Control
Royalties
Depreciation
Property Taxes
Insurance
Rent
Indirect Labor, Supervision
Fringe Benefits
Medical Facilities
Fire, Safety, Security
Waste Treatment Facilities
Packaging Facilities
Restaurant Facilities
Recreation Facilities
Salvage Services
Fixed Costs
Indirect Costs
Plant
OverheadzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
Costs
Quality Control Laboratories
Shipping, Receiving Facilities
Storage Facilities
Maintenance Facilities
Executive
Clerical
Engineering
Legal
Communications
Administrative
General Costs
Sales
Advertising
Product Distribution
Technical Sales Service
Marketing
Costs
Financing Cost
Research and Development
Figure 2.3 Components of the total production cost.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
35
Table 2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Production Cost
Direct Cost3
Raw Materials
Amount of Incoming Stream x Cost
Catalysts and Solvents
Amount x Cost
Utilities
Electricity
Fuel
Steam
Water
Power Consumed x Cost
Power Consumed x Cost
Steam Consumed x Cost
Water Consumed x Cost
Refrigeration
Heat Removed x Cost
Operating Labor
L x Cost
Operating Supervision
Quality Control
Maintenance Labor
Maintenance Material
Operating Supplies
0.20 x Operating Labor Cost
0.20 x Operating Labor Cost
0.027 x Fixed Capital Cost"
0.018 x Fixed Capital Cost
0.0075 x Fixed Capital Cost
Indirect Cost3
Fixed Costs
Depreciation0 (1 - fs) x (Depreciable Capital Cost) / (Plant Life)
Property taxes
0.02 x Fixed Capital Cost
Insurance
0.01 x Fixed Capital Cost
Plant Overhead Cost
Fringe Benefits
Overhead
(less fringe benefits)
0.22 x (Direct Labor + Supervision)
0.50 x (Direct Labor + Supervision)
General Costs3
Administrative
0.045 x Production Cost
Marketing13
0.135 x Production Cost
Financing (interest)'
Research and Development
i x (Fixed Capital Cost
+ Working Capital6)
0.0575 x Production Cost
Production Cost
Total of the Above Items
a. Numerical factors are obtained from Reference 5 except where indicated.
b. Fixed Capital Cost = Depreciable Capital Cost + Land Cost + Land Development Cost
c. Salvage fraction, f$, is the fraction of the original depreciable capital cost.
d. Numerical factor is from Reference 1.
e. Working Capital = 0.20 x (Fixed Capital Cost)
f. Interest is at the current rate
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
36
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
DIRECT COSTS
Raw MaterialszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Sometimes raw material cost will dominate the production cost. A chemical company will attempt to protect its source of supply by arranging long term contracts,
which also benefits the supplier. Raw material prices for preliminary estimates
may be obtained from the sources listed in Table 2.2. Prices of chemicals depend
on the quantity purchased. Published prices tend to be high, particularly, for Aldrich, Alfa Inorganic, and Fisher who sell small quantities of many chemicals for
research. The most accurate source is the Chemical Marketing Reporter, which
publishes prices for chemicals sold in bulk.
Catalysts
Catalysts are lost because of abrasion during use and regeneration. Also, some
catalysts are eventually spent and must be replaced. Thus, the cost of catalysts
must be included in the production cost. There are several corporations that specialize in manufacturing catalysts where the cost of catalysts may be obtained.
Solvents
Solvents are used in separation processes, such as in solvent extraction and gas
absorption, and in liquid-phase reactions. The solvents are usually recovered
within the process and reused, but losses occur because of leaks, incomplete recovery, and degradation. Leaks, however, are strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Utilities
Utilities include steam, electricity, fuel, cooling water, process water, compressed
air, refrigeration, and waste treatment. Utility equipment is usually located outside
of the process area and may supply several processes. We may consider each utility as a product, and estimate its cost according to the procedure outlined in Table
2.1. The cost of steam, electricity, and refrigeration depends mainly on fuel costs.
Local utilities may give electric power costs, and the Federal Power Commission
publishes rates for all public utilities in the United States. Table 2.3 lists approximate utility rates.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
37
Table 2.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Sources of Chemical Raw-Material Prices____________
Aldrich Chemical Catalog, Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wl.
Alfa Inorganic Ltd., Beverly, MA.
The Chemical Marketing Reporter, New York, NY.
Fisher Chemical Index, Fisher Scientific Co., New York, NY.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPON
Water, which is an increasingly important utility, is used both as a coolant
and a process fluid. Its cost, as shown in Table 2.3, depends on the source or
grade. Cooling water is obtained from reservoirs, rivers, and lakes and in many
cases a cooling tower will recool the water. Process water quality depends on the
needs of the process and may be city water, filtered, softened, demineralized cooling-tower water, condensate, distilled, and boiler feed water. The lowest grade of
water is obtained from a well or river, which is filtered to remove suspended solids. The electronics industry needs an even purer grade called ultrapure water.
Processing raw water to improve its grade increases its cost. A local water supplier
or the Water Works Association can give the cost of city water.
Compressed air is mainly used to operate pneumatic instruments and control
valves. Air is also used in aerobic fermentations for the production of chemicals
and drugs and in biological waste treatment.
Refrigeration is needed when the required temperature is below the coolingwater temperature, such as in the production of liquid nitrogen and oxygen. Refrigeration is also used when the material being processed is sensitive to high temperatures, such as in food and pharmaceutical processes.
Fuel costs have a major impact on utility costs and will have an even greater
impact in the future. When the price of oil rose in the 1970s, the chemical industry
responded by increasing their efforts to improve the energy efficiency of their
processes. Presently, the price of oil is low, but in the future the price of oil will
rise again. Also, the consumption of oil and other fuels have an adverse effect on
the environment so that efforts to conserve energy will continue.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
Labor
Chemical plants require several types of labor. There is direct labor, consisting of
operating labor to produce a chemical, and maintenance labor to maintain the
process. There is also indirect labor, needed to operate and maintain facilities and
services. Happel and Jordan [6] have pointed out that the contribution of labor
costs to the product cost is small. But labor cost contributes to the cost of several
other items, as shown in Table 2.1. When developing a new process, we can estimate the number of operators by visualizing the operations for the various
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2
38
Table 2.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Utility Costs
Utility
Cooling Water
Well3
River3
Cooling Towerb
Process Water
City0
Filtered0
Softened0
Demineralized0
Condensate0
Distilled"
Boiler Feed0
Saturated Steam
High Pressure1"
Medium
Pressure6
Low Pressure6
Electricity
Refrigeration6'1
Airc
Fuel Oilf
Condition
Quantity
Cost, $
Year
98 °F
1000 gal
1000 gal
1000 gal
1.00
0.60
0.40
1993
1993
1998
1000 gal
1000 gal
1000 gal
1000 gal
1000 gal
1000 gal
1000 gal
0.80-1.80
0.10-0.35
0.15-0.60
0.95-2.00
1 .45-4.60
2.25-4.00
1 .95-5.60
1990
1990
1990
1990
1990
1990
1990
610psig
160psig
1000lb
1000lb
6.00
4.00
1998
1998
30 psig
3c(., 13.2KV
-60 °F
90 psig
1000lb
MW-h
t/d
1000ft3
1x106
Btu
1x106
Btu
1000m3
2.75
60.0
1.50
1.00
2.28
1998
1993
1988
1995
1996
2.00
1996
47.0
1997
212°F
Fuel Gasf
Nitrogen9
689 kPa
a. Source: Reference 21
b. Source: Reference 24
c. Source: Reference 5
d. Source: Reference 25
e. Source: Reference 22
f. Source: Reference 23
g. Source: Reference 24
h. Source: Reference 26
i. One ton of refrigeration per day, t/d, is defined as 12,000 Btu/h of heat
absorbed.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
39zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
process units based on previous experience. If experience is lacking, Cevidalli and
Zaidman [7] propose using Equation 2.1.
K
N
L = ———— ——
(l+p) n m b
(2.1)
This formula is a modification of a formula originally proposed by Wessel
[8]. Cevidalli and Zaidman [7] examined several processes to determine the effect
of production rate, process complexity, and degree of automation on the operating
labor cost. In Equation 2.1, L is the number of hours required to produce one kilogram of product.
The process-productivity factor, K, is given in Table 2.4, which lists three
process types: batch, continuous (normally automated), and continuous (highly
automated). According to Table 2.4, a continuous, highly-automated process is the
most efficient. We expect that the operating efficiency of the process will improve
as engineers and technicians become more experienced in operating the plant. The
improvement in operating efficiency is the yearly fractional increase in productivity, p. The base year for computing the operating labor is 1952. Thus, n is the
number of years since 1952. By assuming that the fractional increase in labor productivity is 0.02, Cevidalli and Zaidman [7] found that the calculated operating
labor using Equation 2.1 agrees with the actual labor requirement for several processes by 40%. This error is not unreasonable for an economic estimate.
Operating labor also depends on the the plant capacity, m, in kg/h. Table 2.4
shows that the exponent, b, in Equation 2.1 depends on the plant capacity. The
exponent is 0.76 if the plant capacity is less than 5670 kg/h (12500 Ib/h) and 0.84
if it is greater than 5670 kg/h. The economy of scale is evident in Equation 2.1,
because the operating labor required to produce a kilogram of product decreases as
the plant capacity increases. As shown in Table 2.1, once we calculate the operating labor we can calculate the operating supervision and maintenance labor.
The complexity of a process, as determined by the number of process units,
N, also affects the operating labor required. The greater the number of process
units the more complex the process is and the greater the operating labor. The
number of process units is the most difficult term to evaluate in Equation 2.1.
Bridgewater [9] defines a significant process unit as a unit that achieves a chemical or physical transformation of major process streams or any substantial and
necessary side streams. Examples of process units are fractionation and filtration.
Use the following guidelines for determining the number of process units:
1. Ignore the size of a process unit and multiple process units of the same type in
series, such as the number of evaporators for multi-effect evaporation or the
number of Continuously Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTRs).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
40
2. Ignore pumps and heat exchangers unless substantial loads or unusual
circumstances are involved, such as in a waste-heat boiler or quench tower.
3. Ignore storage unless it involves mechanical handling.
4. Ignore phase separators, such as gravity settlers. These are not significant
process units, but a phase separator containing moving parts, such as a
centrifuge, is considered a process unit.
5. Count mechanical operations, such as crushing, as a process unit.
6. Count utilities if they are specific to the process considered.
Estimates of the number of process units using these guidelines may vary, depending on the judgment of the process engineer.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Plant Maintenance
Maintenance costs consist of materials, labor, and supervision. Although maintenance cost increases as a plant ages, for economical estimates assume an average
value for the life of the plant. The maintenance cost will vary from 3 to 6% of the
fixed capital cost per year [5]. Use an average value of 4.5%, which consists of
60% labor and 40% materials [5].
Table 2.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process-Productivity Factor and Capacity Exponents for
Equation 2.1
_________
Capacity Factor, b
Process
Type
Process-Productivity
Factor, K
b = 0.76
b = 0.84
<5670
>5670
kg/h
kg/h
Batch
0.76
0.84
0.401
0.536
Continuous
(normally
automated)
0.76
0.84
0.296
0.396
Continuous
(highly
automated)
0.76
0.84
0.174
0.233
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
41zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Operating SupplieszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Supplies, which are not raw materials or maintenance supplies, are considered as
operating supplies. Examples are custodial supplies, safety items, tools, column
packing, and uniforms. The cost of operating supplies will vary from 0.5 to 1% of
the fixed capital cost per year [5]. Use an average value of 0.75%.
Quality Control
Chemicals must meet certain specifications to be salable. Thus, analysis of process steams must be regularly made to determine their quality. Although there is a
trend toward on-line analysis, samples of process streams must still be taken to
check instrument performance. Also, there are still many analyses that cannot be
made on-line. According to Peters and Timmerhaus [4] and Humphreys [5], the
cost of quality control varies from 10 to 20% of operating labor. Use a value of
20% in Table 2.1.
INDIRECT COSTS
Indirect costs are those costs incurred that are not directly related to the production
rate and consist of fixed and plant overhead costs, as shown in Figure 2.3.
Fixed Costs
During the life of a plant the production rate will vary, according to economic
conditions, but depreciation, property taxes, insurance, and rent are independent of
the production rate and will remain fixed. Instead of rent, land, which is not part of
the fixed capital cost, is assumed to be purchased by borrowed capital and the interest paid yearly in the procedure outlined in Table 2.1.
Depreciation
Holland [11] has pointed out that depreciation has a number of different meanings
of which the folio whig are the most common:
1. a cost of operation
2. a tax allowance
3. a means of building up a fund to finance plant replacement
4. a measure of falling value
The value of a plant will decrease with time because of ware and technical
obsolescence. In a sense, a plant will be consumed to manufacture a product. Depreciation determines the contribution of equipment cost to the production cost.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
42
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
There are several depreciation methods, which are discussed in many economic
texts. Since we want to develop a rapid method of estimating the production cost,
we will use the simple linear depreciation method. For this method, divide the
difference of the depreciable capital cost and its salvage value by the life of the
plant, as shown in Table 2.1. An entire plant or individual equipment has three
lives: an economic life, a physical life, and a tax life. The economic life occurs
when a plant becomes obsolete, a physical life when a plant becomes too costly to
maintain, and a tax life, which is fixed by the government. The plant life is usually
ten to twenty years. The depreciable capital cost includes all the costs incurred in
building a plant up to the point where the plant is ready to produce, except land
and site-development costs. Care must be taken not to include costs that are not
depreciable.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Plant Overhead
Plant overhead is the cost of operating the services and facilities required by the
productive unit, as listed in Figure 2.3. Also included in this category are all the
fringe benefits for direct as well as for indirect labor. It is common practice to include the fringe benefits of direct labor in the overhead rather than in direct costs.
GENERAL COSTS
General costs are associated with management of a plant. Included within general
costs are administrative, marketing, financing, and research and development
costs. Figure 2.3 divides general costs into their various components. Administrative costs vary from 3 to 6% of the production cost [1]. Use an average value of
4.5% in Table 2.1. Marketing costs include technical service, sales, advertising,
and product distribution, consisting of packaging and shipping. If a plant sells a
small quantity of a product to many customers, the plant will incur a higher cost
than if it sells larger volumes to a few customers. Marketing costs vary from 5 to
22% of the production cost. Table 2.1 contains an average value of 13.5%.
In the past, the interest rate on borrowed capital has increased considerably.
Usually, corporations and individuals will borrow capital when interest rates become favorable. Because the interest rate may change rapidly over short time intervals, Table 2.1 does not include a numerical value. The current interest rate can
be obtained from the financial section of newspapers or from banks.
Finally, process and product improvements are continuously being sought.
Thus, we must add the cost of research and development to the production cost,
which varies from 3.6 to 8% of the production cost. Use an average value of 5.8%
in Table 2.1.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
43zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
CAPITAL COSTSzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
To calculate several of the cost items listed in Table 2.1, requires the depreciable
and fixed capital costs. The depreciable capital cost is the capital required for
equipment and its installation or modification in the process, and all the facilities
required to operate the process. There is some variation in the definition of fixed
capital cost. References [1-5], define the fixed capital as consisting of the depreciable capital cost, land cost, and site or land development cost. Woods [10], however, omits land cost and land development cost so that that the fixed capital cost
equals the depreciable capital cost. We will adopt the first definition here. For
now, assume that we know the depreciable capital cost. We will develop a procedure for its evaluation later. In Example 2.1 estimate the production cost using
Table 2.1.
Example 2.1 Estimating the Production Cost of Ethylenediamine_______
Ethylenediamine is used to produce chelating agents and carbamate fungicides.
Monoethanolamine (MEA), reacts with ammonia and hydrogen to produce ethylenediamine. The reaction occurs in the gas phase over a catalyst at temperatures <
300 °C (572 °F) and pressures > 250 bar (246.7 atm) [12]. Other details of the
process are proprietary. The products are:
ethylenediamine
diethyltriamine
piperazine
aminoethylpiperazine
hydroxyethylpiperazine
(EDA) - 74%
(BETA) - 8%
(PIP) - 4%
(AEP) -10%
(HEP) - 4%zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
Data (March 1978)
Fixed Capital Cost
Interest Rate
Utility Costs (kg total products)
Electricity
Steam (1.03 kPa)
Water
Operating Labor Rate
Land Cost
Land Development Cost
Total Raw Material Cost
$10.3xlOs
10 % /yr
3.56xl06 J/kg total products @ 4.17xlO~7 c/J
18.1 kg st./kg total products @ 0.0113 c/kg
0.1528 m3/kg total products @ 3.17 c/m3
8.61 $/h
0.015 x depreciable capital cost
0.021zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
x depreciable capital Cost
79.8 c/kg
If the production rate is 10,0001/yr (metric tons per year) (11030 tons/yr) of
total product, find the production cost of one kilogram of total product?
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
44
The solution of the problem reduces to calculating the operating labor and
fixed capital cost for one kilogram of total product. Following the procedure outlined in Table 2.1. Table 2.1.1 summarizes the results.
To allow time for maintenance during the year, the plant will operate only
for 8000 h instead of 8760 h for a plant operating without interruption. Therefore,
the production rate is
IxlO 4 t
IxlO 3 kg
m=
1 yr
1
t
1 y
kg
— = 1.25xlOJ ——
8000 h
Table 2.1.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation of Ethylenediamine Production Cost
Direct Costs
Raw Materials
Utilities
Electricity
Steam
Water
Operating Labor
Operating Supervision
Quality Control
Maintenance Labor
Maintenance Material
Operating Supplies
Cost, c/kg
79.80
6
7
3.56x10 J/kg x 4.17 x 1tr c/J =
1 8. 1 kg st./kg x 0.01 1 1 3 c/kg St. =
0.1528m3/kgx3.17c/m3 =
3.224 x10'3 h/kgx861c/h =
0.20 x 2.776 =
0.20 x 2.776 =
0.027x10.3 =
0.018x10.3 =
0.0075x10.3 =
1.485
0.201
0.484
2.776
0.555
0.555
0.278
0.185
0.077
86.396
Indirect Cost
Fixed Costs
Depreciation
Property Taxes
Insurance
Plant Overhead Cost
Fringe Benefits
Overhead
(less fringe benefits)
(1 - 0.10) x 9.94 =
0.02x10.3 =
0.01x10.3 =
8.946
0.206
0.103
0.22 x (2.776 + 0.555 + 0.278) =
0.50 x (2.776 + 0.555 + 0.278) =
0.794
1.890
11.939
General Costs
Administrative
Marketing
Financing (interest)
Research and Development
0.045x131 =
0.135x131 =
0.1 [10.3 + 0.2(10.3) =
0.0575x131 =
Production Cost
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
5.895
17.685
1.236
7.533
32.349
131.0
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
45zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Operating Labor zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
To determine the operating labor calculate L, the number of hours to produce a
kilogram of product, from Equation 2.1. First, determine the number of process
units, N, using the guide lines discussed previously. To determine N examine the
flow diagram for the process shown in Figure 2.1.1.
MEA, hydrogen, ammonia, and recyled gases mix before flowing into the
packed-bed catalytic reactor, shown in Figure 2.1.1. After reaction the gas stream
cools, condensing the condensable components. The gas-liquid stream leaving the
condenser separates in a phase separator into a gas stream, consisting mainly of
unreacted ammonia and hydrogen, and a liquid stream. The compressor then compresses the gases and recyles them back into the inlet of the reactor. Next, a series
of distillation columns separates the liquid product stream. The distillation
columns remove the more volatile components first. The first column removes
ammonia, the second column water, and the third column separates EDA and PIP
from HEP, AEP, BETA, and MEA. The MEA recycles backed to the reactor inlet.
Because the process is proprietary, Figure 2.1.1 does not show the purification and
the polyamine separation sections in any detail. To obtain an approximate labor
cost, we will assume that one column in the Purifcation Section separates the EDA
and PEP and two columns in the Polyamine Separation Section separates the more
complex solution. According to the guidelines for determining N, the heat exchangers, compressors, and phase separators are not process units. Thus, there are
six columns and one reactor for a total of seven process units.
Assuming that the process is highly automated, we find from Table 4 that b
= 0.76 and that the process productivity, K = 0.174. Assume that p, the labor productivity increases at an annual rate of 2% since 1952. Twenty-six years have
elapsed since 1952, therefore n = 26. Substituting into Equation 2.1, the number of
hours of operating labor for a kilogram of the total product,
0.174
7
L= —————— ————— =3.224xlO"3h/kg(1.46xlO~3h/lb)
(1+0.02) 26 (1250)0'76
Fixed Capital Cost
A typical plant life is ten years. Thus, the fixed capital cost, CF, in dollars per kilogram of total product is,
10.3xl06 $
1 yr
It
CF = —————— ————— ————— = 0.103$/kg (0.0467 $/lb)
10
yr IxlO 4 t
IxlO 3 kg
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
46zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
CO
8
2
Q.
CO
'«
E
CD
13
CD
CM
2
3
D)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
a>
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
47zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
According to Table 2.1, the fixed capital cost equals the sum of the depreciable capital cost, land cost, and land development cost. Land cost is 0.015 times
the depreciable capital cost and land development is 0.0211 times the depreciable
capital cost for a fluid processing plant. Thus,
CF = CD + 0.015 CD + 0.0211 CD =0.103 $/kg (0.0467 c/kg)
Solving for CD, we obtain
CD = 0.0994 $/kg (0.0451 $/lb)
After, calculating the operating labor cost and depreciable capital cost, use
the procedure outlined in Table 2.1 to calculate all other costs, except for the administrative, marketing, and research and development costs. First, calculate the
production cost by summing up all the costs given in Table 2.1.1. These costs are
the direct cost, indirect cost, administrative cost, marketing cost, financing cost,
and the research and development cost. Thus, the production or manufacturing
cost is,
CM = 86.4 + 11.9 + 0.045 CM + 0.135 CM + 1.24 + 0.0575 CM
Solving for CM, we obtain
C M = 131 c/kg (59.4 c/lb)
We can now complete Table 2.1.1 for those items that depend on the production cost. The production cost for this process, reported by Kohn [12], is 119
c/kg (54.0 c/lb). Because the estimation of N in the operating labor cost requires
judgment, we should expect that process engineers will differ in their estimates. If
we estimate N to be 8 instead of 7, the production cost is 132 c/kg (59.9 c/lb),
which is not significant.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
CAPITAL COST ESTIMATION
Calculating the production cost requires estimating the depreciable capital cost and
fixed capital cost. Before estimating the depreciable capital cost, the process engineer must first calculate mass and energy flow rates to size process equipment. He
can then estimate the cost of all equipment and finally the depreciable and fixed
capital costs. Besides sizing equipment he must also calculate utility requirements
from the mass and energy flow rates. Two methods for estimating capital costs
will be discussed: one is the average factor method and the second is the individual factor method. At the early stages of developing a process, you can use these
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
48
simple methods. As the process development advances, then you should use more
accurate methods.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
DEPRECIABLE CAPITAL COST
Factor Methods
Figure 2.4 divides the depreciable capital costs into several categories. The two
major categories are direct and indirect costs. Peters and Timmerhaus [4] and
Humphreys [5] list these costs. Reference [3] gives a more detailed breakdown.
As Figure 2.4 shows,
depreciable capital cost = the cost of:
delivered equipment
+ equipment placing
+ piping connections between equipment and to utilities
+ electrical equipment and wiring
+ instrumentation and controls
+ buildings
+ auxiliary facilities (offsites)
+ engineering
+ construction contractor's fee
+ contingency
(2.2)
In the factor methods for cost estimating, first calculate the purchased or
delivered cost of all major equipment, for example, distillation columns, reactors,
pumps, heat exchangers, etc. Then multiply the total equipment cost by factors to
estimate the various other components of the depreciable capital cost given in
Equation 2.2, such as piping and electrical wiring. Thus, we arrive at the cost of
installing all the equipment and supplying all the services needed to produce an
operational process.
It helps to visualize the process of constructing a plant to understand the
calculation of depreciable capital cost. First, a purchasing agent orders equipment
from various manufacturers from all over the world. The manufacturers then deliver the equipment to the plant site. Shipping charges, insurance, and taxes add to
the cost of equipment, resulting in the delivered equipment costs.
After arriving at the plant site, construction workers set the equipment in
place. This entails placing the equipment on concrete or steel structural supports,
prepared in advanced. Because some equipment could weigh tons, a crane will lift
the equipment onto supports. Then, construction workers secure the equipment in
place. A factor will account for this cost.
Next, pipe fitters connect the equipment to other equipment and to steam
and cooling water distribution systems. Piping and valves, which could weigh
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
49zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Production and Capital Cost Estimation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Major Equipment, Spare Parts,
Surplus Equipment, Freight Charges,
Delivered Equipment
Taxes, Insurance, Duties, Startup-
Allowance
Placing Equipment, Paint, Foundations,
Insulation, Structural Steel
Purchase, Calibration, Installation
Process piping, Pipe Hangers, Fittings,
Valves, Insulation
Electrical Equipment, Materials,
Installation
]
]
Equipment Installation
]
I
Piping
Direct Costs
instrumentation
Electrical
Process Buildings, Maintenance Shops,
Buildings for Services, Warehouses,
Buildings
Garages, Steel Structures, Laboratories,
Medical, Cafeteria
Utilities, Waste Treatment, Receiving,
Shipping, Packaging, Storage, Lighting,
Communications
Administration, Process Design, General
Engineering, CostEngineering,Drafting,
Purchasing, Expediting, Inspection,
Supervision, Reproduction, Communications,
Travel
Auxiliary Facilities
Engineering
Indirect Costs
Operation and Maintenance of Temporary
Facilities, Offices, Roads, Parking Lots,
Railroads, Electrical, Piping, Communications,
Fencing, Equipment, Supervision, Accounting,
Purchasing, Timekeeping, Expediting, Warehouse
Construction
Personnel and Expenses, Guards, Safety, Medical,
Fringe Benefits, Permits, Field Tests, Special
Licences, Taxes, Insurance, Interest
Contractors Fee
ContingencyzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Figure 2.4 Components of depreciable capital cost for a chemical plant.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
50
Chapter 2
hundreds of pounds, must be supported by steel structures and pipe hangers, further adding to the cost of the plant. Another factor will account for this cost.
Because a typical plant will contain many items of machinery, such as
pumps, compressors, and mixers, a plant will require an electric power distribution
system. Electricians need wiring, switches, and other electrical equipment to connect the machinery to the electrical system.
To maintain the production rate, product quality, and plant safety requires a
data acquisition and control system. This system consists of temperature, pressure,
liquid level, flow rate, and composition sensors. Computers record data and may
control the process. Modern chemical plants use program logic controllers (PLC)
extensively. According to Valle-Riestra [20], instrumentation cost is about 15% of
purchased equipment cost for little automatic control, 30% for full automatic control, and 40% for computer control.
Another factor is needed to estimate the cost of buildings to house the process and the various services required to operate the plant such as offices, maintenance shops, and laboratories. Process buildings, as described by Valle-Riestra
[20], are mostly open structures rather than enclosed structures and are preferred
for safety as well as economic reasons. Toxic or flammable gases or liquids released accidentally will dissipate more quickly in an open structure. A frequent
arrangement is an open process tower five decks in height and constructed with Ibeams [20]. Besides reducing the floor space occupied by equipment, the structure
allows for gravity flow.
Auxiliary facilities provide services that are necessary for the operation of
the process. Examples of these facilities are steam, electrical power, air, cooling
water, refrigeration, and waste treatment. To account for this cost requires determining whether the facility will be dedicated or shared. If the facility is dedicated
solely for the use of a single process, then its cost is assigned to the process. On
the other hand, if other processes share the facility, then its cost is divided according to usage.
A plant is divided into four areas: the process area, storage, utilities, and
services, as illustrated in Figure 2.5. The process area is called "battery limits" and
the other areas auxiliary facilities. Battery limits derives from the time when oil
refineries contained several stills in a row, resembling a gun battery. The battery
limit contains all the equipment assigned to the process, but Valle-Riestra [20]
pointed out that a process unit is not always physically located in one area of a
plant.
Because the factor methods for calculating the depreciable capital cost are
rapid methods and not based on a detailed design, many small items of equipment
are knowingly omitted. Also, there are uncertainties in design and economic procedures, and bad weather, strikes, and other unforeseen events may cause delays.
To correct for uncertainties and unforeseen events requires using a contingency
factor or safety factor.
Engineers design, implement the design, and monitor the progress of construction. They organize the total construction effort. Besides chemical engineers,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
51
UtflMn zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Gas
r-
Air
Refrigeration
Storage, Receiving >nd Shipping
Electricity
ProtMj Are* (Butter; Unit)
Q
L_
QUO
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Servtew
Shops
Laboratories
Figure 2.5 The process area and auxiliary facilities of a chemical plant.
plant design involves all the common branches of engineering - mechanical, civil
and electrical engineering. Engineering and construction costs are indirect costs
and are part of the depreciable capital cost.
Next, two methods for calculating the costs listed in Figure 2.4 are discussed. One method is the average factor method, and the other method is the individual factor method. The accuracy of a cost estimate should be considered. Table 2.5 contains the accuracy of various methods and their cost. Although the costs
are out-of-date, they do show that as a process becomes well-defined the estimates
become more costly. In the early stages, when a project is ill-defined, an accurate
cost estimate is not warranted. The factor methods are study estimates and are less
accurate than the detailed estimate.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
52zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 2
Table 2.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Typical Average Costs of Cost Estimates
Cost of Project3
Less than
$2,000,000
$2,000,000 to
$10,000,000
$10,000,000 to
$100,000,000
$3, 000
20,000
50,000
80,000
200,000
$6,000
40, 000
80, 000
160,000
520,000
$13,000
60,000
130,000
320,000
1,000,000
Type of Estimate
Order of Magnitude (± 30%)a
Study (± 30%)
Preliminary (+ 20%)
Definitive (± 10%)
Detailed (± 5%)
Accuracy of estimate.
Source: Adapted from Reference 39.
Average Factor Method zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The average factor method is summarized by Equation 2.3.
C D=(Z k flk )(I iC
Si
)
(2.3)
where Z k fi k is an average factor that accounts for the cost of each item in Equation 2.2 required to install equipment. The installation factor accounts for all costs
required to make the equipment operable. The average factor is the average of the
individual factors of many pieces-of-equipment. Lang [14] originally proposed the
factor method, and it is frequently called the Lang factor method.
The factor for buildings depends on the plant location and the plant type.
To estimate the cost of buildings, we will consider three plant locations. These are
a "grass-roots" plant, a plant at an existing site, and a plant addition. A "grassroots" plant is isolated from an industrial complex and must provide all auxiliary
facilities for its sole use. On the other hand, if a plant is part of an industrial complex, utilities - such as steam generation and water treatment facilities - may be
shared with other processes located at the site. Sharing facilities reduces capital
and production costs. The third type of plant is a plant addition, where the auxiliary facilities are again available.
The three types of processes considered are a solids process - such as a
process producing lime, a solid-fluid process - such as a powdered-coffee process,
and a fluid process - such as a methanol-synthesis process. No sharp division exists among these process types so that you must use some judgment to classify a
process. Table 2.6 contains average cost factors for these process types. The factors for process equipment depend on the material of construction. Thus, Table 2.7
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
53zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
contains factors for both carbon steel and alloy steel. Alloy steels contain varying
amounts of nickel and chromium, such as the stainless steels. The other factors in
Table 2.6, i.e., for buildings, auxiliary facilities, indirect costs, contractor's fee,
and contingency do not depend on the material of construction for a process. As an
example, for a carbon-steel, fluid-processing plant constructed at an existing site.
From Table 2.7, f = 1.86, and from Table 2.6, the average factor, Z f r k = 3.27
+ fDC = 3.27+1.86 = 5.13.
The factors in Tables 2.6 and 2.7 are for an average process containing
many pieces-of-equipment and should not be used for single piece-of-equipment
and a small installation containing only a few pieces-of-equipment. For these
cases, we will use the individual factor method, which will be described next.
k
D C
Table 2.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Cost Factors for Estimating Depreciable Capital Cost Average Factor Method (Adapted from Reference 4.)___________
Cost Factor, Fraction of Delivered Equipment Cost"
Solids
Process
Solids-Fluid Process
Fluid Process
Delivered Equipment
1.00
1.00
1.00
Equipment Installation
foe
foe
fee
0.75
0.28
0.17
0.52
0.32
0.08
0.50
0.20
0.40
0
0.52°
0.55
0
0.70
0
0.33
0.39
0.32
0.34
0.33
0.41
0.17
0.18
0.21
0.34
0.36
0.42
Direct Costs
See Table 2.7
Buildings (with services)
Grass-Roots Plant
Plant at an Existing Site
Plant Addition
0.07
Auxiliary Facilities
Grass-Roots Plant
Plant at an Existing Site"
Plant Addition
Indirect Costs
Engineering
Construction
Contractor's Fee0
6
Contingency
i)
Source offactors is Reference 2.4 except where indicated
>)
Includes installation cost
,)
)
Source: Reference 2.9
5% of direct and indirect costs
)
1 0% of direct and indirect costs
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2
54
Table 2.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Direct-Cost Factors for Process Equipment Installation - Average Factor Method
_______
Cost Factor, Fraction of Delivered Equipment Cost
Solids Process
Solids-Fluid Process
Primarily
Primarily
Carbon
Steel
Equipment
Primarily
Alloy
Equipment
Carbon
Steel
Equipment
Primarily
Alloy
Equipment
Fluid Process
Primarily
Primarily
Carbon
Steel
Alloy
Equipment
Equipment
Equipment
Installation
Equipment
0.15
0.10
0.20
0.12
0.25
0.15
0.03
0.12
0.03
0.07
0.10
0.07
0.18
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.03
0.12
0.06
0.10
0.15
0.06
0.15
Instrumentation
Piping
0.06
0.20
0.05
0.12
0.12
0.25
Electrical
0.20
0.15
0.15
0.45
0.15
0.40
0.12
0.20
0.20
0.25
0.60
0.15
0.03
0.10
0.15
0.10
0.20
Total = foe
1.15
0.75
1.50
1.10
1.86
Placing
Painting
Foundations
Insulation
Structural Steel
0.55
0.12
1.40
Source: Ref. 32.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Individual Factor Method zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
If we need the installation cost of a piece-of-equipment or a few pieces-ofequipment, then we have to use the individual factor method that Hand [28] first
proposed. We can also use this method for large plants containing many pieces of
equipment as well. Also, this method is more accurate than the average factor
method. In this case, the capital cost for installed equipment,
CD = S; fi i CP
(2.4)
where the subscript i refers to a piece-of-equipment. The installation factor for a
piece-of-equipment,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
f\;, contains the same cost items for installing equipment as
those listed for the average factor method in Tables 2.6 and 2.7. For the individual
factor method, the basis for the installation factor is the Free-On-Board (FOB) cost
of the equipment, i.e., the cost at the manufacturer's doorstep instead of the delivered equipment cost.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
55zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
The installation factor consists of direct costs, indirect costs, contingency
cost, and a contractor's fee. The installation factor for a piece-of-equipment is
given by
fi = foe fie fo
(2.4)
The direct-cost factor for equipment, f c, contained in Table 2.8, does not include
buildings and auxiliary facilities. It includes the labor and materials needed to install equipment. The buildings and auxiliary costs will be accounted for after wecalculate the depreciable capital cost for equipment.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
D
EQUIPMENT COST ESTIMATION
Whether a process engineer uses the average factor method or the individual factor
method, the major effort in estimating the depreciable capital cost is estimating the
cost of equipment. After developing the process flow diagram and calculating
mass and energy flow rates, he can then estimate the size of the equipment and the
equipment cost. There are three sources of equipment cost data. These are: current
vendor quotations, past vendor quotations, and literature estimates, in order of
decreasing accuracy. Woods [10] has stated that correlation of equipment costs in
the literature can have large errors - by as much as 100%. A correlation with a
large error is not completely useless, but it will limit the conclusions that one can
draw. Vendor quotations are the most accurate, but the effort required to prepare
detailed specifications and quotations are not usually warranted in the early stages
of a project. Thus, we rely on literature estimates and past quotations for quick
estimates - in spite of their lower accuracy.
Equipment costs reported in the literature are either FOB, delivered, orzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
installed cost. Usually, these costs are given at some time in the past. When reporting equipment costs, the date and shipping point should be specified, but the latter
is frequently not given. Shipping cost (consisting of freight, taxes, and insurance)
will vary from 10 to 25% of the purchased cost [10]. We will use 10%, a value
recommended by Valle-Riestra [20]. Then, the delivered cost is
Csi=1.10C P i
(2.5)
Before adding equipment costs they must all be on the same basis - either FOB,
delivered, or installed. For example, Table 2.6 requires that all equipment costs be
on the delivered basis. If some equipment is reported on the installed basis, then
add this cost after all other equipment costs are on the installed basis.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2
56zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 2.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Direct Cost Factors for Equipment Installation-Individual Factor
Method
Equipment3
Factor
Equipment
Agitators (CS)b
Agitators (SS)°
Air Heaters, all types
1.3
1.2
1.5
Beaters
Blenders
Blowers
1.4
1.3
1.4
Heat exchangers (shell/ tube)
SS/SS
CS/SS
CS/AI
CS/Cu
CS/Monel
Monel/Monel
CS/Hastalloy
Boilers
Centrifuges (CS)
Centrifuges (SS)
1.5
1.3
1.2
Chimneys and stacks
Columns, distillation (CS)
Columns, distillation (SS)
1.2
3.0
2.1
Compressors, motor drive
Compressors, steam or
gas drive
Conveyors and elevators
1.2
1.5
Cooling tower, concrete
Crushers, classifiers, mills
Crystallizers
1.2
1.3
1.9
Cyclones
Dryers, spray and air
Dryers, other
1.4
1.6
1.4
Ejectors
Evaporators, calandria
Evaporators, thin film (CS)
1.7
1.5
2.5
Evaporators, thin film (SS)
Extruders, compounding
Fans
1.9
1.5
1.4
1.4
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Factor
d
1.9
2.1
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
Instruments, all types
Miscellaneous (CS)
Miscellaneous (SS)
2.5
2.0
1.5
Pumps
Centrifugal (CS)
Centrifugal (SS)
Centrifugal.Hastalloy trim
Centrifugal, nickel trim
Centrifugal, Monel trim
Centrifugal, titanium trim
2.8
2.0
1.4
1.7
1.7
1.4
All others (SS)
All others (CS)
1.4
1.6
Reactors
Kettles (CS)
Kettles, glass lined
Multitubular (SS)
Multitubular (Cu)
Multitubular (CS)
1.9
2.1
1.6
1.8
2.2
Refrigeration Plant
Steam Drum
Sum of equipment costs (SS)
Sum of equipment costs (CS)
1.5
2.0
1.8
2.0
57zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
Filters, all types
1.4
Tanks
Process (SS)
1.8
Gas holders
Granulators for plastics
1.3
1.5
Process (Al)
Storage (SS)
2.0
1.5
Storage (Al)
Storage (CS)
Field erected (SS)
Field erected (CS)
1.7
2.3
1.2
1.4
Heat exchangers
Turbines
Air cooled (CS)
Coil in Shell (SS)
Glass
Graphite
Plate (SS)
Plate (CS)
2.5
1.7
2.2
2.0
Vessels, pressure (SS)
Vessels, pressure (CS)
1.5
1.7
2.8
1.5
1.7
a. Direct cost = materials + labor = indirect factor x equipment cost
b. Carbon steel (CS)
c. Stainless steel (SS)
d. Shell material/tube material
Source: Adapted from Reference 35 with permission.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJI
Correcting Equipment Cost for SizezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Usually, the cost literature contains equipment costs for capacities other than what
is required. To scale the equipment cost to the required capacity, we usually assume that its cost varies to some power, usually fractional, of its capacity. Thus,
the scaled cost will be
fQ 2 V
I ___
I
I ——— I
(2.6)
i Q izyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
If we know the cost of a piece-of-equipment at one capacity and the capacity exponent, n, then we can calculate its cost at another capacity. We can find cost data
in References [10], [13], [15], [16], and [36]. More recent cost data are contained
in References [4], [30], [31], and [37]. Table 2.9 contains costs and capacity exponents of some common equipment. The correlation range given in Table 2.9 gives
the size limits for each piece-of-equipment. You should not extrapolate Equation
2.6 too far beyond the limits specified. For example, from Table 2.9, the cost of a
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
58
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
propeller agitator for 3 hp in January 1990 is $2800, and the correlation range is 1
to 7 hp. Bringing the equipment cost up-to-date will be discuss later.
Equation 2.6 will be linear when plotted on log-log coordinates. The slope
of the line is the capacity exponent, n. In most cases, the equipment size, cost, and
capacity exponents in Table 2.9 were taken from Peters and Timmerhaus's log-log
plots [4]. If the log-log plot was not linear, it was approximated by a straight line
to maintain the simple relationship given by Equation 2.6. If you cannot find a
capacity exponent for a piece-of-equipment, Lang [14] suggested using six tenths.
This is called the six tenths rule. Drew and Ginder [33], however, found that six
tenths is appropriate for pilot-scale equipment and seven tenths for large equipment. Because most exponents are less than one, doubling the equipment capacity
will not double the equipment cost, which is an example of the economy of scale.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Correcting Equipment Cost for Design, Material of Construction, Temperature, and Pressure
Sometimes, the cost literature contains equipment cost at base conditions, CB i in
Equation 2.7. The base conditions are a low temperature and pressure, carbon steel
construction, and a specific design. If you need the actual cost of equipment, CA i,
at other conditions, multiply the base cost by correction factors. Thus,
C Ai = f r f p f M f D C B i
(2.7)
where fT corrects for temperature, f P for pressure, fM for material of construction,
and fD for a specific design. Table 2.10 contains values of fT, fP, and f M for some
equipment. For the case where the equipment is only available in one design, f =
1. The factors in Equation 2.7 depend on the type of equipment, and thus using the
same correction factors for all equipment is an approximation. Also, if the equipment operates at extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, or with a corrosive
fluid, the correction factors in Table 2.10 will be too low.
For shell-and-tube heat exchangers, the correction factors are defined differently. The shell material may be different than the tube material. If the process
fluid is corrosive, for example, then the tube material could be stainless steel.
Also, it is good practice to place the high-pressure fluid on the tube side to reduce
the cost of metal. Table 2.11 contains material factors obtained from Guthrie [13]
for combinations of shell-and-tube materials. Also, use the pressure and design
correction factors given in Table 2.11 instead of Table 2.10. Because Guthrie [13]
does not give any temperature correction factors use the factors given in Table
2.10, which will increase the heat-exchanger cost. To underestimate is worse than
to overestimate, up to a point. Using Table 2.11, then, for heat exchangers the cost
equation is
D
C Ai = f T ( f P + f D ) f M C B i
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(2.8)
59zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
Table 2.9 Equipment Cost Data Carb on Steel ConstructionzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
Size
Capacity
Units
FOB
Cost', k$
lanuary
1990
Correlation
Range11
Capacity
Exponent ,n
Direct-Cost
Factor", fix-
3
20.0
i.O
hp
hp
1.0-7.0
3.0-100.0
-
0.50, e
0.30, e
0.8, j
Table 2.8
fV
2.8
12.0
0.137.J
4,000
fl'/nlin
60.0
800.0-1.8x10'
0.59, c
Table 2.8
600
hp
190
0.32, c
Table 2.8
Centrifugal, steam
or gas turbine
600
hp
210
2.0xI031.8x10'
Z.OxlO12.U101
0.32, c
Table 2.8
Open Drip Proof
60
60
100
kW
kW
kW
3.0, g
4.0, g
9.5, g
0.20-5.0x10'
0.25-6.0x10'
OJOxS.OxlO1
1.10, f
1.10, f
1.10, f
2.0 or 1. 5, h
2.0 or 1. 5, h
2.0 or 1.5, h
1,000
fl!
2500, i
0.70, e
Table 2.8
1,000
fl!
120, i
0.53, c
Table 2.8
1,000
!
n
180, i
1.0xlO!7.0x10'
l.OxlO18.0x10'
l.OxlO18.0x10'
0.53, e
Table 2.8
4.000
ft'/min
2.5
0.44
Table 2.8
10,000
1.0x10'1.0x10*
1.0x10"-
ft'VminzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
1.17
40.0
Table 2.8
l.Oxl 0s
1,000
K-
14.0
0.65, c
Table 2.8
20,000
U/s
750. g
l.OxlO15.0x10'
3.0x10'-
0.85. g
Table 2.8
20
0.29
80
hp
hp
9.0
2.3
2.68-335
0.10-2.0
0.42, g
gpm
1.3
16-400
0.29, g
0.36, f
Table 2.8
Table 2.8
Table 2.8
gal
17.0
30-6.0x10'
0.57. f
Table 2.8
Equipment
Agitators
Propeller
Turbine, single impeller
Air Coolers
Table 2.8
Table 2.8
Blowers
Centrifugal
Compressors & Drives
Centrifugal, electric motor
Electric Motors
Totally Enclosed
Explosion Proof
Evaporators (installed)
Forced Circulation
Horizontal Tube
Vertical Tube
Fans
Centrifugal, radial.
low range
Centrifugal, radial,
high range
Heat Exchangers
(shell/tube)*
Floating Head, CS/CS,
ISOpsia
Process Furnace
1.6x10'
Pumps
Centrifugal, high range
Centrifugal, low range
Gear, 100 psi
Reactors k
Stirred Tank, jacketed, CS, 600
SO psi
Stirred Tank, glass lined,
400
gal
33.0
30-4.0x10'.
0.54, c
Table 2^8
100 psi
Rotary Vacuum Filters (SS)
Tanks
30
fr
60.0
4.0-600
0.67, c
Table 2.8
12.0x10'
gal
170
Table 2.8
gal
2.0x10'1.2x10*
1.2x10*.
l.lxlO 7
0.32, f
170
0.32, f
Table 2.8
Storage, cone roof.
low range
Storage, cone roof.
12.0x10"
high range
a. Source: Reference 2.35 except where indicated.
b. The shell-and-lube materials can differ. CS/SS means carbon steel shell and the stainless steel tubes.
c. Source: Reference 2.29.
d. Source: Reference 2.4 except where indicated. - January 1990 cost except where indicated.
e. Source: Reference 2.13.
f. Source: Reference 2.10.
g. Source: Reference 2.31 - mid-1982 cost.
h. Source: Reference: 2.31 - Use 2.0 for conveyors, crushers, grinders, gas-solid contactors, and mixers.
- Use 1.5 for fans, compressors, and pumps,
i. Source: Reference 2.4 - Installed cost,
j. Source: Reference 2.37 - mid-1987 cost
k. no agitator
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
60
instead of Equation 2.7. Finally, the factors in Table 2.11 do not distinguish between shell and tube side conditions. Again, we will err on the high side by using
the highest values of temperature and pressure, which, most likely, will be in the
tubes.
Table 2.10zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Equipment-Cost Correction Factors for Material of Construction, Temperature, and Pressure
Design Pressure
psia
0.08
0.2
0.7
8 to 100
700
3000
6000
Correction Factor
atm
0.005
0.014
0.048
0.54 to 6.8
48
204
408
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
Design Temperature, °C
Correction Factor
-80
0
100
600
5,000
10,000
1.3
1.0
1.05
1.1
1.2
1.4
Material of Construction
Correction Factor
Carbon steel (mild)
Bronze
Carbon/molybdenum
steel
Aluminum
Cast steel
Stainless steel
Worthite alloy
Hastelloy C Alloy
Monel alloy
Titanium
Source: Adapted from Ref. 40.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
1.0
1.05
1.065
1.075
1.11
1 .28 to 1.5
1.41
1.54
1.65
2.0
61
Production and Capital Cost Estimation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
1 Cost Correction Factors for Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers
—Design, Materials, and Pressure (Source: Reference 13.)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Material Correction Factors
Surface Area, ft2
Material
up to 100
100-500
500-1,000
1,000-5,000
5,000-10,000
1.00
2.50
1.54
1.00
3.10
1.78
1.00
3.26
2.25
1.00
3.75
2.81
1.00
4.50
3.52
Shell/Tube
CS/CS"
SS/SS
CS/SS
a. Carbon steel shell/carbon steel tubes
Pressure Correction Factors
Pressure, psig
up to 150
up to 300 up to 400
up to 800
up to 1,000
Pressure Factor
0
0.10
0.52
0.55
0.25
Design Correction Factors
Heat-Exchanger Type
Design Factor
Floating Head
Fixed Tube Sheet
U-Tube
1.00
0.80
0.85
1.35
Kettle Reboiler
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
62
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Correcting Equipment Cost for Inflation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Because the cost literature reports equipment costs for some time in the past, we
must correct the costs for inflation. We can calculate the present value of cost of
equipment, C2, using an inflation index, I, as given by Equation 2.9.
la
Ca = C li ——
In
(2.9)
There are several inflation or cost indexes in use. Examples are the
Chemical Engineering Cost Index (CE Index), and the Nelson Refinery Cost
Index.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chemical Engineering magazine publishes the CE Index regularly,
whereas the Oil and Gas Journal reports the Nelson Refinery Index. We will use
the CE Index. Cost indexes are relative to some time in the past. Chemical
Engineering magazine defined the CE Index as equal to 100 during 1957-1959
when plant costs were relatively stable.
Chemical Engineering magazine established their index in 1963, and revised
it in 1982. To revise their index they surveyed the process industry, equipment
manufacturers, contractors, and consultants, as described by Chilton and Arnold
[17]. The magazine determined the fractional contribution to the CE index of the
many components of the average chemical plant. Determining the fractional contribution is necessary because the components inflate at different rates. The types
of plant studied were fluid, fluid-solid, and solids-processing plants, built as a new
plant at a new site, a new plant at an existing site, and an expansion of an existing
plant. Chilton and Arnold [17] discussed other details of the CE index. The major
changes in the revised index were a reduction in the number of components comprising the index from 110 to 66, the replacement of many components with more
suitable ones, and the lowering of the construction productivity factor from 2.50 to
1.75. Figure 2.6 shows the fractional contribution of the many components to the
revised index. BLS in the first column in Figure 2.6 is an abbreviation for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Table 2.12 gives the CE Indexes since 1969. As shown in Figure 2.6 and
Table 2.12, the CE Index is composed of four major parts - Equipment, Construction Labor, Buildings, and Engineering and Supervision. The equipment component, in turn, is subdivided into several components. Table 2.12 lists cost indexes
for all major components of the CE Index. If we sum up the fractional contribution, given in Figure 2.6, of each component of the cost index, we obtain the plant
cost index. Example 2.2 illustrates the calculation of the plant cost index from the
component cost indexes. The cost indexes in Table 2.12 for a given year are time
averaged for the year, and thus they are more representative of mid-year values as
illustrated in Example 2.3.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
BLS
code no.
Weight
10130246
10130247
10130276
10130278
0.254
0.043
0.043
0.043
C022
10.405]
0.183
102S
Sufctotil
10720102
10720111
10720112
10720113
10720133
10720138
10720139
10720147
Subtotal
SIC 34
Component
factor
0.007
0.027
0.025
0.021
0.082
0.010
0.010
(0.3!5I
0.230
Weight factors and component groups
Plates, carbon, A-36
Plates, stainless steel
Mechanical tubing, carbon, weld
Mechanical tubing, stainless, weld
Nonferrous mill shapes
Components of fabricated products
Pressure vessels, non-aluminum
0.37
Elevated water tank, field erected
Bulk storage tank, 6,000 gal or less
Sulk storage tank, over 6.000 gel
Revised
fabricated equipment
Other pressure tanks
Custom tanks. 3/4 in. or less
Custom tanks, over 3/4 in.
Petroleum storage tanks
Typical fabricated products
Fabricated products labor
Plates, carbon, A-36
10130245
10130264
10130265
1015
1144
1147
116604
117301
119202
132
Subtotal
SIC 35
0.105
0.030
0.010
0.060
0.075
0.025
0.250
0.035
0.150
0.030
10.770)
0.230
0721
10130269
10130276
102502
13320101
S1014011
S1016011
0.050
0.400
0.100
0.100
0.050
0.200
0.100
Plastic construction products
10130261
10130264
1015
1025
102502
117301
I17B
51014011
Subtotal
SIC3622
SIC3823
Subtotal
0.057
0.014
0.077
0.060
0.053
0.036
0.400
0.053
10.750)
0.063
0.187
10.2501
Sheets, hot-rolled, carbon
Sheets, cold-rolled, carbon
114102
114103
11410401
11410405"
0.900
0.050
0.025
0.025
Industrial pumps
Air compressors, stationary
Centrifugal gas compressors, uncooled
Reciprocating gas compressors, 1,000 hp
/
102501
1083
117301
11730222
1174
1175
0.057
0.198
0.306
0.043
0.146
Copper wire and cable
Ujhting fixtures
1
I
0621
10130248
10130255
132
1392
0.028
0.382
Prepared paint
0.077
0.117
0.396
Bars, reinforcing
f
Concrete ingredients
1
S1012011
5IC15
0.530
0.470
Construction meterials (special index}
General building contrectors
ASACII1
ASBEV
ASOIV
ASTII
0.060
0.330
0.470
0.140
Qerk, accounting, class III, annual salary
Engineer, class V, annual salary
Typist, class II, annual salary
SIC15
SIC16
SIC17
0.334
0.333
0.333
Specisl trade contractors
0.250
63
Sheets, cold-rolled, stainless
Sheets, electrical, alloy
Foundry end forge shop products
Industrial material-handling equipment
0.14 Revised
Fans and blowers, except portable
Chemical Industry machinery
Electric motors
Crushing, pulverizing, screening mechinery
Concrete ingredients
Components of process mechinery
process machinery
Process machinery labor
Pipe, Meek, carbon
0.20
Mechanical tubing, carbon, weld
Copper and brass mill shapes
0.61
Revised
pipes, valves
and fittings
Culvert pipe, reinforced
Revised
equipment, machinery,
and supports
Industrie! velves (special index)
Industrial finings (special index]
Revised
process plant
cost index
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
Foundry and forge shop products
Nonferrous mill shapes
Copper and bran mill shapes
0.07
Electric motorl
Revised
Electronic components and accessories
and controls
Industrial valves (special index)
Components of instruments and controls
Industrial controls labor
Industrial instruments labor
Instrument and control manufacturing labor
I
0.07 Revised
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
\
pumps and
/
Elaetric motors
i ui ha
0.05 Revised
\
Electric generating plant, 100-1 25 kW
Transformers and power regulators
Switchgear, switchboard, etc., equipment
*t
compressors
1
1
electrical equipment
I
and materials
I
]
.....0 . .
0.10 Revised
Insulation materials
Drifter, class IV, annual salary
General building contractors
Heew construction contractors
• "*? •"
!UI )O1 1
^ ?'
/
0.07 Buildings, materials
and labor
0.10 Revised
engineering and
supervision
0.22 Contract
contstruction labor
Figure 2.6 Components of the chemical engineering cost index.
From Ref. 18 with permisson.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(
Chapter 2
64
Table 2.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
CE Cost Indexes from 1969 to 2000 (Source: Ref. 34 with
permission)
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
2000
CE Index
119.0
125.7
132.3
137.2
144.1
165.4
182.4
192.1
204.1
218.8
394.1
Equipment
116.6
115.1
123.8
122.7
130.4
130.3
135.4
136.3
141.8
171.2
170.1
194.7
192.2
205.8
200.8
220.9
216.6
240.3
142.5
238.6
438.0
370.6
116.8
122.9
127.9
132.1
137.8
160.0
184.7
197.5
211.6
228.3
439.4
123.1
132.0
137.3
142.9
151.5
192.3
217.0
232.5
247.7
269.4
545.9
Process
126.1
132.1
139.9
143.9
147.1
164.7
181.4
193.1
203.3
216.0
368.5
Instruments
Pumps &
119.6
125.6
133.2
135.9
139.8
175.7
208.3
220.9
240.2
257.5
665.3
Electrical
Equipment
092.9
099.8
098.7
099.1
104.2
126.4
142.1
148.9
159.0
167.8
339.4
Structural
112.6
117.9
127.5
133.6
140.8
171.6
198.6
209.7
226.0
248.9
408.7
128.3
137.3
146.2
152.2
157.9
163.3
168.6
174.2
178.2
185.9
279.2
122.5
109.9
127.2
110.6
135.5
111.4
142.0
111.9
150.9
122.8
165.8
134.4
177.0
141.8
187.3
150.8
199.1
162.1
213.7
161.9
385.6
340.6
Heat
Exchangers
&Tanks
Process
Machinery
Pipe, Valves,
& Fittings
Compressors
Supports &
Misc.
Construction
Labor
Buildings
Engineering
&
Supervision
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
CE Index
238.7
261.2
297.0
314.0
317.0
322.7
325.3
318.4
323.8
342.5
Equipment
Heat
Exchangers &
Tanks
264.7
261.7
292.6
291.6
323.9
321.8
336.2
336.0
327.4
344.0
334.1
347.2
336.3
336.3
326.0
314.6
343.9
321.6
372.7
357.2
Process
250.0
271.8
301.5
312.0
322.2
329.1
332.2
327.8
330.0
345.6
301.2
330.0
360.1
383.2
366.6
381.2
385.0
374.5
388.3
431.1
Process
Instruments
231.5
249.5
287.9
297.6
308.4
319.1
322.8
324.5
330.0
341.9
Pumps &
Machinery
Pipe, Valves, &
Fittings
280.4
330.3
388.5
412.2
412.2
413.1
419.3
422.5
430.2
450.7
Electrical
Equipment
183.2
206.1
222.4
235.4
242.7
248.0
251.8
251.9
256.2
269.6
Structural
273.6
297.7
322.0
338.2
338.5
343.1
346.9
342.3
344.6
370.4
Construction
Labor
194.9
204.3
242.4
263.9
267.6
264.5
265.3
263.0
262.6
265.6
Buildings
228.4
185.9
238.3
274.9
268.5
290.1
304.9
295.6
323.3
300.3
336.3
304.4
338.9
303.9
341.2
309.1
346.0
319.2
343.3
Compressors
Supports &
Misc.
Engineering &
Supervision
214.0
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
65
Table 2.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1 996 1997
CE Index
355.4
357.6
361.3
358.2
359.2
368.1
381.1
381.7
Equipment
Heat
391.0
373.4
392.2
370.9
396.9
369.1
392.2
361.3
391.3
359.5
406.9
367.5
427.3
391.2
359.2
366.3
375.4
378.2
392.2
393.5
463.3
469.8
481.1
468.0
457.9
352.3
353.3
353.8
356.7
376.1
482.6
502.9
531.0
597.4
286.5
297.1
304.2
371.4
349.4
Construction
Labor
270.4
Buildings
Engineering
& Supervision
327.6
344.8
1998
1999
386.5
389.5
390.6
427.4
387.1
433.2
385.3
436.0
382.8
435.5
371.2
408.6
415.5
424.8
430.8
433.6
494.7
520.7
513.7
532.8
534.8
539.1
365.4
377.7
372.1
371.5
365.3
363.5
550.9
584.2
600.8
614.5
632.2
648.5
658.5
307.8
313.0
315.3
326.9
332.1
331.9
333.6
335.8
344.7
329.6
344.1
346.1
363.7
376.0
377.6
394.3
413.1
271.4
274.8
273.0
270.9
272.9
274.3
277.5
281.9
287.4
292.5
329.5
355.9
332.9
354.5
334.6
354.1
341.6
352.3
353.8
351.1
362.4
365.1
344.2
371.4
342.5
3742
341.2
380.2
339.9
Exchangers &
Tanks
Process
Machinery
Pipe. Valves,
and Fittings
Process
Instruments
Pumps &
Compressors
Electrical
Equipment
Structural
Supports &
Misc.
347.6
Source Ref.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 2.2 Calculation of the Plant Cost Index fr om Component IndexeszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Calculate the plant cost index using the component cost indexes in 1998 from Table 2.12 and the fractional contribution of each component from Figure 2.6.
I = 0.61 [ 0.37 (382.8) + 0.14 (430.8) + 0.20 (534.8) + 0.07 (365.8) + 0.07 (648.5)
+ 0.05 (333.6) + 0.10 (394.3) ]+ 0.22 (287.4) + 0.07 (374.2) + 0.10 (341.2)
= 389.5
The plant cost from Table 2.12 is 389.5, which agrees with the calculated value.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
66
Example 2.3 Calculation of the Yearly-Average Cost Index__________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
The monthly Chemical Engineering Cost Indexes for equipment are given below
for 1980. Calculate the equipment cost index for the year.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
277.2
281.2
284.6
290.5
291.3
292.2
295.3
296.0
296.9
300.0
301.7
304.1
3511.0
The cost index for equipment for 1980 is the time averaged for the year.
Thus, I = (1/12) (3511) = 292.6, which agrees with the equipment cost index in
Table 2.12.
DEPRECIABLE CAPITAL COST
Calculation Procedures Using the Average Factor Method
There is now enough information to set up a calculating procedure using the average factor method for calculating the depreciable capital cost. Table 2.13 lists the
equations and Table 2.14 outlines the calculation procedure. First, correct the
equipment cost for size and inflation. Because equipment costs are sometimes
correlated at an ordinary temperature, pressure, material of construction, and for a
common design, the next step is to correct the base cost for the actual conditions.
To use the cost factors in Tables 2.6 and 2.7 requires that we calculate the delivered equipment cost. After making these corrections, convert the FOB cost to the
delivered cost by adding 10% to the FOB cost as recommended by Valle-Riestra
[20]. The 10% accounts for freight, taxes, and insurance. Next, calculate the cost
of installing the equipment. The installation cost includes direct, indirect, contractor's fee, and contingency costs. Use Table 2.7 for average direct-cost factors for
equipment and Table 2.6 for the average indirect cost, contractor's fee, and contingency cost. After obtaining all equipment costs and cost factors at actual process conditions, calculate the installed equipment cost, C i, using Equation 2.13.7
in Table 2.13.
SA
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
67
Table 2.13zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Depriciable Capital Cost - Average
Factor Method (Based on the FOB Cost)___________________
The subscript i refers to the FOB cost of a major piece-of-equipment.
The subscript k refers to a component of the installation cost listed in Table 2.6.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
(2.13.1)
(2.13.2)
In
CPA i = fr i fp ; ffn ; fb i CPB ; — for some equipment and
CPA i = f-r i (fp i + fo 0 fM i CPB ; — for heat exchangers
CSAi = 1.10 CPAi — for actual conditions or
CSB ; = 1 . 1 0 CPB i for base conditions
(2.13.3)
(2.13.4)
fi = I k fik + foe — fikfrom Table 2.6
(2.13.5)
foe = f(process type, material ....) — from Table 2.7
(2. 13.6)
CsAi=fi(IiC S A i )
(2.13.7)
CsBi = fi(SiC S Bi)
(2.13.8)
fAB = auxiliary-facilities factor + buildings factor, from Table 2.6
(2.13.9)
CD = CSAI + fABCSB,
(2.13.10)
To calculate the depreciable capital cost we need to calculate the cost of buildings
and auxiliary facilities. Table 2.6 contains factors for calculating these costs. Ulrich [31] pointed out that these costs are not affected by process-equipment operating temperature and pressure, materials of construction, or equipment design.
Thus, we calculate the base installed cost, which is the installed cost of carbonsteel equipment at ordinary operating conditions and equipment design. To obtain
the cost of auxiliary facilities and buildings, multiply CSBI by fAB- Now, we can
now complete the calculation of the depreciable capital cost as outlined in Table
2.14.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
68
Chapter 2
TablezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2.14 Calculation Procedure for Depreciable Capital Cost—
Average Factor Method____________________________
1. Obtain purchased-equipment costs for carbon steel at the tabulated size
and capacity exponent from Table 2.9.
2. Calculate the equipment cost for the required size from Equation 2.13.1
in Table 2.13.
3. Obtain cost indexes from Table 2.12.
4. Calculate the equipment base cost at the present time, CPB i, from Equation 2.13.2.
5. Calculate the actual equipment cost, C , at the design pressure and
temperature, material-of-construction, and the required equipment design
from Equation 2.13.3.
PAi
6. Calculate the delivered equipment cost from Equation 2.13.4.
7. Calculate the average installation factor for all equipment, f,, from Equations 2.13.5 and 2.13.6.
8. Calculate the installed equipment cost at actual design conditions, CSAI.
from Equation 2.13.7.
9. Calculate the costs at the base conditions, CSBI, from Equation 2.13.8.
10. Specify the process type.
11. Obtain the cost factors for buildings and auxiliary facilities from Table
2.6.
12. Calculate the combined factors for buildings and auxiliaries, fAB, from
Equation 2.13.9.
13. Calculate the depreciable capital cost from Equation 2.13.10.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
69zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
Calculation Procedures Using the Individual Factor Method zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
Table 2.15 contains equations for calculating the depreciable capital cost using the
individual factor method. The equations are similar to the average factor method.
Table 2.16 outlines the calculation procedure. Table 2.8 contains direct-cost factors for several pieces-of-equipment, which depends on the material-ofconstruction. For indirect costs Guthrie [13] uses 1.34 for fluid processes and 1.29
for solids processes. He also uses 15% and 3% of the installation factor for contingency and the contractor's fee. Again, because process operating conditions and
materials of construction do not affect the cost of buildings and auxiliary facilities,
we use the base installed costs to calculate these costs. For quick estimates Guthrie
[36], uses 2 to 6% of the installed costs for buildings and 17 to 25% for auxiliary
facilities. Use averages of 4% and 21% respectively for both costs. A calculation
procedure for the depreciable capital costs is outlined in Table 2.16.
Table 2.15zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Depreciable Capital Cost Individual Factor Method (Based on Purchased Equipment Cost (FOB))
The subscript i refers to a major piece-of-equipment.
CpB2i
=
roaV
CpBii I ——— I
(2.15.1)
CPB i - CpB2i —
Iii
(2.15.2)
CpAi = f r i f p i f M i f D i C p B i — for some equipment
CPA i = fr i (fp i + fo 0 fM i CpB ; — for heat exchangers
(2.15.3)
fii = fuci fici foi — foci from Table 2.8
(2.15.4)
CAI = I i f I i C P A i
(2.15.5)
CBi = Z i f n C p B i
(2.15.6)
fic i = 1 .34 for a fluid process or 1 .29 for a solids process
foi = 1.18
CD = CA, + fAB CBI
(2.15.7)
fAB = auxiliary-facilities factor + buildings factor = 0.04zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
+ 0.21 = 0.25
(2.15.8)
f^B = 0 for a plant addition
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
70
Chapter 2
Table 2.16zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Depreciable Capital Cost—
Individual Factor Method___________________________
1. Obtain purchased equipment costs for carbon steel at the tabulated size
and also the capacity exponent from Table 2.9.
2. Calculate the equipment cost at the required size from Equation 2.15.1
in Table 2.15.
3. Obtain cost indexes from Table 2.12.
4. Calculate the equipment base cost, CPB2i, at the present time from
Equation 2.15.2.
5. Calculate the equipment cost, CPAi, at the design pressure and temperature, material of construction, and the required equipment design from
Equation 2.15.3.
6. Obtain the direct-cost factors for each piece-of-equipment from Table
2.8.
7. Calculate the equipment installation factor, f , from Equation 2.15.4.
M
8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for all major equipment.
9. Calculate the installed equipment cost at actual process conditions, CAi,
from Equation 2.15.5.
10. Calculate the installed equipment cost at the base conditions, CBi,
from Equation 2.15.6.
11. Obtain fAB, the combined factors for buildings and auxiliaries, from
Equation 2.15.8.
12. Calculate the depreciable capital cost from Equation 2.15.7.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
71zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
TOTAL CAPITAL COST
The total capital cost consists of the depreciable capital cost, land cost, land or site
development cost, startup cost, and working capital. In theory, land cost is completely recoverable when a plant shuts down, and LJherefore is not depreciable.
Land cost varies from 0.01 to 0.02 times the depreciable capital cost. Use an average value of 0.015.
Land development cost, which is not depreciable, consists of such items as
site clearing, construction of roads, walkways, railroads, fences, parking lots,
wharves, piers, recreational areas, and landscaping. Presumably, these items improve the value of the land, and their costs, to a certain extent, are recoverable.
Table 2.17 lists land development cost for three process types as a fraction of the
depreciable capital cost.
To startup a plant requires additional capital. It is expected that some
equipment will not work after it is installed. Each process unit requires testing
because of possible leaks, incorrect wiring of electrical equipment, and many mechanical problems. Humphreys [5] divides startup costs into two parts, those costs
resulting from technical difficulties and those costs associated with personnel,
which we will call operations startup. The technical costs are associated with process modifications and consists of equipment alterations, modifications, and adjustments to make the process operable. The operations startup consists of such
items as operator training, extra operators and supervisors, raw materials that result in off-grade products, and several other items. Humphreys [5] gives a detailed
list of the many items contained in startup costs. Startup occurs continuously over
time as equipment is installed, and it overlaps the constructional and production
phases of a plant. It is usually not clear at what time construction ends and production begins. Startup is usually defined as the period between the completion of
plant construction and when steady-state operation begins. According to HumphTable 2.17zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Factors for Estimating Land-Development Cost
Plant at an Existing Site
Fraction of Depreciable Capital Cost, fL
Solids
Processing
Plant
Solids-Fluid
Processing
Plant
Fluid
Processing
Plant
0.0285
0.0249
0.0211
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
72
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
reys [5], the cost of a plant should include all costs required to make the plant operational. Startup cost seldom exceeds 10% of the fixed capital cost. Peters and
Timmerhaus [4] recommend 8 to 10%. According to Peters and Timmerhaus, the
startup cost can be accounted for in the first year of plant operation or in the total
capital investment. We will assume that it will be accounted for in the first year of
operation.
Working capital is the money required to finance the daily operations of a
plant. As stated earlier, it consists of the money required to buy raw materials and
store products, accounts receivable, and storage of various supplies, which are
necessary to keep the plant operating. About one month's supply of raw materials
and products, and one month of accounts receivable would suffice, or 20% of the
fixed capital cost. Thus, the total capital cost,
CT = CD + 0.015 CD + f L CD + 0.20 CF
[28]zyxwvut
Example 2.4 Capital-Cost Estimation of an Allyl-Chor ide-Svnthesis Process
Allyl alcohol and glycerin can be synthesized from allyl chloride (3-chloro-lpropene) [19]. Gas-phase thermal chlormation of propene has been proposed as a
route to allyll alcohol. In this process, shown in Figure 2.4.1, a process furnace
heats propylene, which then mixes with chlorine in a mixer. The intersecting
streams in the eductor-mixer create turbulence and hence enhance mixing. The
chlorine reacts with propylene inside the tubes of two parallel shell-and-tube reactors. Dowtherm A, a heat-transfer fluid used at high temperatures, removes the
enthalpy of reaction. A pump circulates the Dowtherm A through the shell of the
reactors and through a water cooler. The products flow through air-cooled heat
exchangers, where fans blow cool air across the tubes of the cooler to remove heat.
The cooled product stream then condenses to form a crude allyl chloride stream
containing several by-products. Finally, the crude allyl chloride flows to a separation section of the process.
The process design for the production of allyl chloride has been completed.
Table 2.4.1 lists the specifications for the major pieces-of-equipment. Estimate the
depreciable capital cost and the total capital cost as of mid-1998. The process is a
plant addition at an existing site, i.e., buildings and auxiliary facilities are available. The cost of the eductor-mixer as of mid-1998 is $ 1,000.
First, convert all equipment costs to a common basis of FOB costs as of
mid-1998. Table 2.9 contains the costs of some common equipment as of January
1990, except where indicated. Since the allyl chloride section of the process is a
small installation, use cost indexes for specific equipment rather than the plant cost
index, which is an average of all equipment. Follow the calculation procedure
outlined in Table 2.16, which uses the equations listed in Table 2.15.
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
73
L Flue Gas
Reactor
Air Cooler
Chloride
PropylenezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Vfenturl Mbcer zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
T
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
Chlorine
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Mr
Fuel Oil
Steam O——*
Figure 2.4.1 Allyl-chloride-synthesis process.
Table 2.4.1 Equipment Specificatons for the Allyl Chloride Process
Equipment
Propylene Heater
Chlorinators
No
1
Size
Design
Pressure
psia
Material
Temperature
°F
2,000
60
CS
2,000
60
CS/CS'
Units
5.5xl06
Design
Btu/h
2
2
330
ft
1
7.5
290
65
hp
gpm
ft(head)
550
assume
30 psig
CS
2
145
ft2
(Fixed-Tube Sheet)
Dowtherm Pump
(Centrifugal Pump)
Air Coolers
Dowtherm Cooler
1,040
50
CS/CS
2
550
50
CS/CS
1
63
ft
Condenser
(Fixed-Tube Sheet)
1
364
ft2
200
50
CS/CS
Eductor-Mixer
1
7560
Ib/h
1,000
60
CS
(Fixed-Tube Sheet)
a. CS/CS means carbon steel shell and carbon steel tubes.
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74
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Propylene HeaterzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 2.9 contains the cost of process furnaces, also called process heaters. The
cost of a furnace with a heating rate of 20,000 kJ/s is $ 750,000 in mid 1982. Converting the healing rate, 5.5xl06 Btu/h, given in Table 2.4.1, to kJ/s we obtain
1.612xl03 kJ/s. This heating rate is below the lower limit of the correlation range
given in Table 2.9. Because we have no other data, use the data in Table 2.9 to
estimate the heater cost. From Equation 2.15.1 in Table 2.15, we find that the base
cost,
( 1,612 V'85
CpB2i = 750,000 | ———— |
=$88,200
I 20,000 )
Next, correct for inflation. Adjust the base cost from January 1990 to mid-1998
using Equation 2.15.2. The cost indexes for equipment are listed in Table 2.12,
436.0
CpB i = 88,200 ——— = $ 114,400
336.2
To obtain the cost at design conditions, correct the base cost for temperature,
pressure, material of construction, and equipment design. In Table 2.4.1, the operating temperature is specified as 2,000 °F. From Table 2.10, the temperature is
between 600 and 5000 °C. Taking the high value, the temperature correction factor
is 1.2. The pressure is at base conditions, and therefore the pressure correction
factor is 1.0. Because the furnace is constructed of carbon steel the material
correction factor is also 1.0. In this case, the design factor is assume to be 1.0.
Thus, from Equation 2.15.3, the furnace cost at design conditions is
C P A i = 1.2 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1.144x100 =$ 1.373xl03
From Table 2.8, the direct-cost factor for a furnace is 1.3, and from Equation
2.15.4 in Table 2.15, the indirect-cost factor is 1.34 for a fluid process, and the
factor for contingency and the contractor's fee is 1.18. Then, from Equation
2.15.4, the installation factor for the furnace,
fn= 1.3(1.34)(1.18) = 2.056
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
75zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
ChlorinatorszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Because there appears to be no cost data for chlorinators, we will approximate the cost by using a fixed-tube, shell-and-tube heat exchanger. From Table
2.9, the cost of a 1,000 ft2 floating-head heat exchanger in January 1990 was
$14,000. As indicated in Table 2.4.1, each chlorinator requires 330 ft2 of surface
area.
The cost of a chlorinator in January 1990 was
( 330 V'65
CpB2i= 14,000 ——— | =$6,810
I 1.000J
To obtain the January 1990 cost index, interpolate between 1989 and 1990,
the mid-year indexes for heat exchangers given in Table 2.12. The cost of the
chlorinator in mid-1998,
382.8
C PBi = 6810 ——— =$7,004
372.2
Table 2.11 contains correction factors for pressure, material-of-construction,
and design. Table 2.10 contains the correction factor for temperature. Thus, the
cost of the chlorinator at design conditions from Equation 2.15.3 is,
CPAi = 1.2 (0 + 0.8) (1.0) (7004) = $6,724
Table 2.8 does not contain a direct-cost factor for a CS/CS heat exchanger.
Use 2.0, which is close to other factors for shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Again,
the indirect-cost factor is 1.34, and the factor for contingency and contractor's fee
is 1.18. Thus, the installation factor for the chlorinator,
f, 1 = 2.0(1.34) (1.18) = 3.162
Dowtherm Cooler
The installed-cost calculation for the Dowtherm cooler follows the same procedure
as the calculation for the chlorinator.
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Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
76
Correct for size.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( 63 V'65
= $2,321
CpBa = 1.4xl0 | ——— |
I 1,000 j
4
Correct for inflation from January 1990 to mid-1998. Use the cost index for
heat exchangers.
382.8
CPU i = 2321 ——— =$2,387
372.2
Correct for temperature (fT = 1.1), pressure (0), heat exchanger design (fD =
0.8), and material of construction (f~M = 1.0).
C PAi = 1.1 (0 + 0.8) (1.0) (2387) = $2,101
Calculate the installation factor.
f n = 2.0 (1.34) (1.18) = 3.162
Condenser
Repeat the above calculation for the condenser.
( 364 V-65
CpB2i=1.4xl0 I ——— I = $7,258
4
I IJOQOj
382.8
C PBi = 7258 ——— =$7,465
372.2
Cp A i = 1.05 (0 + 0.8) (1.0) (7465) = $6,271
f n = (2.0) (1.34) (1.18) = 3.162
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
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Air CoolerszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Correct for size.
( 145 r-8
CpB2i=137 | ——— | =$7,342
I 1 >l
Correct for inflation from mid-1987 to mid-1998. Use the cost index for heat
exchangers.
382.8
CPB i = 7,342 ——— =$8,739
321.6
Correct for temperature (fj =1.1), pressure (fp = 1.0), and materials-ofconstruction (fM = 1.0). There is no information on a correction factor for design.
Usef D =1.0.
C PAi = 1.1 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (8,739) = $9,613
Calculate the installation factor.
f n = (2.5) (1.34) (1.18) = 3.953
Dowtherm Pump
Correct for size.
( 7.5 r-42
CPB2i = 9,000 | —— |
I 20.0 >/
= $5,961
Correct for inflation from January 1990 to mid-1998. Use the cost index for
pumps.
648.5
C PBi = 5,961 ——— =$7,844
492.8
C P A i = 1.1 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (7844) = $8,628
f, i = 2.8(1.34) (1.18) = 4.427
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Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
78
Eductor-MixerzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The cost of the mixer is given as $1000 FOB - mid-1998. No inflation or size
correction is required.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
C PBi = $1,000
C PAi = 1.1 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1,000) = $1,100
From Table 2.8, the direct-cost factor for miscellaneous equipment for carbon
steel is 2.0.
fu = 2.0(1.34)(1.18) = 3.162
Installed Cost
Equation 2.15.5 gives the total installed cost for all major equipment at actual
process conditions. As Figure 2.4.1 shows, there are two reactors and two air coolers. Add all installed costs for the equipment at actual conditions.
CM = 2.056 (137,200) + 2 (3.162) (6,724) + 3.162 (2101) + 3.162 (6,271) + 2
(3.953) (9,613) + 4.427 (8,628) + 3.162 (1,100) = $468,800
Equation 2.15.6 gives the total installed cost for all major equipment at the
base conditions. Add all installed costs for the equipment at the base conditions.
CBI = 2.056 (114,400) + 2 (3.162) (7,004) + 3.162 (2,387) + 3.162 (7,456) + 2
(3.953) (12,930) + 4.427 (7,844) + 3.162 (1,000) = $417,600
We see that the cost of the installation at ordinary process conditions, CBi, is
less than the cost at actual conditions, CAJ. If this process were a grass-roots plant,
we would have to add the additional cost of buildings and auxiliary facilities. In
this case, the process is a plant addition at an existing site where the buildings and
auxiliary facilities are available. Therefore, fAB= 0, as given in Equation 8.15.8.
Thus, the depreciable capital cost is equal to $468,800.
The fix capital cost equals the sum of the depreciable capital cost, land cost,
and site development cost. Because this process will be built at an existing site, the
land cost is not a consideration. Table 2.17 lists site-development factors for a
plant at an existing site. For a fluid processing plant, the factor is 0.0211. Thus, the
fixed capital cost,
CF = 468,800 + 0.0211 (468,800) = $478,700
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Production and Capital Cost Estimation
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Finally, the total capital cost for the project equals the sum of the fixed capital cost and working capital.
CT = 478,700 + 0.20 (478,700) = $574,400zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
NOMENCLATURE
b
capacity exponent for operating labor estimationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
C
cost
CA
actual equipment cost
CAI
actual equipment cost, installed
CB
base equipment cost
CBI
base equipment cost, installed
CD
depreciable capital cost
CF
fixed capital cost
CM
production or manufacturing cost
Cs
delivered equipment cost
CP
purchased or FOB cost
CpA purchased equipment cost based on actual process conditions
CpB purchased equipment cost based on base process conditions
(ordinary pressures, temperatures, and materials)
CT
total capital cost
Cw
working capital
fAB
auxiliary-facilities factor + buildings factor (fraction of base cost)
fcp
contingency and contractor's fee factor (fraction of actual or base cost)
fo
design factor (fraction of base equipment cost)
foe
direct-cost factor (fraction actual or base cost)
fie
indirect-cost factor (fraction of actual or base cost)
fi
installation factor
fL
site development factor (fraction of depreciable capital cost)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
80
fM
material factor (fraction of base equipment cost)
fp
pressure factor (fraction of base equipment cost)
f"s
fractional salvage value
fT
temperature factor (fraction of base equipment cost)
i
fractional interest rate
I
inflation index
K
plant productivity
L
operating-labor man hours, h/kg
m
plant capacity, kg/h
n
number of years since 1952 or equipment-cost capacity component
N
number of process units
p
fractional, yearly labor-productivity increase per year
Q
equipment capacity
Subscripts
i
refers to a piece-of-equipment
k
component of the installation factor listed in Table 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Winter, O., Preliminary Economic Evaluation of Chemical Processes at
the Research Level, Ind. Eng. Chem., 61,4,45,1969.
Uhl, VW., Hawkins, A.W., Technical Economics for Engineers, AlChE
Continuing Education Series, 5, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, NY, 1971.
Perry, R.H., Chilton, C.H., eds., Chemical Engineer's Handbook, 5th ed.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1973.
Peters, M.S., Timmerhaus, K.D., Plant Design and Economics for
Chemical Engineers, 4th ed., McGrawHill, New York, NY, 1991.
Humphreys, K.K., ed., Jelen's Cost and Optimization Engineering, 3rd ed.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1970.
Happel, J., Jordan, D. G., Chemical Process Economics, Marcel
Dekker, New York, NY, 1970.
Cevidalli, G., Zaidman, B., Evaluate Research Projects, Chem. Eng.,
87, 14, 145,1980.
Wessel, H.E., New Graph Correlates Operating Labor Data for
Chemical Processes, Chem. Eng., 59, 7, 209, 1952.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Production and Capital Cost Estimation
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Bridgewater, A.V., The Functional Approach to Rapid Cost Estimation,
AACE Bulletin, 18, 5, 153, 1976.
Woods, DR., Financial Decision Making in the Process Industry, Prentice
Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1975.
Holland, F.A., Watson, F.A., Wilkinson, J.K., Introduction to Process
Economics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1974.
Kohn, P., Ethylenediamine Route Eases Pollution Worries, Chem.
Eng., 85, 7, 90, 1969.
Guthrie, K.M., Data and Techniques for Preliminary Cost Estimating,
Chem. Eng., 76, 7, 114,1969.
Lang, H.J., Simplified Approach to Preliminary Cost Estimates,
Chem. Eng., 55, 6, 112, June 1948.
Popper, H., ed., Modern Cost Engineering Techniques, McGraw-Hill,
New York, NY, 1970.
Chilton, C., Popper, H., Norden, R.B., Modern Cost Engineering:
Methods and Data, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1979.
Chilton, C.H., Arnold, T.H., New Index Shows Plant Cost Trends,
Chem. Eng, 70,4, 143, 1963.
Matley J, CE Plant Cost Index - Revised, Chem. Eng., 89, 8, 153,
1982.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1973.
Valle-Riestra, J.F., Project Evaluation in the Chemical Process Industries, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1983.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1993.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1995.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1996.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1997.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1998.
Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
New York, NY, 1985.
Holland, F. A, How to Evaluate Working Capital, Chem. Eng, 81, 7, 7
1, Aug. 5,1974.
Hand, W. E, From Flow Sheet to Cost Estimate, Petroleum Refiner, 3 7,
9, 13 3, 1958.
Remer, D. S, Chai, L.H, Design Factors for Scaling-up Engineering
Equipment, Chem. Eng. Progr, 87, 8, 77, 1990.
Walas, S.M, Chemical Process Equipment, Butterworths, Boston, MA,
1988.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
81zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
82
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
Chapter 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Ulrich, G.D., A Guide to Chemical Engineering Process Design and
Economics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1984.
Wilden, W., Personal Communication, Allied Chemical Co., Morristown,
NJ, about 1975.
Drew, J. W., How to Estimate the Cost of Pilot-Plant Equipment, Chem.
Eng., 77, 3,100,1970.
Gillis, M., Personal Communication, Chemical Engineering, McGrawHill, New York, NY, May 25, 1999.
Cran, J., Improved Factor Method Gives Preliminary Cost Estimate,
Chem. Eng., 88,7,65, 1981.
Guthrie, K. W., Process Plant Estimating, Evaluation, and Control,
Craftsman Book Company of America, Sloana Beach, CA, 1974.
Baasel, W.D., Preliminary Chemical Engineering Plant Design, 2nd ed.,
VanNostrand, New York, NY, 1990.
Holland, F.A., Wilkinson, J.K., Process Economics, Perry's Chemical
Engineering Handbook, 7th ed., Perry, R.H., Green, D.W., eds., McGrawHill, New York, NY, 1997.
Pikulik, A., Diaz, H.E. Cost Estimating for Major Process Equipment,
Chem, Eng., 84, 21,106, 1977.
Alien, D.H., Page R.C., Revised Techniques for Predesign Cost Estimating, Chem. Eng., 82, 5,142,1975.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
We can view any process as a circuit analagous an electrical circuit. Instead of
voltage differences between points in the circuit, there are pressure differences.
Instead of current flow, there is mass flow. Before a process can be completely
designed, all the mass flow rates, compositions, temperatures, pressures and energy requirements in all parts of the process must be known. Process engineers
usually specify pressure drops and temperatures from experience. They calculate
mass flow rates, which are traditionally treated in a course in mass and energy
balances. However, mass and energy balances are only a partial set of equations
that process engineers can write when analyzing a process circuit.
The objective of process circuit analysis is to determine specifications for
the process. These include temperatures, pressures, composition, and flow rates of
all streams. Also included is the energy transferred and the degree of separation or
reaction required of heat exchangers, reactors, and separators. After specifying
recoveries and conversions of components, the process engineer can calculate the
mass and energy requirements for a process. The process engineer will generate
specifications for all process units, which must be fulfilled by equipment design
experts. In a sense, process engineers are conductors, controlling the design of the
process. It is their responsibility to see that all the pieces fit.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
STRATEGY OF PROBLEM SOLVING
Before proceeding, we will examine the structure of problem solving by considering the following procedure:
83
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Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
84
1. list the appropriate relations and unknown variables for the problem
2. calculate the degrees of freedom
3. specify or unspecify variables until the degrees of freedom are zero
4. determine a solution procedure
5. solve the equations
6. organize the results in tabular or graphical form
7. check the solution.
When implementing this procedure, proceed step-by-step. Do not carry out a
step before completing the preceding step, particularly when executing step one.
Also, do not combine steps, e.g., attempting to carry out steps four and five before
completing steps two and three. Formulate the problem first, i.e., complete steps
one to three. Then, it will be certain that a solution exists. Frequently, steps one
to four are executed simultaneously. The numerical solution to the problem is
begun, and equations are introduced along the way as needed. Eventually a solution is obtained. With experience the process engineer can recognize that certain
problems have solutions, however, in most cases, it is not initially evident that
there is enough information or what the most efficient solution procedure should
be.
Polya [1], who has examined the nature of problem solving, has devised a
similar procedure. He states, "First, we have to understand the problem; we have
to see clearly what is required. Second, we have to see how the various items are
connected, how the unknown is linked to the data, in order to obtain the idea of the
solution, to make a plan. Third, we carry out our plan. Fourth, we look back at
the completed solution, we review and discuss it."
Executing the steps systematically uncovers what information is missing and
results in better insight into the structure of the problem. We learn continuously.
Polya [1] again states that, "Our conception of the problem is likely to be rather
incomplete when we start the work; our outlook is different, when we have made
some progress; it is again different when we have almost obtained the solution."zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
PROCESS-CIRCUIT RELATIONSHIPS
Executing steps one to three in the procedure is the process of defining a problem.
Before solving a set of equations, you must clearly show that the number of equations equals the number of unknowns. Circumventing this step will result in considerable wasted effort. The relationship between the number of equations and
unknowns is expressed by
F = V-R
(3.1)
where F is the degrees of freedom, V the number of variables, and R the number
of independent relations. If F is positive, the number of variables is in excess and
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Process Circuit Analysis
85zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
the problem is under-specified. If F is negative, the number of equations is in excess, and the problem is over-specified. Only if F is zero can you calculate values
for all variables. Usually, when formulating the problem, the number of variables
is in excess and we must specify additional variables. First, however, you must be
certain that you have not omitted any relations. The excess variables are called
degrees of freedom, supposedly because we are "free" to designate numerical values for any of the variables in the equation set to obtain zero degrees of freedom.
To execute step one requires knowing what relations are available for analyzing process circuits. Mass and energy balances h'ave already been mentioned.
Below is a list of relations.
1. mass balance
2. energy balance
3. momentum balance
4. rate equations
a) heat transfer
b) mass transfer
c) chemical reaction
5. equilibrium relations
a) phase
b) chemical
6. economic relations
7. system property relationships
a) thermodynamic
b) transport
c) transfer
d) reaction
e) economic data
Generally, when analyzing process circuits our only interest is in the macroscopic behavior of each process unit, i.e., the relationship between the inlet and
outlet streams. We will not consider the microscopic behavior of the components
within the unit. At this point, our interest is in what the process unit does, not how
it accomplishes its task. To do otherwise will greatly increase the complexity of
the analysis. The problem usually is: given the flow rates, compositions, temperatures, and pressures of all inlet streams, determine these properties for all the outlet
streams. One way to avoid considering the detailed behavior of a process unit is to
obtain a relationship between the exit streams. For example, for a partial condenser, the exit streams are the vapor and liquid streams. To predict accurately the
composition of the exit streams will require considering simultaneous heat and
mass transfer rates in the condenser and integrating a set of differential equations.
Integration requires knowing the length of the condenser, which is the objective of
the analysis. A quicker approach is to specify recoveries, compositions or an approach to equilibrium of the components, whatever we know from experience or
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
86
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
pilot-plant studies. If we expect from experience that the exiting vapor and liquid
streams will approach equilibrium for a reasonable condenser length, then we can
calculate the compositions of the exit streams. Later, the heat exchanger designer,
the expert, will satisfy the equilibrium condition by designing a condenser of sufficient length to approach equilibrium. Then, he will have to consider the rates of
mass and heat transfer because rate processes determines the size of all equipment.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Mass Balances
In general, for unsteady state, the component mass or mole balance for each process unit may be stated as
rate of flow in + rate of depletion + rate of formation by reaction =
rate of flow out + rate of accumulation + rate of disappearance by reaction
(3.2)
Because the system either gains or loses mass, drop either of the rate terms
for depletion or accumulation. To apply Equation 3.2 to a specific situation, the
first decision requires determining whether the process operation is steady or unsteady state. The unsteady-state operations are:
1. startup
2. change over to a new operating conditions
3. periodic
4. disturbances
An example of the application of Equation 3.2 can be seen in Figure 3.1.
Consider the steady-state operation of the steam stripper. Steam stripping is a
common operation in waste-water treatment for removing small amounts of organic compounds from water. Nathan [4] discusses processes for removing chlorinated hydrocarbons from wastewater. In this example, we will consider removing ethlyene dichloride. It is good practice to always analyze a problem by starting
with a general relationship, like Equation 3.2, and drop those terms that do not
apply or are too small to be of any significance. For steady state, drop both the
rates of depletion and accumulation terms. Because there is no chemical reaction,
drop the chemical reaction terms. Thus, Equation 3.2 reduces to
rate of flow in = rate of flow out
(3.3)
To apply Equation 3.3, first begin by numbering the process steams, as
shown hi Figure 3.1. We will always designate the flow rate as m regardless of the
units employed: mass, molar, English or S.I., and we will frequently designate the
concentration variable as y regardless of its units. Also, use numerical subscripts
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Process Circuit Analysis
87zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Subscripts:
First Subscript - stream number
Second Subscript
Ethylene Dichloride -1
Wastewater
Steam
Figure 3.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Steam stripping of ethylene dichloride from wastewater.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR
for the stream number and the component being considered. Write the stream
number first, according to Figure 3.1, and the component number second, where 1
indicates ethylene dichloride and 2 water. Thus, y4,i means that in stream four the
concentration of ethylene dichloride is y4>1. If we use molar flow rates, y must be
in mole fraction units. A component balance may be written for each component
and for an n component system, n independent component balances may be written. In this case, we may write, according to Equation 3.3, for ethylene dichloride
and water
Ys.i m3 = y2,i m2 + y4il m,
(3.4)
Yu m, + y3,2 m3 = y2,2 m2 + y4,2 no,
(3.5)
Because for stream 1 contains no ethylene dichloride, we can also write
Y2,i + Y2.2 = 1
(3.6)
Y2,i + Y2,2 = 1
(3.7)
Y4,i + Y4.2 = 1
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(3.8)
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
88
The total mole balance is not an independent equation because by adding the
component balances and then substituting Equations 3.4 to 3.8 into the sum will
yield the total mole balance,
n^ + ms =m 2 +ni4
(3.9)
If you decide to use the total balance, then you must eliminate one of the
equations from 3.4 to 3.8, given above. You may eliminate any one of the equations. The equation eliminated will depend on the particular problem. Even if the
total balance is not an independent equation, it still must be satisfied and could be
use as a check on your computations.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Energy Balances
The macroscopic energy balance is used whenever energy changes occur, particularly energy exchange with the surroundings. Energy exchange occurs frequently
because of the need to cool or heat process streams and to transfer liquids, gases or
solids from one process unit to another. Energy exchange usually occurs more
frequently than separation and chemical reaction. The energy balance is given by
v2
Ah + — + gAz = Q-W
2g
(3.10)
which states that the change in enthalpy in the process unit must be compensated
for by a change in kinetic energy, potential energy, heat transferred into the system, and work done by the system. In many processes, the kinetic and potential
energy changes are small when compared to the magnitude of the other terms and
may be neglected.
Rate Equations
All physical and chemical transformations take time. Some physical phenomena,
such as the vaporization at a boiling liquid surface, occurs very rapidly and for all
practical purposes are instantaneous. Also, some chemical reactions, such as
combustion reactions, are very rapid, but mass transfer and many chemical reactions are very slow by comparison. For such phenomena to occur to the extent
desired requires allowing sufficient time, which is achieved by allowing sufficient
equipment volume or surface area. Rate equations, then, are necessary to determine equipment sizes. For example, the well-known expression for the rate of
heat transfer,
Q = UA(At) L M
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(3.11)
Process Circuit Analysis
89zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
is frequently used to determine the surface area required, A, for the required heat
transferred, Q. In process circuit analysis, as discussed earlier, the stream properties of a process circuit can be determined by initially avoiding the complication of
considering rate equations by specifying an approach to equilibrium. Later, to
determine the size of the process units to achieve the required energy transfer,
chemical conversion, and degree of separation, requires using rate equations.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
Equilibr ium Relations
From the previous discussion, equilibrium relations required for process circuit
analysis are evidently important. To achieve equilibrium requires equipment infinite in size, which is a physical and economical impossibility. We must be satisfied with an economical approach to equilibrium conditions. In some cases, because of rapid mass transfer or chemical reaction, the difference between actual
and equilibrium conditions is insignificant.
By assuming chemical equilibrium at the exit of a reactor, we can write a
relationship between the composition of the components in the exit stream. For
example, for the oxidation of SO2 with O2 to give SO3
2 SO2 + O2 -> 2 SO3
(3.12)
At equilibrium,
(Pso3 )2
(yso3)2
KP = ————— = ——————
(3.13)
We can write an equilibrium relation for each independent reaction.
Similarly, for a single stage separator, if we assume equilibrium between
phases leaving the separator, we may write a relationship between the composition
of a component in each phase leaving the separator. Consider a solution of methane and propane being flashed across a valve. Downstream of the valve, we may
write an equation to express the phase equilibrium of methane in a way that is
similar to chemical equilibrium
CH4(l)^CH4(g)
(3.14)
The relationship between the composition of methane in the vapor and liquid
phases is
KM = ———
YLM
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(3.15)
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
90
We can write a similar relationship for propane. One equilibrium relationship can be written for each component in a mixture.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
System Properties
After writing mass balances, energy balances, and equilibrium relations, we need
system property data to complete the formulation of the problem. Here, we divide
the system property data into thermodynamic, transport, transfer, reaction properties, and economic data. Examples of thermodynamic properties are heat capacity,
vapor pressure, and latent heat of vaporization. Transport properties include viscosity, thermal conductivity, and diffusivity. Corresponding to transport properties are the transfer coefficients, which are friction factor and heat and mass transfer coefficients. Chemical reaction properties are the reaction rate constant and
activation energy. Finally, economic data are equipment costs, utility costs, inflation index, and other data, which were discussed in Chapter 2.
There frequently seems to be insufficient system property data. We may obtain accurate system property data from laboratory measurements, which are expensive. To avoid making measurements, we must rely on correlations or empirical equations for estimating these data. Reid et al. [2] have compiled many useful
methods for estimating thermodynamic as well as transport properties. In most
cases, these methods are empirical or at best semi-empirical with limited accuracy.
The accuracy of system property data may limit the accuracy of process calculations. Without experimental data, we can attempt to estimate the thermodynamic
property from a knowledge of the molecular structure of a molecule. For example,
if we know the molecular structure of a pure organic compound, its heat capacity
may be estimated by adding the contribution to the heat capacity made by various
functional groups, such as —CH3, —OH, —O—, etc., as illustrated by Reid et al.
[2]. We can estimate other properties by these "group methods." An ultimate goal
of physical property research is to be able to calculate accurately any physical
property of a compound from its basic molecular properties. Thus, we can reduce
the need for costly property measurements.
Temperature and composition affect physical properties, but the effect of
pressure is generally small and we can neglect it. One exception is gas density. A
well known example of the effect of temperature is the variation of heat capacity
of a gas with temperature, which is generally curve fitted in the form of a polynomial.
Cp
= a + bT + cT2 + dT3
(3.16)
An equation of state describes the variation of molar density of a gas with
pressure and temperature. For a gas at high temperature and low pressure, the
ideal gas law,
p = P/RT
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.17)
Process Circuit Analysis
91zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
is sufficiently accurate, but we may use it at a high pressure if we are willing to
sacrifice some accuracy for simplicity. Accurate equations of state are more complicated than the ideal gas law. For example, the Redlich-Kwong equation,
a
P + ————————— (v - b) = R T
[T1/2 v(v + b)]
(3.18)
a modification of Van der Waal's equation, is a more accurate equation of state
than the ideal gas law. Engineers always face "tradeoffs" between accuracy and
simplicity.
For mixtures, the problem is estimating a property of a mixture, given that
property for the pure components. Estimating thermodynamic properties of mixtures requires a "mixing rule" to calculate a property for a mixture from the purecomponent properties. If the solution is ideal, the mole fraction average,
(3.19)
of the property is sufficient. Reid et al. [2] shows that viscosity, a transport property, has a more complex mixing rule than the mole-fraction average.
Transfer properties, the heat and mass transfer coefficient and friction factor,
depend not only on transport and thermodynamic properties but also on the hydrodynamic behavior of a fluid. The geometry of the system will influence the hydrodynamic behavior. By reducing the parameters by arranging them into dimensionless groups, we can reduce the number of parameters that have to be varied to
correlate any of the transfer properties. For example, the friction factor equation,
f = 0. 1 [ (e / d) + (68 / Re)]0'25
(3 .20)
one of many correlations reviewed by Olyjic [3], has been correlated in terms of
the dimensionless roughness factor, s/d, and the Reynolds group.
Rates of reaction require rate constants and activation energies. These parameters are obtain from experiments.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Economic Relations
Usually, there is more than one solution to an engineering problem that is technically feasible, and socially, environmentally, and even esthetically acceptable. Among
these solutions, the engineer selects the solution that is the least costly and is financially feasible. Even though a project may appear profitable, there may be
insufficient capital available to implement the project so that financial feasibility is
also an important consideration. Assuming that a particular solution meets all the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
92
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
constraints, including financial feasibility, then we design the process for the
minimum total cost,
C T = C D + Q + CG
(3.21)
which is the sum of direct, indirect, and general costs.
For a quicker solution to a design problem than that obtained by solving
Equation 3.21, we could use a "rule-of-thumb." For example, for a heat exchanger
using water to cool a process stream, we can assign an approach temperature difference between the exiting water stream and entering process stream. Thus, for
this particular heat exchanger we may write the approach temperature difference,
based on economic experience, as
t P -t w = 5K
(3.22)
Equation 3.22 means that as the exit temperature of the water, tw, approaches its maximum value, tP, the heat-exchanger surface area will become larger and larger. When tP = tw, the area will be infinite.
If we use Equation 3.22 in place of Equation 3.21 to find the optimum, cooling-water temperature, we assume that the calculated heat-exchanger area will
approximate an optimum value. The approach-temperature difference is not a constant, but it will vary with time and location, reflecting equipment, and local energy, labor, and other costs. Because of the oil embargo in the 1970s and the subsequent rise in oil prices, and its effect on all energy costs, many of the old rulesof-thumb appearing in early publications required revision. Now, oil prices are
again high, so rules-of-thumb must reflect the change.
There are other rules-of-thumb based on economic experience, which the
reader will recognize, such as the optimum reflux ratio in distillation and the optimum liquid to gas ratio in gas absorption. You may also specify recoveries of
key components or their concentrations hi an exit stream for separators. When we
use any of these rules, the assumption is that the calculated separator size will be
of reasonable cost, approximating the optimum-size separator. Similarly, for
chemical reactors we may specify conversion of a desirable compound, its exit
composition or an approach temperature difference. For chemical reactors, the
approach temperature difference is the difference between the actual temperature
and the chemical-equilibrium temperature. Again, we assume that a reactor that
approximates the optimum-size reactor will result when using this rule.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
PROCESS ANALYSIS EXAMPLES
To illustrate the foregoing discussion, we will begin first by analyzing single process units. Later, we will assemble the individual process units into a process. After writing the appropriate relations for a process unit, we calculate the degrees of
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
93zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
freedom or the number of variables that we must specify before attempting to
solve the relations. Following this, to determine which variables to specify, thus
completing the formulation of the problem. The problem then reduces to a
mathematical problem of determining a solution procedure and "grinding" out an
answer, which are not trivial steps.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 3.1 Purging Air fr om a Tank______________________
For the first example, consider the operation of purging a storage tank of air before
filling it with a flammable liquid. Purging has two meanings. One meaning is
purging a process unit by displacing the air with an inert gas to conduct safe plant
operations and maintenance. Another meaning is withdrawing a stream to limit the
concentration of contaminants within a process. Later, we will examine the latter
application of the purge. When plants are shut down for routine maintenance,
workers must frequently enter vessels - used to process or store flammable or
toxic chemicals - for cleaning or repairs. In many cases vessels require welding.
For safety reasons, it is essential to remove all traces of a chemical before allowing
workers to enter a vessel. Explosions triggered by a welder's torch occur frequently. The New York Times [5] reported that an explosion killed a welder who
entered an "empty" compartment of a barge used to transport oil. Apparently, his
welding torch ignited residual fumes left by the oil.
Organic vapors, and some inorganic gases, have flammability limits when
mixed with air. To burn these gases requires a mixture composition between a
minimum and maximum fuel concentration. The fuel concentration from the minimum to the maximum is the flammability range for the gas. Figure 3.1.1 shows the
range for a number of gases. Outside the flammability range, the mixture is too
diluted with either air or fuel to sustain combustion. For example, when a car
"floods" and will not start, the gasoline is in excess, and the air-fuel ratio is outside the flammability range. Figure 3.1.1 shows that the flammability range is very
narrow for gasoline. We can obtain the flammability limits for many more chemicals from the Chemical Engineering Handbook [7] and chemical manufacturers.
Usually, the wider the flammability range, the more unsafe the gas is. Other factors influence the manageability of a gas, such as the minimum energy required to
ignite an air-gas mixture. Thus, for a gas to burn, the air-gas mixture must be
within the flammable range and must have an ignition source. The source, such as
a flame, a spark or a hot metal, must be capable of supplying sufficient energy for
ignition. A good rule to follow is that if a gas is within the flamability range, ignition is inevitable, and if repairing a tank requires welding, a welder's torch is certainly sufficient.
If a vessel contained a flammable gas or if it will contain a flammable gas,
then we must purge the vessel with a gas. Purging is dilution of a flammable gas
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
94
Chapter 3
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&zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
.11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
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Process Circuit Analysis
95zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
with an inert gas - such as combustion gases, nitrogen or carbon dioxide - until
the mixture composition is below its lower flammability limit. Thus, there is no
possibility of ignition. Carbon dioxide cannot be produced on site at a low cost,
and it is not inert in some applications. Nitrogen is usually the preferred purge gas.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
Process Analysis
To illustrate the purging operation, consider the operation of filling a storage tank
with liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 1965, Exxon contracted to build two storage
tanks, each with a capacity of 40,000 m3, in Barcelona, Spain [9]. A liquefaction
plant built at Marsa el Brega in Libya supplied the storage facility with LNG by
ship. Before filling with LNG, the oxygen concentration in the tanks must be at a
safe level. The tanks were purged of oxygen using nitrogen, delivered from a liquid-nitrogen storage tank, at 180 1/s (at 20 °C, 1 arm). The liquid nitrogen is vaporized before flowing into the LNG tank. Samples of the gas taken during purging
at various heights in the LNG storage tank showed that the oxygen content in the
tank was essentially the same. Calculate how long it takes to purge the LNG storage tank.
As stated earlier, formulate or define the problem first before attempting to
obtain a numerical solution. At this point there may not be enough information.
After defining the problem, the information required will be evident. If we refer to
the list of available relationships, the first step is to make a mole balance. Since
there are two components, we can make two component balances or the total balance and one of the component balances. Also, the oxygen analysis shows that the
gas in the tank is well mixed. Thus, the gas composition in the tank and in the exit
stream are equal. Figure 3.1.2 is the flow diagram for the process. The first subscript, either 1 and 2, identifies the stream number. The second subscript, either
oxygen or nitrogen, identifies the component.
This problem isan unsteady state problem because the oxygen concemtration will change with time. On the left side of Equation 3.2 - discussed at the beginning of the chapter - the rates of oxygen flow into the tank and formation of
oxygen by chemical reaction are zero. On the right side of Equation 3.2, the rates
of accumulation and disappearance of oxygen by chemical reaction are also zero.
Thus, Equation 3.2 reduces to
The rate of depletion is expressed by
d(y 2 ,iN)
rate of depletion = - —————
dt
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.1.2)
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
96
Oxygen + Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Figure 3.1.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
PurgingzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
a liquefied-natural-gas storage tank.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
where the moles of oxygen in the tank at any time is y,i N, and the negative sign
is needed because the derivative is negative.
The moles of oxygen flowing out of the tank is
2
rate of flow out = y>,i
(3.1.3)
After substituting Equations 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 into Equation 3.1.1, the oxygen
mole balance reduces to Equation 3.1.4 in Table 3.1.1. Because Equation 3.1.4 is
an unsteady-state, first-order differential equation, we need an initial condition to
calculate the constant of integration. Initially, the tank contains air, which has an
oxygen concentration of approximately 21 % by volume. We could also write the
mole balance for nitrogen, but in this case it is more convenient to write the total
mole balance, which results in Equation 3.1.5. Once we write Equations 3.1.4 to
3.1.6, the nitrogen mole balance is not an independent equation. Equation 3.1.7
states that the molar flow rate is equal to the product of the molar density and the
volumetric flow rate.
Assume that the storage tank is well insulated, and the nitrogen flowing into
the tank is at the same temperature as the gas mixture in the tank as given by
Equation 3.1.12. Thus, the purging operation is isothermal, eliminating the energy
equation. Also, experience shows that the pressure drop across the tank will be
very small, eliminating the momentum balance. The pressure at the storage tank
exit, p2, will be known because it is fixed by the design of the system. None of the
rate processes and phase or chemical equilibrium occur. Equation 3.1.8 states that
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
97
Table 3.1.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating the Purging Time of a
Storage Tank________________________________
Subscripts: O2 = 1, N2 = 2
Mole Balances zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
d(y 2 ,,N)
- —————— = v2>1 m2 — at t = 0, y2,, = 0.2
dt
(3.1.4)
m1 = m2
(3.1.5)
y2,i + y2,i
(3-1-6)
m^^Q,'
(3.17)
Thermodynamic Properties
p2 = N/V'
(3.1.8)
pi = PiR'T,'
(3.1.9)
p2' = p 2 R'T,'
(3.1.10)
Design Specifications zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
P l«P 2
(3.1.11)
T,' = T2
(3.1.12)
Variables
Y2,i - y2,2 -1 - N - m, - m 2 - p, - p 2 - p, - T 2
Degrees of Freedom
F=V-R=10-9=1
molar density equals the number of moles in the storage tank divided by the tank
volume. The only system property data needed is a relationship for the gas molar
density, given by Equations 3.1.9 and 3.1.10. At ambient conditions the ideal gas
law is adequate.
At this point, we have used all the relationships available. Now, determine
if we have completely defined the problem by calculating the degrees of freedom.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
98
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
First, prime all the known variables, as shown in Table 3.1.1. Then list all the unknowns and calculate the degrees of freedom as shown. Because there is one degree of freedom, no solution is possible. We must specify another variable.
To calculate the purging time from Equation 3.1.4, we must specify the final
oxygen concentration. When filling the tank with methane, it must be certain that
the methane concentration will never be within the flammability limits. The triangular diagram in Figure 3.1.3 shows the flammability or ignition limits for mixtures of oxygen, nitrogen, and methane. Ignition could occur for any mixture of
the three gases within the flamability curve shown in Figure 3.1.3. Before filling
the tank with methane, reduce the oxygen content in the tank to avoid creating a
flammable mixture. In Figure 3.1.3, the sides and base of the triangle represent
two component mixtures. The base represents mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen,
the left side, mixtures of oxygen and methane, and the right side, mixtures of nitrogen and methane. If we do not purge the tank with nitrogen before filling with
methane, the concentration of the three component mixture will pass through the
flammability range. The mixing line in Figure 3.1.3 shows the mixing of methane
with air. The mixing line begins at the base of the triangle at 21% oxygen and ends
at the apex of the triangle, which represents 100% methane and 0% nitrogen. By
reducing the oxygen concentration to about 12% by adding nitrogen, the mixing
line will be tangent to the flammability curve when adding methane, as shown in
Figure 3.1.3. To be safe, however, reduce the oxygen concentration to 1% in the
nitrogen-oxygen mixture. The base of the triangle represents the mixing of nitrogen with air. After the oxygen concentration reaches 1%, then stop the nitrogen
flow. When filling the storage tank with methane initially, the methane will contain an excessive amount of nitrogen. The storage facility will have to be designed
to dispose of the gases until the concentration of methane in the storage tank
reaches an acceptable level of purity. Essentially, the nitrogen-oxygen mixture is
now being purged with methane.
Now that we have specified the final oxygen concentration, the degrees of
freedom are zero, and we can solve the set of equations in Table 3.1.1. The next
step is to outline a solution procedure, i.e., to determine the order we will solve the
equations. In this case, the procedure is simple, and we can arrive at a suitable
order by inspection. When the number of equations increases, a greater effort will
be required to set up an efficient solution procedure.
After integrating Equation 3.1.4, the oxygen concentration in the tank at any
time becomes
y2jl=Kexp(-m2t/N)
(3.1.13)
where K is a constant of integration. Using the initial condition that at t = 0,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR
y2,\ =
0.21 in Equation 3.1.13, we obtain K = 0.21.
Thus, Equation 3.1.13 becomes
y 2 > ! =0.21exp(-m 2 t/N)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.1.14)
99
Process Circuit Analysis
VW.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Air + CH4 MixingLinezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
V V _ _ \ / \/ \ / \ / \7
Vol.-*/. 80
70
60
50 4D 30
20
XI
ONzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
25 °C and 1 atm
Figure 3.1.3 Flammability limits for oxygen-nitrogen-methane mixtures.
From Ref 10 with permission.
Next relate m2 in Equation 3.1.14 to the tank volume and the volumetric flow
rate of nitrogen into the storage tank. From Equations 3.1.9 to 3.1.11, we find that
the gas density at the inlet and outlet of the tank is the same.
Solving Equations 3.1.5, 3.1.7, and 3.1.8 we find that
m2 = NQ 1 A^
(3.1.15)
Substitute Equation 3.1.15 into Equation 3.1.14. After solving for the purging time, we obtain
V
yy
t = —In———
Q,
0.21
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.1.16)
Chapter3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
100
For a final oxygen concentration of 1.0 % at a nitrogen flow rate of 180 1/s
or0.180m3/s,
t
40000 0.01
=_ ———hi —— = 6.766xl0 5
0.180
0.21
(3.1.17)
The purging time is 6.766 x 10s s (188 h).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 3.2 Cooling-Tower Analysis_______________________
Water, from lakes, rivers, and the sea, is a common coolant. Because of water
shortages or the environmental effects of discharging heated water, air may also be
use as a coolant, either directly or indirectly. In the direct method, called the dry
system, a fan blows air directly over a heat exchanger surface. Because of the low
heat capacity of air, a large quantity is required. In the indirect method, called the
wet system, water is the primary coolant. Air cools the water by evaporating a
small fraction of the water in a tower. The cooled water is then returned to the
process. A process engineer will have to choose either the dry or wet method.
Cooling water is not a main part of the process but an "offsite" operation, i.e., it is
generally located off to one side of the process area. We may consider cooling and
treating the water to remove dissolved salts as a sub-process.
Figure 3.2.1 shows the mechanical-draft crossflow tower, which is the most
commonly used cooling tower [11]. Water enters the top of the tower and flows
downward over packing, called fill. The fill increases the surface area for mass
transfer by breaking up the water into droplets or spreading it into a thin film. A
cooling tower, like a packed bed absorber or stripper, must provide good contact
between air and water to promote rapid evaporation. Good contact reduces the size
of the tower and also the pressure drop, called "draft" by cooling-tower design
engineers. A fan, located at the top of the tower and shown in Figure 3.2.1, draws
air into the tower. Louvers distribute incoming air, which then flows across the
tower, removing evaporated water.
During the operation of the tower, water is lost by evaporation, water droplets entrained in the outgoing air, and in a water purge, called blowdown. To reduce carry-over of water droplets the air flows across drift eliminators. The water
droplets impinge on the drift eliminators and then flows down to the bottom of the
tower. The droplet water loss is about 0.2% of the incoming water [11]. After
leaving the drift eliminators, air flows up and out of the tower. Evaporation of
water into air transfers heat from the water to the air. Cooling the water requires
about 1.0 % evaporation for every 5.56 °C (10.0 °F) drop in the water temperaturefl 1]. To reduce scale formation in the tower because of dissolved calcium or
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
101zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Moist Air
Water Distributor
x Water Distributor
O
-Dry Air
Louvers
Basin
Cooled Water
Figure 3.2.1 Induced-draft cooling tower.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
magnesium salts in the water, requires periodic "blowdown" or purging of the
water. About 0.3% of the water is lost for every 10 °F of cooling because of blowdown [11]. These water losses must be made up, which adds to the operating cost
of the tower.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Analysis
As a further illustration of the general method of analysis, we will consider
the design of a cooling tower, shown in Figure 3.2.1. It is required to cool 40
nrVmin (10,500 gal/min) of water at 43.0 °C (109.0 °F) using air having a dry-bulb
temperature of 34.4 °C (94.0 °F) and a wet-bulb temperature of 26.7 °C (80.0 °F).
Besides the water flow rate, we will need the air flow rate to size the tower and the
fan. For now, however, we will only devise a procedure to calculate the air flow
rate but not to size the tower or fan. Again, formulate the problem first by listing
the appropriate relations, and then determine if sufficient information is available
to obtain a solution. After completing the analysis, outline a solution procedure.
Again, start with Equation 3.2, the generalized mole balance relation, and
drop those terms that do not apply or are too small to be considered. Clearly, there
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
102
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
iszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
no chemical reaction, and the tower operates at steady state. Thus, Equation 3.2
reduces to the flow rate into the tower equal the flow rate out of the tower. Table
3.2.1 lists the appropriate relations (the subscript three means Chapter 3, two, example two, and one, table one). As established before, the first subscript in the
composition variable, y, indicates the stream number, shown in Figure 3.2.1, and
the second subscript the component, one for water and two for air. The primed
variables indicate specified variables. Thus, in Table 3.2.1, Equation 3.2.1 is the
water mole balance and Equation 3.2.2 the air mole balance (three means Chapter
3, two, Example two, and two Equation 1). Nitrogen and oxygen are only slightly
soluble in water and, therefore, we treat air as a single, unabsorbed component.
The water and air mole balances together with the mole fraction summations,
given by Equations 3.2.3 and 3.2.4, are all the mole balance relations that we can
write. If it is more convenient to use the total mole balance instead of a component balance, then drop one of the equations in the set from Equations 3.2.1 to
3.2.4.
Because cooling water is not an isothermal process, we must use the energy
equation. The general energy balance, Equation 3.10, is modified to fit the cooling
tower. We define the system by a boundary that cuts across all the streams and
encloses the tower, but not the fan, which is located in the upper part of the tower.
The kinetic and potential energy changes of the streams across this boundary are
small compared to the enthalpy change. Although the fan does work on the air
stream to overcome the resistance to air flow in the tower, no work crosses the
boundary selected. At a later stage in the design, we will need a mechanical energy balance to calculate the fan power. Finally, because no heat flows across the
boundary, the heat-transfer term will be zero. Therefore, enthalpy is conserved,
and the cooling-tower energy equation reduces to Equation 3.2.5 in Table 3.2.1.
Equation 3.2.6 gives the concentration of water vapor in the inlet air as
function of t \v, yiw> and Ah w> where the subscript, w, means wet bulb. The
equations are in functional notation to indicate that these data may be available in
tables, graphs or equations. The wet-bulb temperature, tiw, will be discussed later.
Equation 3.2.7 expresses the mole fraction of water vapor in the exit air in terms of
the vapor pressure at saturation. The air leaving the tower is assumed to be 90%
saturated, a value recommended by Walas [12].
Before solving the equations, we need system property data, which, in this
case, are thermodynamic properties. Equations 3.2.9 and 3.2.11 states that we may
obtain vapor pressures for water from steam tables, such as those compiled by
Chaar et al. [13]. Equation 3.2.10 also states that we can find the enthalpy of vaporization in the steam tables. We assume that the air-water mixture is ideal to
calculate the enthalpy of air, so we can use the mole-fraction average of the purecomponent enthalpies. Equations 3.2.12 and 3.2.13 in Table 3.2.1 give the mole
fraction average of the inlet and outlet enthalpy. Table 3.2.1 also lists pure component enthalpies for water vapor (Equations 3.2.14 and 3.2.16) and for air (Equat
V
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
103
Table 3.2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating Cooling-Tower Air
Flow Rate___________________________________
Subscripts: H2O = 1, Air = 2
Mole Balances zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
y,,i m, + m3' =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
yv m2 + nx,
(3.2.1)
y\,2 rri] = y2>2 rn2
(3.2.2)
yi,i+y.,2=l
(3.2.3)
y2,i + y2,2 = i
(3.2.4)
Energy Balance
H! m] + h3 m 3 '= h2 m2 + h4 m,
(3.2.5)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Transport Relation
Vi.i = f(W, Viw, Ahvw)
(3.2.6)
Equilibrium Relations
y 2 ,i=0-9p2,is/P'
(3.2.7)
Xiw = P i w / P '
(3-2.8)
Thermodynamic Properties
p = f(ti ') — steam tables
(3.2.9)
Ahvw = ffW) — steam tables
(3.2.10)
w
w
pi = f(t ) — steam tables
2)
S
2
(3.2.11)
(3-2.12)
(3.2.13)
h u =f(t,')
(3.2.14)
h,.2 = f[ti')
(3.2.15)
hy = f(t2)
(3.2.16)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
104
tl2,2 = f(t2)
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
(3.2.17)
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
h, = f(t3')
(3.2.18)
h4 = f(t4)
(3.2.19)
Economic Relations
t4 - twl' = 9.0 °F
(3.2.20)
m3' / m, = 2.09 Ibmol water/lbmol air
(3.2.21)
Variables
Vi,i - Yi,2 - Y2,i - Yz,2 - Yiw- in] - m2 - rat - plw - p2>is - Ahvw - hj - h2 - h3 - h4 - h (il - h1]2 h2,i - h2,2 - t2 - t4
Degrees of Freedom
F = 21-21=0
tions 3.2.15 and 3.2.17). Equations 3.2.18 and 3.2.19 give the enthalpies for pure
water.
Finally, Table 3.2.1 contains two economic relations or rules-of-thumb.
Equation 3.2.20 states that the approach temperature differences for the water,
which is the difference between the exit water temperature and the wet-bulb temperature of the inlet air, is 5.0 °C (9 °F). The wet-bulb temperature of the surrounding air is the lowest water temperature achievable by evaporation. Usually, the
approach temperature difference is between 4.0 and 8.0 °C. The smaller the approach temperature difference, the larger the cooling tower, and hence the more it
will cost. This increased tower cost must be balanced against the economic benefits of colder water. These are: a reduction in the water flow rate for process cooling and in the size of heat exchangers for the plant because of an increase in the
log-mean-temperature driving force. The other rule-of-thumb, Equation 3.2.21,
states that the optimum mass ratio of the water-to-air flow rates is usually between
0.75 to 1.5 for mechanical-draft towers [14].
As before, prime all the known variables in the equations listed in Table
3.2.1. The table shows that there are twenty-one unknowns and equations, resulting in zero degrees of freedom. Thus, we have completely defined the problem.
Before obtaining numerical answers, we must derive equations for the functional relationships expressed in Table 3.2.1, which are given in Table 3.2.2. Equation 3.2.27 is the psychrometric relation, derived by Bird et al. (3.15). This relation
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
1 05
Table 3.2.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Revised Summary of Equations for Calculating CoolingTower Air Flow Rate_____________________________
Subscripts: H2O = 1 , Air = 2
Mole Balances zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
yu m, + m3' = y2jl m2 + nu
(3.2.22)
yi,2 rn, = y2-2 m2
(3.2.23)
yu+yi,2=l
(3.2.24)
(3.2.25)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Yy + 72,2 = 1
Energy Balance
h, m, + h3 m3' = h2 m2 + h4 nx,
(3.2.26)
Transport Relation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( h'^
1
f(tlw', y1W; Ahvw) = yiw - yi.i =1 —— I —— (ti' - tlw') (1 - y, w)
I k' ) Ahvw
(3.2.27)
Equilibrium Relations zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
yv =0.9p 2 ? l s /P'
(3.2.28)
yiw = P i w / P '
(3.2.29)
Thermodynamic Properties
Piw = flW) — steam tables
(3.2.30)
Ahvw = flt|W') — steam tables
(3.1.31)
P2,is
Ahvw (
p,w
R'
1
T2
1s!
T 1W zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
T2 = t2 + 460.0
(3.2.33)
Tiw = W +460.0
(3.2.34)
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Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
106
Table 3.2.2 continuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
h, = yi,i hu + y lj2 h1>2
(3.2.35)
h2 = y2 > ih 2 , 1 + y2,2h2,2
(3.2.36)
bi.i = cp,.,'(t,'-tR)+Ah'vR
(3.2.37)
h,,2 = c P1 , 2 '(t 1 '-t R ')
(3.2.38)
h2,i = CM/ (t2 - tR') + AhVR'
(3.2.39)
h2,2 = cP2,2'(t2-tR')
(3.2.40)
h3 = c P3 '(t3-t R ')
(3.2.41)
h4 = c P4 '(t 4 -t R ')
(3.2.42)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Economic Relations
t 4 -t l w ' = 9.0°F
(3.2.43)
m3' /zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ml = 2.09 Ibmol water/lbmol air
(3.2.44)
Variables
yi.i - yi,2 - y2,i - y2,2 - yiw - mi - «»> - "V - Piw - P2,is - Ahvw - hi - h2 - h3 - h4 - hu - h,>2 h2,r h2>2 -12 -14 - T2 - T1W
Degrees of Freedom
F = 23-23 = 0
gives us the mole fraction of water in air - in this case the water mole fraction in
the incoming air. When the tip of a thermometer in a high-velocity air stream is
covered with a wet wick, the wick will reach a steady-state temperature, called the
wet-bulb temperature. At the wet-bulb temperature, the heat removed from the
wick by the evaporating water just equals the heat transferred to the wick from the
air. To calculate the water concentration at the wet-bulb temperature, ylw, use
Equations 3.2.29 and 3.2.30. As Equation 3.1.31 states, the heat of vaporization at
the wet-bulb temperature, Ah w, is found in the steam tables at t . The ratio of
heat to mass transfer coefficients, (h/k), calculated by using data taken from Bird
et al. [15], is 5.93 Btu/lbmol °F (24.8 kJ/kg mol-K).
V
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w
107zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Process Circuit Analysis
Over a small temperature range, the enthalpy of vaporization is essentially
constant. Thus, we may use the Clausius-Clapyeron equation, Equation 3.2.32, to
express the vapor pressure of water as a function of temperature. Next, calculate
the mole fraction of water in the exit air using Equation 3.2.28, where p ,is, is the
vapor pressure of water at the exit-air temperature. We assume that heat capacity
of air and water vapor is constant over the temperature range of interest. Using
data taken from Reid et al. [2], calculate the heat capacities at 100 °F (37.8 °C).
Thus, Cp, = 8.2 Btu/lbmol-°F (34.3 kJ/kg mol-K) and cp2 = 7.2 Btu/lbmol-°F (30.1
kJ/kg mol-K). The heat capacity of water, 18.0 Btu/lbmol-°F (75.4 kJ/kg mol-K),
is also assumed constant. We select 32.0 °F as the reference temperature, tR, to
correspond to the steam tables. Thus, Equations 37 to 42 in Table 3.2.2 are the
pure component enthalpies of all the components.
The next step in the problem solving procedure is to outline a solution procedure for the Equations listed in Table 3.2.2. There are algorithms available for
determining in what order to solve a set of algebraic equations, which is called the
precedence order. See, for example, Rudd and Watson [17] and Myers and Seider
[18] for a discussion of some of these algorithms. Sometimes, we can develop a
procedure by inspection of an equation set, as in the procedure given in Table
3.2.3.
2
Table 3.2.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure - Cooling-Tower Analysis_______
1. Obtain pw from the steam tables at tw (Equation 3.2.30 in Table 3.2.2)
2. Calculate ym from Equation 3.2.29.
3. Obtain Ahw from the steam tables at tiw, Equation 3.2.31.
4. Calculate yi,i from the psychrometric relation, Equation 3.2.27.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
5. Assume an exit air temperature, t2.
6. Calculate p2,is from Equations 3.2.32 to 3.2.34.
7. Calculate y2,i from Equation 3.2.28.
8. Calculate mi, m2 rot, yi 2 and y22 from Equations 3.2.22 to 3.2.25 and Equation
3.2.44.
9. Calculate h-i, h2, h3, and h4 from Equations 3.2.35 to 3.2.43.
10. Substitute h-i, h2, ha, hu, mi, m2, ma, and m4 into Equation 3.2.26 to check the
assumed value of t2.
11. Repeat steps 5 to 10 until Equation 3.2.26 is satisfied within a sufficient degree
of accuracy.
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Chapter 3
108
Table 3.2.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Specified Variables - Cooling Tower Analysis
Variable
Quantity
m3
t1
291300
94.0
80.0
109.0
32.0
19350
14.7
8.2
7.2
18.0
5.93
1.986
tiw
ts
tR
Ahv,32 F
P
CP1 1 « Cpj 1
Cpi 2 * Cp2,2
Cpa * Cp4
h/k
R
Units
Ibmol/h
°F
°F
°F
°F
Btu/lbmol
psia
Btu/lbmol-°F
Btu/lbmol-°F
Btu/lbmol-°F
Btu/lbmol-°F
Btu/lbmol-°FzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
Table 3.2.4 lists the specified variables. The cooling tower is processing 40
rrrVmin (1410 fWrnin) of water at 109 °F (43.8 °C), which from the steam tables,
has a specific volume of 0.01616 ft /lb (l.OlxlO" m/kg). Thus,
3
3
40.0 m3 60 min 35.31 ft3
1 min
1 h
1m3
1
Ib
3
1 Ibmol
0.01616 ft3 18 Ib
Ibmol
h
Finally, we can solve the equations listed in Table 3.2.2 simultaneously using
POLYMATH [19] or some other suitable mathematical software. The solution
procedure used in POLYMATH is the bounded Newton-Raphson method described by Shacham and Shacham [20]. Table 3.2.5 lists the stream properties,
which include the solution to the equations and specified temperatures and pressures at each line. The difference in the water flow rates into and out of the cooling
tower is the water evaporated. Thus, to cool 164,700 Ibmol/h (74,700 kg mol/h)
water requires evaporating 5,200 Ibmol/h (2,360 kg mol/h) of water. The evaporated water, along with water lost because of leaks, blowdown, and drift are a cost
of operation.
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109
Process Circuit Analysis zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 3.2.5: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Stream Properties - Cooling-Tower Analysis
op
Pressure
psia
Flow Rate
lbmol/h
Concentration, Mole Fraction
Water
Air
94.0
100.7
109.0
89.0
14.7
—
—
164700
169800
291300
286100
0.0302
0.0525
0
0
Stream
Number
Temperature
1
2
3
4
a
0.9698
0.9475
1.0
1.0
"Multiply by 0.4536 to obtain kg mol/h.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 3.3 Flash Valves, Par tial Condensers, and Partial Vapor izer s____
Flashing, partial condensation, and partial vaporization are frequently occurring
process operations. Because partial separation occurs during these operations,
they are all separations. We will treat them together because the equations for calculating downstream conditions are almost identical, differing only in the heattransfer term in the energy equation. The flash valve is essentially adiabatic, the
condenser removes heat, and the vaporizer adds heat to a process stream. The
pressure drops across these units also differ considerably. The pressure drop
across flash valves is about 1 Mpa (145 psi), for condensers, 10 kPa (1.45 psi), and
for the vaporizers, 1 kPa (0.145 psi). In all these units, we assume equilibrium
between the vapor and liquid streams leaving each process unit. This implies that
sufficient contact time will be allowed to reach equilibrium. The turbulence between the vapor and liquid streams in the flash valve and the vaporizer insures
good contact and hence a rapid approach to equilibrium. In the condenser, equilibrium may not be completely attained. Nevertheless, we will assume equilibrium.
Frequently, vapor-liquid phase separators follow and are combined with the
component separators, and equilibrium is assume between the exit streams of this
combination. Here, the phase separators are omitted as shown in Figure 3.3.1 to
keep the two kinds of separators divided according to their major function - one
where essentially component separation occurs and the other where essentially
phase separation occurs.
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Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
110zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
r^\
te
Flash ValvezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Partial Vaporizer
Partial CondenserzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Figure 3.3.1 Single-stage component separators.
To illustrate the method of analysis, we will consider the separation of propane from methane, obtained from natural gas. Both methane and propane have
fuel and non-fuel uses, but using these compounds as fuels dominates the market.
Swearingen [21] describes a cryogenic process for recovering propane from a mixture of methane and propane involving several flashing steps. In one part of this
process, a liquid mixture from a fractionator flashes across a valve to provide a
cold liquid stream for use in a heat exchanger. When the pressure drops, the "hot
liquid" converts into a vapor-liquid stream. The large enthalpy of vaporization is
supplied by cooling the entire stream. The principle, cooling by evaporation, is the
same as that employed to produce cooling water in a tower.
The objective in analyzing these units is to calculate the temperature, the
composition, and the flow rates of the vapor and liquid exit streams, given the
properties of the entering streams. First, write the mole balances. For two components, we write two component balances and a mole fraction summation for each
unknown stream as given by Equations 3.3.1 to 3.3.4 in Table 3.3.1. There are two
phases in equilibrium leaving the valve, condenser and vaporizer, although the
phases have not, as yet, been separated. A phase separator will separate the phases.
For a vaporizer, both component and phase separation occur in the same process
unit. As stated before, the first numerical subscript is the line number and the second the component number. We also identify the phases by an additional subscript, V for vapor and L for liquid. Because we are assuming equilibrium between the vapor and liquid for each component downstream of the valve, we can
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Process Circuit Analysis
111zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
eliminate the rate equations. Therefore, we can write two equilibrium relations,
which are given by Equations 3.3.6 and 3.3.7. The energy balance for the three
process units, which differ only in the heat transfer term, Q, is given by Equation
3.3.5. For the flash valve, Q = 0, and the first of the three equations applies.
Table 3.3.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating the Exit Temperature
of Single-Stage Component Separators___________________
Subscripts: methane = 1, propane = 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Mole Balances
Yi.i' mi' = Y2v,i m2V + y2L,i rn2L
yi,2 m,' = y2V>2 m2v + y2L,2 m2L
V2V.1 + V2V.2 = 1
Y2L.1 + V2L.2 = 1
(3.3.1)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
(3.3.2)
(3-3.3)
(3-3.4)
Energy Balance
hj m,' = h2V m2V + h2L m2L — flash valve (Q = 0)
(3.3.5)
h, m,' = h2V m2V + h2L m2L + Q — a partial condenser or
hi m,' + Q = h2V m2V + h2L m2L — a partial vaporizer
Equilibrium Relations
K2,i = y2V,i / y2L,i
(3-3-6)
K2,2 = y2v,2 / y2L,2
(3-3.7)
Thermodynamic Properties
K2,, = f(T 2 ,P 2 ')
(3.3.8)
K2;2 = f(T 2 ,P 2 ')
(3.3.9)
hi = yu'h,,, + y,, 2 'h, ]2
(3.3.10)
h2v = y2v,i h2V>] + y2v,2 h2V>2
(3.3.11)
h2L = y2L,i Vi + Y2L.2 Vz
(3.3.12)
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112
Chapters
Table 3.3.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
hi^W)
(3.3.13)
hi,2 = W)
(3.3.14)
(3.3.15)
(3.3.16)
h2L>, = f(T2)
(3.3.17)
h2L,2 = f(T2)
(3.3.18)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Var iables
y2v,i - y2v,2 • y2L,i - y2L,2 • m2v - rn2L - T2 - K2jl - K2;2 - h t - hi_i - h1;2 - h2V - h2v,i - h2V>2 - h2L
Degrees of Freedom
F=18-18 = 0
Next the equations that we can write are for calculating system properties. Because equilibrium is assumed, the rate equations and, therefore, the transport and
transfer properties are of no concern. In general, the thermodynamic properties of
mixtures will depend on temperature, pressure, and composition, we will assume
that the mixture is an ideal solution to simplify the computation of thermodynamic
properties. Thus, we can write the enthalpies of the mixtures as mole fraction averages of the pure component enthalpies, without an enthalpy of mixing term. We
can also write the phase equilibrium relations as functions of temperature and
pressure only and not composition. The pure component enthalpies of liquids
generally do not depend strongly on pressure, but there may be some effect of
pressure on the vapor-phase enthalpy. We will neglect this effect for simplicity.
The next step in the problem solving format is to prime the specified variables in the equations listed in Table 3.3.1. Next, list the unknown variables and
calculate the degrees of freedom. The degrees of freedom are zero, and therefore,
a solution is possible. Now that the problem is completely formulated, the next
step is to outline a solution procedure.
The solution of the equations listed in Table 3.3.1 requires an iterative procedure. Thus, it is good strategy to examine the variables to determine if there are
limits on their values. For example, the mole fractions of the components will
vary from zero to one. This fact greatly simplifies the solution procedure. Also, the
final flash temperature will lie somewhere between the bubble and dew-point temperatures. The bubble-point temperature is that temperature at which the first
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Process Circuit Analysis
113zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
bubble of vapor forms. It is also the temperature at which the last bubble of vapor
condenses. Similarly, the dew-point temperature is the temperature at which the
first drop of liquid condenses or the last drop of liquid that vaporizes. Table 3.3.2
lists the equations for calculating the bubble-point temperature, and Table 3.3.3
lists the equations for calculating the dew-point temperature. These calculations do
not require mass and energy balances. We could solve this set of equations simultaneously in its present form, after substituting appropriate expressions for the
equations shown in functional notation.
Table 3.3.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating the Bubble-Point
Temperature_________________________________
Subscripts: Methane = 1, Propane = 2
Equilibrium Relations
y2V,lB + y2V,2BzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
=1
(3.3.19)
K2,iB = y2V,iB / y2L)iB'
(3.3.20)
K2,2B = Y2V.2B / Y2L,2Br
(3.3.21)
Thermodynamic Properties
K2,iB = f(T 2 B,P 2 ')
(3.3.22)
K2,2B = f(T 2 B ,P 2 ')
(3.323)
Variables
y2V,iB - y2v,2B - TB - K2;1B - K2)2B
Degrees of Freedom
F=5-5=0
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114
Chapters
Table 3.3.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating the Dew-Point
Temperature_________________________________
Subscripts: Methane = 1, Propane = 2
Equilibrium Relations zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Y2L.1D + Y2L.2D = 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(3.3.24)
K ,lD = y2V,lD'/y2L,lD
2
K ,2D = Y2V.2D' / Y2L.2D
2
(3.3.25)
(3.3.26)
Thermodynamic Properties
K2,1D = f (T 2 D ,P 2 ')
(3.3.27)
K 2 , 2 D =f(T 2 D ,P 2 ')
(3.3.28)
Var iables
Y2L.1D - y2L,2D - T2D - K-2.1D - K 2,2D
Degrees of Freedom
F=5-5=0
To simplify the solution procedure, first, inspect the equations to determine
if some rearrangement of them will simplify their solution. Although this problem
requires solving equations for a two-component system, we will generalize the
solution for multicomponent systems.
Starting with Equations 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 in Table 3.3.1, the mole balance for
the i th component is
yu m, = y2V)i m2V + y2U m2L
(3.3.29)
The equilibrium relation for the i th component is
K 2 ,i=y 2V ,i/y 2 L,i
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.3.30)
115zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Process Circuit Analysis
Solving Equations 3.3.29 and 3.3.30 simultaneously for y L,j and yv,i, the
mole fraction for the i th component in the liquid,
2
2
(3.3.31)
m2LzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
K 2j j ——— + —— —
ni[
mi
and the mole fraction in the vapor phase,
K
2,i Yu
(3.3.32)
m2V m2L
K2. ——————
If Equation 3.3.29 is summed up for all components, the total mole balance
is
mi=m2v + m2L
(3.3.33)
Solving Equation 3.3.33 for m2L/mi and after substituting the result into
Equations 3.3.31 and 3.3.32, the equations become
yu
y2L,i = —————————————
(3.3.34)
and
Y2v,i = ——————————————
(3.3.35)
After summing up Equations 3.3.34 and 3.3.35,
yu
I Y2L;i = I ——————————————— = 1
(K y - I ) ( m 2 v / m 0 + l
and
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(3.3.36)
116
Chapter szyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
K2li YU
Z Y2v,i = I ————————————— = 1
(3.3.37)
When Equation 3.3.36 is subtracted from Equation 3.3.37, the final flash
equation is
(K2;i-l)yu
Z ————————————— = 0
(Ky-l)(mzv/mi) +1
(3.3.38)
According to King [22], Equation 3.3.38 is mathematically well behaved.
The equation has no spurious roots and maximum or minimum. Also, the fraction
of liquid vaporized, m2jv/nii, varies between 0 to 1 and is linear.
Similarly, we can also reduce the energy equation for Q = 0, Equation 3.3.5,
to a more usable form. First, divide Equation 3.3.5 by ni| to obtain Equation
3.3.39.
m2V
m2L
h2V —— + h2L ——— h, = 0
(3.3.39)
The enthaply of the vapor phase,
h2V = Z y2v,i h2V, i
(3.3.40)
and the enthalpy of the liquid phase,
ih 2Lji
(3.3.41)
After subsituting Equation 3.3.35 into Equation 3.3.40 and Equation 3.3.34
into 3.3.41,
h2v = Z ————————————— h2V,i
(Ky-lMmzv/mO+l
and
yi,i
h2L = Z ————————————— h2Lji
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(3.3.42)
(3.3.43)
117zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Process Circuit Analysis
After substituting Equations 3.3.42 and 3.3.43 into Equation 3.3.39, and with
some algebraic manipulation, we obtain the final form of the energy equation,
Equation 3.3.44.
yi,i
r
m2VzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( m2V ^ 1
I —————————————— I K2>i h2V,; —— + h2Lii 1 1 ——— | | - h, = 0 (3.3.44)
(K 2ji - I H n W m O + l L
raj I
ml j J
The calculation procedure using Equations 3.3.38 and 3.3.44 is outlined in
Table 3.3.4.
Table 3.3.4: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Procedure for Calculating the Temperature of a
Flashed Liquid_______________________________
1. Calculate the bubble-point temperature. Assume a temperature and then
calculate values for the equilibrium relations from Equations 3.3.22 and 3.3.23 in
Table 3.2.2. Next, calculate the vapor-phase mole fractions from Equations 3.3.20
and 3.3.21. Check the results using Equation 3.3.19. Assume a new temperature
and repeat the calculation until temperature converges to a desired degree of accuracy.
2. Similarly, calculate the dew-point temperature. Assume a temperature and then
calculate values for the equilibrium relations from Equations 3.3.27 and 3.3.28 in
Table 3.3.3. Next, calculate the liquid-phase mole fractions from 3.3.25 and
3.3.26. Check the results using Equation 3.3.24. Assume a new temperature and
repeat the calculation until temperature converges to a desired degree of accuracy.
3. Assume a temperature, T2, between the bubble and dew point temperatures.
4. Calculate values for the equilibrium relations at T2 from Equations 3.3.8 and
3.3.9 in Table 3.3.1.
5. Solve for the mole fractions for the liquid and vapor from Equations 3.3.3,
3.3.4, 3.3.6, and 3.3.7.
6. Substitute these values into Equation 3.3.38 and solve for m2V/m} by trial.
7. Calculate the pure-component enthalpies from Equations 3.3.13 to 3.3.18 and
the enthalpy of the feed solution from Equation 3.3.10.
8. Check the guess of T by substituting all calculated quantities into the energy
balance, Equation 3.3.44.
2
9. Assume a new value of T, and repeat steps 3 to 7 until the energy equation is
satisfied within a sufficient degree of accuracy.
2
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118
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Example 3.4 Packed-Bed, Catalytic Reactor ___________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
In this problem, we will analyze a packed-bed catalytic reactor. Heat may be either
transferred into or out of a reactor, depending on whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic. One design for transferring heat is to pack the catalyst into
tubes, approximately 5.0 cm (2 in) in diameter, and arrange them in parallel inside
a shell. A heat-transfer fluid flows into the shell surrounding the tubes, removing
or adding heat. We will consider the production of formaldehyde synthesized by
oxidizing methanol with air. Formaldehyde ranks 25th by volume among all
chemicals produced. Its major end uses are 60% for adhesives and 15% for plastics [23].zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Chemistry
Because formaldehyde synthesis is exothermic, the reactor requires a coolant to
remove the excess enthalpy of reaction. Thermodynamically, we should run the
reaction at as low a temperature as possible to increase conversion, but at low
temperatures, however, the rate of reaction decreases. At high reaction temperatures unwanted side reactions occur. Commercially, the reaction occurs from 600
°C (1110 °F) to 650 °C (1200 °F), which results in a methanol conversion of 77 to
87 % when using a silver catalyst [24]. Because formaldehyde and methanol can
form flammable mixtures with oxygen, we should carry out the reaction with mixture compositions outside of its flammability range. The oxygen used is less than
the stoichiometric amount.
Process Analysis
Methanol flows at the rate of 1000 kmol/h (22051b mol)into the reactor, shown in
Figure 3.4.1, where methanol is oxidized catalytically to formaldehyde under nonadiabatic conditions. The reactants enter the reactor at 500 °C (932 °F), and the
products exit at 600 °C (1110 °F). The methanol in stream 1 and air in stream 2
are both at 500 °C, and the methanol conversion is 80 %. To minimize possible
combustion of methanol and formaldehyde, we set the molar flow rate of oxygen
at 80% of the stoichiometric quantity. The reaction is
CH3OH(g) + 1/2 O2(g) -> HCHO(g) + H2O(g) (-37,280 cal, 298 K)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.4.1)
119
Process Circuit Analysis zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Air
Methanot
Coolant
Products
Figure 3.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Packed-bed, catalytic reactor.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
Table 3.4.1 lists the component balances, the energy balance, and thermodynamic property relations. Because moles are generally not conserved in a
chemical reaction, we must include a source term in the component balances to
account for the depletion or generation of moles. The balances are given in Table
3.4.1 by Equations 3.4.4 to 3.4.8. In this case, the conversion is an experimental
value. If the conversion is unknown and the reaction is at equilibrium, then we
can write an equilibrium relation for the reaction to calculate the conversion. Besides the general list of relationships, discussed earlier, there is a specification relationship. Equation 3.4.11 specifies that the moles of oxygen should be 80% of the
stoichiometric amount to minimize the risk of the methanol and formaldehyde
igniting and burning.
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120
Chapter szyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Table 3.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating Heat Transfer to a
Reactor___________________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
Subscripts: CH3OH = 1,02 = 2, CH2O = 3, H2O = 4, N2 = 5
Mole Balances
Ys.i m3 = y4,i m, + x/ y3>1 m3
y3,2 m3 = y4>2 m, + (1 /2) x t ' y3>i m3
(3.4.4)
(3.4.5)
x/ y3,i m3 = y4,3 m,
(3.4.6)
xi' y3,i m3 = y4;4 m,
(3.4.7)
y3,s m3 = y4j5 iru
(3.4.8)
yj,i + Y3.2 + y3;5 = 1
(3.4.9)
y4,i + y4,2 + y4,3 +zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
y^ + y4,5 = 1
(3.4. i o)
Reaction Specification
y 3 ,2/y3,i= (0.80) (1/2)
(3.4.11)
Ener gy Balance
Ah3 m3 + AhR' x^ y3 ] m3 = Q - Ali» m,
(3.4.12)
Ther modynamic Pr oper ties
ha = ys,i h3,i + y3,2 h3>2 + y3>5 h3,5
(3.4.13)
lu =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
^i ^i + y4;2114,2 + y4,3 h4j3 + y4i4 \A + y4j5 h 4
(3.4.14)
h3,, = f(T3')
(3.4.15)
h 3>2 =f(T 3 ')
(3.4.16)
h3,5 = f(T4')
(3.4.17)
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Process Circuit Analysis
121zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
h4,i = fCT4')
(3.4.18)
114,2= TO
(3.4.19)
h4,3 = flT4')
(3.4.20)
hM = TO
(3.4.21)
Iks = TO
(3.4.22)
Variables
Y3,i - Y3.2 - Y3,5 - Y4,i - Y4,2 - Y4,3 - Y4,4 - y4,5- m3 - nx, - Q - h3 - h4 - h3>1 - h3;2 - h3>5 -114,,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
- Il4 2 - h43 - h4j4 - h4;5
Degrees of Freedom
F = 21-19
=2
Equation 3.4.12, the energy balance for the reactor, requires some explanation. We write the general energy equation, Equation 3.10 at the beginning of the
chapter, for the boundary that encloses the process stream, but not the coolant. We
can again neglect the kinetic and potential energy terms. Also, the reactor does no
work on the reacting gases so that Equation 3.10 for the reactor becomes
Ah = Q
(3.4.2)
where Q is the heat transferred from the coolant to the process stream, and Ah is
the enthalpy change of the process stream across the reactor. Since enthalpy is a
state function, you can chose any path to evaluate Ah, starting from the state at the
entrance and ending at the state at the exit of the reactor. Because enthalpies of
reaction are given at 25 °C, select the path shown in Figure 3.4.2 for evaluating
Ah. First, cool the reactants to 25 °C, then let them react isothermally at 25 °C, and
finally heat the exit gases to the exit temperature. Thus, the enthalphy change
across the reactor becomes
Ah = Ahs m3 + AhR xt y 3 1 ma + Ari41114
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.4.3)
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
122zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
After substituting Equation 3.4.3 into Equation 3.4.2, we obtain Equation
3.4.12 in Table 3.4.1. Physically, Equation 3.4.12 means that the enthalpy flowing
into the reactor with the reactant stream plus part of the enthalpy released in the
reactor by chemical reaction will raise the temperature of the products to 600 °C.
The coolant removes the remaining enthalpy of reaction as heat. For simplicity, we
again assume that we can use the mole fraction average of the pure component
enthalpies for the enthapy of gas mixtures as given by Equations 3.4.13 and
3.4.14. Equations 3.4.15 to 3.4.22 are the pure component enthalpies we need for
Equations 3.4.13 and 3.4.14.
The reactor analysis given in Table 3.4.1 shows that there are two degrees of
freedom, and thus we have not completely defined the problem. We must either
write two additional equations or specify two additional variables. In this case, we
see that in Figure 3.4.1 the methanol and air streams mix before entering the reactor. Mixing is a process step even though the mixer may only be two intersecting
streams. Table 3.4.2 lists the equations for the mixer, which are three additional
mole balances. The equations, however, contain an additional variable, m2. We
have already written the mole fraction summation for stream 3. The air and
methanol streams are at the same temperature so that we do not need an energy
balance for the mixer.
Ah
Ah*
Ah 3
Ah R
Figure 3.4.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Thermodynamic path for a gas phase reaction.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
123zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
After counting all the equations and variables in Tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2, we
find that we now have zero degrees of freedom. Thus, we have defined the problem, and we can now outline the solution procedure. The twenty-two equations
are decoupled, i.e., it is not necessary to solve all them simultaneously. By inspection we find that we can solve the mole balance equations independently of the
energy balance. This frequently occurs, usually when the temperatures in some of
the lines are known. Furthermore, in this case, we do require an iterative calculation procedure. We again obtained a solution procedure by inspection, which is
given in Table 3.4.3.
Frequently, we do not analyze simple process problems by the approach
given in Tables 3.4.1 to 3.4.3. Instead, from the beginning, we assume that a solution is possible, and we carry out the calculations, introducing equations as
needed. With experience one can recognize that certain problems have solutions,
however, in most cases it is not evident that there is enough information to solve a
problem, particularly when the solution contains many equations. In this problem,
we will calculate the mole balance quickly without a formal analysis, once we
know that the degrees of freedom are zero.
Because there is 1000 kmol/h (2204 Ib mol/h) of methanol in line 3, there
will be 200 kmol/h (440.8 Ib mol/h) of methanol and 800 kmol/h of formaldehyde
in line 4 because the conversion is 80 %. If 80 % of the stoichiometric quantity of
oxygen is required, there will be 0.8 (1/2) (1000) = 400 kmol/h (881.6 Ib mol/h) of
oxygen at lines 2 and 3 and zero at line 4. The nitrogen flow rate in lines 2, 3 and 4
is (0.79/0.21) (400) = 1505 kmol/h (3317 Ib mol/h). It is good practice to tabulate
Table 3.4.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for a Mixer_______________
Mole Balances
mI' = y3,1m3
(3.4.23)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
J2.2 m2 = y3,2 m3
(3.4.24)
y2, 5 'm 2 = y3,5m3
(3.5.25)
Variables
Additional Variable is m2.
Degrees of Freedom
F = 22 - 22 = 0
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
124
Chapters
Table 3.4.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Calculating Heat Transfer to a
Reactor___________________________________
1. Solve Equations 3.4.9, 3.4.11 and 3.4.23 to 3.4.25 simultaneously to
obtain m2, m3, y3i1, y3i2 and y3,5.
2. Solve Equations 3.4.4 to 3.4.8 in terms of m4. Substitute these derived
equations into Equation 3.4.10 and solve for m4
3. Solve for y4,i, y4,2, y4,3, y4,4, and y4|5 using Equations 3.4.4 to 3.4.8.
4. Calculate the pure component enthalpies from Equations 3.4.15 to
3.4.22.
5. Calculate the mixture enthalpies from Equations 3.4.13 and 3.4.14.
6. Calculate Q from Equation 3.4.12.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
the results of a calculation for later reference and for checking the solution. Table
3.4.4 lists the steam properties - temperature, pressure, flow rate and composition.
From experience we specify a 0.81 bar (0.8 atm) pressure drop across the reactor.
Now, calculate the enthalpy for each component by using an average heat
capacity from the inlet temperature to the base temperature of 25 °C and from the
base temperature to the outlet temperature. Thus, Equations 3.4.15 to 3.4.22 for
each component reduce to
Ah = c P AT
(3.4.26)
Next, calculate the enthalpy change for each component and then add them
to obtain the enthalpies of streams 3 and 4. Table 3.4.5 summarizes the results of
these calculations.
From Equation 3.4.12 in Table 3.4.1
Q = -13.341xl06 + 800 (-37420) + 16.96 x 106 = -2.63xl07 kcal/h
(-10.4xl07Btu/h).
(3.4.27)
Because heat added to the system is defined as positive, the minus sign
means that we must remove heat.
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Process Circuit Analysis
125
Table 3.4.4: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Stream Properties - Formaldehyde-Synthesis Reactor
Composition (mole fraction)
Line
No.
Temperature
°C
Pressure
atm
Flow
Rate3
CH3OH
02
H2O
HCHO
N2
kmol/h
1
500
1.8
1000
1.0
0
0
0
0
2
500
1.8
1950
0
0.210
0
0
0.790
3
500
1.8
2905
0.344
0.138
0
0
0.518
4
600
1.0
3305
0.061
0
0.242
0.242
0.455
To convert to Ib mol/h multiply by 2.205.
Table 3.4.5 Energy Balance Summary - Formaldehyde-Synthesis
Reactor
m3 Ah3 (106 kcal/h)a
HCHO
N2
H2O
02
CH3OH
m
CP
At
Ah
1505
—
400
1000
(7.16)
—
(7.52)
(14.3)
(-475) =
—
(-475) =
(-475) =
-5.119
—
-1 .429
-6.793
13.34
To convert to Btu/h multiply by 3.968.
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Chapter 3
126
Table 3.4.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
m4Ah4(106kcal/h)a
m
HCHO
N2
H2O
02
CH3OH
At
Ah
800
(10.8)
(7.23)
1505
800
(8.68)
(575) =
(575) =
(575) =
4.968
6.257
3.993
200
(575) =
1.748
CP
(15.2)
17.00
a) To convert to Btu/h multiply by 3.968.
Example 3.5 Methanol-Synthesis Process______________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
In this problem, we will determine the degrees of freedom of a process circuit
composed of several process units by examining a methanol-synthesis process.
Methanol was first synthesized from carbon monoxide and hydrogen on a commercial scale in 1923 by Badische Anilindund Soda-Fabrik (BASF) in Germany
[25]. Methanol is an important basic bulk chemical used in the synthesis of formaldehyde and acetic acid [28] and it has been proposed as an automobile fuel and
fuel additive [26]. Methanol has also been proposed as a substrate to produce a
bacterium suitable as a protein source (single-cell protein). The bacterium would
be a soy meal and fishmeal substitute for animal and poultry feeds [27]. If these
applications should ever develop, the demand for methanol will increase considerably.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Chemistry
A two-step-reaction sequence describes the methanol synthesis. In the first step,
steam reforming, a packed bed reactor (reformer) converts methane into a mixture
of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (synthesis gas), according to Equation 3.5.1.
Then, in the second step, a second packed-bed reactor (converter) converts the
synthesis gas into methanol, as shown by Equation 3.5.2.
CH4 + H2O -> 3 H2 + CO (+49,269 cal, 298 K)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.5.1)
Process Circuit Analysis
127zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
2H2 + CO -> CH3OH (-21,685 cal, 298 K)
(3.5.2)
Methanol formation is exothermic, requiring removal of the enthalpy of reaction. Thermodynamically, the conversion to methanol increases by reacting at
low temperatures. Also, there is a reduction in the number of moles during reaction, according to Equation 3.5.2, indicating that the converter should operate at a
high pressure to increase conversion.
The Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) has developed a reactive copper
oxide catalyst [28], which allows operating the converter at low pressures, around
100 arm. Even though a high pressure increases conversion, a low pressure saves
on gas compression and material of construction costs. The zinc-oxide, chromicoxide catalyst, developed early in the history of the process, requires temperatures
well above 300 °C for a reasonable rate of reaction, but conversions are low. To
compensate for this lower catalytic activity, the converter pressure must be at 200
arm or higher. Because the reactivity of the new copper-oxide catalyst is high, the
converter temperature can be lowered, favoring a high thermodynamic conversion. Sulfur containing compounds, however, easily poison the copper-oxide catalyst. Furthermore, iron pentacarbonyl forms by reaction of carbon monoxide with
iron, but the reaction is less favored at low temperatures and pressures. Therefore,
carbon steel instead of the more expensive stainless steel can be used for piping,
reactors, and other process equipment.
Besides methanol formation, side reactions also occur, forming high molecular weight alcohols, dimethyl ether, carbonyl compounds, and methane. Because of the numerous side products formed, these compounds are divided into
two groups, called the low-boiling and high-boiling compounds. No methane
forms in the converter [31].
According to Equation 3.5.2, methanol synthesis requires a ratio of two
moles of hydrogen to one mole of carbon monoxide, whereas Equation 3.5.1
shows that steam reforming produces a ratio of three to one. Thus, the excess hydrogen, as well as the inert gases (methane and nitrogen), will accumulate in the
process and must be removed. One way of removing the excess hydrogen is to
add carbon dioxide to the reformer feed gas to react with the hydrogen according
to Equation 3.5.3.
2CO2 + H2 -> CO + H2O (9,855 cal, 298 K)
(3.5.3)
Equation 3.5.3 is called the reverse-shift reaction because it occurs opposite
to the normal direction. Carbon dioxide will react with hydrogen in the converter
according to Equation 3.5.4 to form methanol.
CO2 + 3H 3 -»CH3OH + H2O (-11,830 cal, 298K)
(3.5.4)
Another way of removing the excess hydrogen and inert gases is to use a
purge stream. Unless carbon dioxide is available at low cost, purging is usually
employed [28]. Because the purge stream is combustible, it may be used as a fuel
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
128
to supply some of the enthalpy of reaction for the endothermic reforming reaction.
If it is economical, the hydrogen in the purge stream could also be recovered.
Thermodynamically, the reforming reaction, Equation 3.5.1, shows that the
reformer should be operated at the lowest pressure and highest temperature possible. The reforming reaction occurs on a nickel-oxide catalyst at 880 °C (1620 °F)
and 20 bar, which results in a 25 °C approach to the equilibrium temperature
[25,29]. Methane conversion increases by reducing the pressure, but natural gas is
available at a high pressure. It would be costly to reduce the reformer pressure
and then recompress the synthesis gas later to 100 bar (98.7 arm) for the converter.
The steam to carbon monoxide ratio is normally in the range of 2.5 to 3.0 [30].
The ratio favors both the conversion of methane to carbon monoxide and the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide as indicated by Equations 3.5.1 and 3.5.3. If the
ratio is decreased, the methane concentration increases in the reformed gas, but if
the ratio is set at three, the unreacted methane is small. The methane is a diluent in
the synthesis reaction given by Equation 3.5.2.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Description
The process generates three hot gas streams: flue gas, reformer gas, and converter
gas. We must recover the enthalpy of these streams to have an economically viable
process. Thus, methanol synthesis plants are designed to generate 70% of their
energy requirements internally [30]. The excess enthalpy generates high-pressure
steam for steam-turbine drivers needed to compress the synthesis gas and the converter recycle gas. This is an example of a process where the process engineer
must integrate several energy-transfer steps with reaction and separation steps for
an energy-efficient process.
Figure 3.5.1 is the flow diagram for the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI)
process. The solid lines in the diagram are for the process streams, and dashed
lines are for the steam system, which is really a subprocess of the main process just as the cooling-water supply system is also a subprocess. Sulfur-containing
compounds present in most natural gas streams will poison the reforming and synthesis catalysts. A hydrodesulphurization reaction removes these compounds by a
using a catalyst in a packed bed. If there is no hydrogen present in the natural gas,
purge gas from the synthesis loop, which is hydrogen rich, can be mixed with the
natural-gas feed stream. Hydo-desulpurization forms hydrogen sulfide, which
then reacts with zinc oxide in a packed bed to form zinc sulfide. Both the hydrogenation-catalyst and the zinc-oxide beds may be contained in the same vessel.
After removing hydrogen sulfide and mixing the stream with steam, the
mixture flows to the reformer. Combustion gas heats the reformer to supply the
enthalpy of reaction. To cool the hot reformed gas, steam is generated first and
then vapor in the reboilers of the methanol-recovery section of the process. Cooling the reformed gas reduces the temperature and therefore the gas volume, which
reduces the energy of compression. During cooling, water condenses and is re-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
129zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
moved in gas-liquid separators at various points in the process. After compressing
the reformed gas in the first stage of compression, the gas then mixes with recyle
gas to form feed gas. The feed gas is compressed and then preheated by the converter gas in an interchanger before entering the converter.
Because the reaction is exothermic, the synthesis gas is injected at several
points in the converter to cool the reacting gases, which prevents overheating the
catalyst. After leaving the converter, the gases are first cooled by preheating the
feed to the converter and then cooled by water to condense out crude methanol.
Then, a gas-liquid separator separates the crude methanol from the noncondensible
gases. Purging part of the recycle stream from the separator removes excess hydrogen and inert gases from the process. Then, the purged gases mix with natural
gas and air and finally burned to heat the reformer.
The crude methanol from the separator, containing methanol, water, low
boiling compounds, and high boiling compounds, flows to the fractionation section. In the fractionation section, the crude methanol first flashes, and then the
vapor-liquid stream flows to a "topping" column to remove the low-boiling compounds. Finally, the bottom stream from the "topping" column flows to a "refining" column to remove the high-boiling compounds, producing a purified methanol product and a wastewater stream.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Analysis
To analyze the process circuit, consider only a small segment of the methanol
process - the synthesis loop - as indicated by the numbered lines in Figure 3.5.1.
The synthesis loop contains a recycle line, which complicates the analysis. For
simplicity, we will not consider all streams within the loop. As usual, the objective
of the analysis is to specify or calculate pressure, temperature, composition, and
flow rate in each line and the energy transferred into or out of each process unit.
We begin by noting that the energy balances are decoupled from the mass balances for the streams selected. This means that we can solve the mole balances
independent of the energy balances. If we include the determination of the flow
rates of three side streams flowing into the converter, then energy balances are
also needed.
The first step in the analysis is to determine if zero degrees of freedom exist
in any process unit. In this case, the analysis will be simplified because of the reduction in the number of equations requiring simultaneous solution. After analyzing each process unit, we then combine the equations to determine if the process
contains zero degrees of freedom. When analyzing each unit separately, we will
repeat some variables and equations. For example, in line 3, the composition and
flow rate variables, and the mole fraction summation, are the same for the mixer
exit stream and the reactor feed stream. Later, when we combine the various
processing units to determine the process degrees of freedom, we will take the
duplication of variables and equations into account.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
130zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 3
CO
CO
CD
o
CO
I
"c
V)
"o
03
1
O
I
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
in
co
o>
'-KIXUXIzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
131zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Process Circuit Analysis
We begin the analysis by collecting all the information that is known about
the process from the technical literature - journals, books, and patents. Also we
can obtain information from company brochures on plant operations, pilot plant
data, and laboratory data. Table 3.5.1 contains some of these data, operating conditions, and specifications.
Utilizing Table 3.5.1 we generate initial specifications for the synthesis loop,
which are contained in Table 3.5.2. After completing the degrees of freedom analysis, we may have to adjust the specifications to obtain zero degrees of freedom.
Market conditions determine the production rate of methanol,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJ
y^i trig, as given in
Table 3.5.2. The composition of the reformed gas in line 1, with a slight adjustment
to include nitrogen, is taken from Fulton and Fair's [32] case-study problem. The
methane and nitrogen, which are inerts, and excess hydrogen are maintained at acceptable concentrations by the purge stream. A small purge stream results in
Table 3.5.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Process Conditions - Methanol-Synthesis Process
Reformer
Exit Temperature3
Exit Pressure3
Molar H2O/CO Ratio3
Equilibrium at Reformer Exit3
- 850 °C
- 20 bar
- 3.0
Converter
Exit Temperature"
Inlet Pressure"
Optimum Exit CH3OH Concentration15
Pressure Drop0
- 270 °C
-100 bar
- 5%
- 5 to 6 bar
Separator
_____Crude Methanol Components_____________
Methanol
Component
Dimethyl Either
Carbonyl Compounds
Higher Alcohols
Methane
a) Source: Reference 25
b) Source: Reference 28
c) Source: Reference 35
d) Source: Reference 32
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
79 wt. %
Concentration11, ppm
20-150
10-35
100-2000
None
Chapter 3
132
Table 3.5.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Specified Variables - Methanol-Synthesis Process
2na subscript: CH4 = 1, H2O = 2, H2 = 3, CO = 4, CO2 = 5, N2 = 6, CH3OH = 7
Basis y6]7 m6 = 1000 kmol/h
Crude Methanol Concentration = 0.79 mass fraction
Variables
Y1.2
Yi,3
Y1,4
Y1,5
Y1,6
Mole Fraction
0.0085
*0
0.7800
0.0600
0.1500
0.0015
Vi,7
Y2,2
Y3.1
Y3.6
Y4,7
Ye,7
0.0250
0.0100
0.0500
0.5816zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
high concentrations of these gases in the system and a large purge stream in low
concentrations. By specifying the methane concentration, y3;], we fix the purgestream flow rate. The methanol concentration at the outlet of the converter, y4j7, is
typical of the low pressure process. Finally, Fulton and Fair [32] give the methanol
concentration in the crude methanol stream, y6,7.
For a first approximation to the solution, we will assume that essentially all
the methanol condenses, with only trace amounts appearing in the recycle line. We
will also assume that most of the water condenses and that very small amounts of
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, and nitrogen dissolve in the
condensate. To account for methanol and water vapor in the recycle gases and the
solubility of the gases in the crude methanol, we would have to include phase
equilibrium relationships in the analysis. As stated earlier, several condensable
byproducts, high and low-boiling compounds in the crude methanol, are present in
small amounts, as shown in Table 3.5.1. We will not consider these compounds in
the synthesis-loop analysis.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
133zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
At this point in the analysis we do not know if the variables are overspecified or under-specified. Table 3.5.3 gives the degrees of freedom for each
process unit. As usual prime the specified variables. Except for the splitter, the
analysis is straight forward. Since there is no composition change across the splitter, as stated by Equations 3.5.30 to 3.5.39, only the total mole balance is an independent equation. Also, only the sum of the mole fractions for one of the three
streams is an independent equation. Table 3.5.3 shows that no process unit contains zero degrees of freedom.
Before attempting to solve the equations in Table 3.5.3, calculate the degrees of freedom for the process. First, determine the number of unique variables
because some of the variables are repeated from process unit to process unit, as
shown in Table 3.5.3. The process variables are equal to the sum of all the unit
variables minus the repeated variables. To determine the repeated variables, examine the lines connecting the process units. Table 3.5.4 shows that the repeated
variables are mole fractions and molar flow rates. From Table 3.5.5, the total
number of variables for all units is 57, and the total number of repeated variables
is 23. Therefore, the number of unique process variables are 34, as shown in Table
3.5.5.
Next, determine the number of independent equations by again examining
each connecting line. The repeated equations are the mole fraction summations, as
shown in Table 3.5.4. To determine the number of independent equations for the
process, subtract the repeated equations from the sum of the equations for all the
process units. The total number of equations for all process units is 39, as shown in
Table 3.5.5. Although each process unit contains positive degrees of freedom, we
see that the process degrees of freedom equals minus two, which means that the
problem has been overspecified. Before unspecifying variables check if the number of equations are correct. By inspection - not an easy task - we find that Z y?.i
= 1, Equation 3.5.29 in Table 3.5.3, is not independent. It can be derived by substituting Equations 3.5.30 to 3.5.34 into Equation 3.5.6, Z yy- Therefor, the number of independent equations must be reduced by 1 - from 36 to 35 - and the degrees of freedom becomes minus one.
Once you are certain that all equations are independent and no equations are
missing, then unspecify one of the variables. For example, unspecify the nitrogen
concentration at the converter inlet, y3;6. Because y3;6 is now unspecified, correct
the degree of freedom analysis for both the mixer and converter. At the mixer and
converter the number of variables increases by one as shown in Table 3.5.6. Thus,
for the mixer F = 1 2 - 7 = 5 and for the converter F = 14-9 = 5. Because Equations 3.5.27 and 3.5.29 are not independent, the number of equations at the condenser-separator combination and the splitter are reduced by one, as shown in Table 3.5.6. Finally, because Z y?,i is no longer valid, it is not a repeated equation.
Thus, the repeated equations in line 7 are now zero. The revised calculation
for the degrees of freedom in Table 3.5.6 shows that the process degrees of freedom is now zero.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
134
Chapters
Table 3.5.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Mole Balances - Methanol-Synthesis ProcesszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
2nd subscripts: CH4 = 1, H2O = 2, H2 = 3, CO = 4, CO2 = 5, N2 = 6, CH3OH = 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
MIXER (M-1)
Mole Balances
yi.i' mi + X2,i m2 = Y3,i' m3
(3.5.1)
yi, 3 'mi + Y2,3 m2 = y3,3 m3
(3.5.2)
yi/T m, + y2,4 m2 = y3j4 m3
(3.5.3)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
y\,s m, + y2,5 m2 = y3,5 m3
(3.5.4)
yi,6f m, + y2>6 m2 = y3>6' m3
y2,i + y2,3 + y2,4 + yy + y2,6 = 1
y3/ + y3,3 + y3,4 + y^ + y^' = 1
(3.5.5)
(3.5.6)
(3.5.7)
Variables
y2,i - y2,3 - y2,4 - y2,s - y2,e - ys,3 - y3,4 - y3,s - m, - m2 - m3
Degrees of Freedom
F=ll-7= 4
CONVERTER (R-3)
(A) 2H2 + CO -> CH3OH
(B) 3H2 + CO2 -> CH3OH + H2O
Mole Balances
y3/ m3 = y4jl m,
(3.5.8)
x B y3,5 m3 = y 4)2 m 4
(3.5.9)
y3,3 m3 = y4i3 rru + 2 XA y3,4 m3 + 3 XB y3>5 m3
y4,4 m4 + xA y3,4m3
= y4,5 m, + XB y3>5m3
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.5.10)
(3.5.11)
(3.5.12)
135zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Process Circuit Analysis
Table 3.5.3 continuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Xs/ m 3 = X4,6 nu
(3.5.13)
XA Ys,4 m3 + XB y3>5 m3 = y4,7' m,
(3.5.14)
y3,i' + yw + y3,4 + x^ + xw' = 1
X4,l + Y4,2 + y4,3 + Y4,4 + Y4.5 + X4,6 + Y4,?' =1
(3.5.15)
(3.5.16)
Variables
XA - XB - Y3,3 - X3,4 - X3.5, - X4,l - y4,2 - Y4.3 ' Y4,4 - Y4,5 - Y4,6 - H13 - m4
Degrees of Freedom
F=13-9 = 4
CONDENSER-SEPARATOR
(the system includes H-1, 2, 3,4 and PS-1)
Mole Balances
X4,i "it = y7,i m7
(3.5.17)
(3.5.18)
, = y?,3 m7
(3.5.19)
y4,4 nx, = y7>4 m7
(3.5.20)
X4,s m, = y7,5 m7
(3.5.21)
X4.6 m4 = X?,6 m7
(3.5.22)
y4,7' nit =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
y&,7 m«
(3.5.23)
y 6>7 'm 6 =1000
(3.5.24)
X4,l + X4,2 + Y4,3 + Y4,4 + Y4,5 + Y4,6 + Y4,?' =1
(3.5.25)
(3.5.26)
1
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(3.5.2?)
136
Chapter3
Table 3.5.3 Continued
Variables zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Y4,l - Y4,2 - Y4.3 - Y4,4 ' Y4,5 " Y4,6 ' Y6,2 ' Y?,l ' Y7,3 - Y?,4 ' Y7,5 ' Y?,6 - " 14 - 1^ - m 7
Degrees of Freedom
F=15-l l =4
SPLITTER (S-1)
Mole Balances zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
m7 = m2 + m8
Y?,1 + Y7,3 + Y?,4 + Y7,5 + Y7,6 = 1
Y7,i=Y2,i
(3.5.28)
(3.5.29)
(3.5.30)
Y7,3 = y2,3
(3.5-31)
Y7,4 = Y2,4
(3.5.32)
Y7,5 = Y2,5
(3.5.33)
Y7,6 = Y2,6
(3.5.34)
Y7,i=y8,i
(3-5.35)
Y7,3 = Y8,3
(3.5.36)
Y7,4 = Y8,4
(3.5.37)
Y7,5 = Y8,5
(3.5.38)
Y7,6 = y8>6
(3.5.39)
Var iables
Y7,i - Y7,3 - Y7,4 - Y7,5 - Y7,6 - Ys.i - Ys,3 - Ys,4 - Y8,s - Ys.e - Y2,i - Y2.3 - Y2,4 - Y2,s - Y2,6 - m 2 - m 7 -mg
Degrees of Freedom
F=18-12 = 6
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
137
Table 3.5.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Repeated Variables and Equations - Methanol-Synthesis
Process
Repeated Variables
Line
Repeated
Number
Equations
VR
RR
2
3
4
0
Y2,i - Y2,s - Y2,4 - Y2,s - Y2.6 -zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
rr\2
X
y
Ys,3 - Ys,4 - Ys.s - m3
31 = 1
Y4.1 - Y4,2 - Y4,3 - Y4,4 - Y4,5 - Y4,6 -
m4
7
Table 3.5.5
Process
y?,i - y?,3 - y?,4 - y?,5 - yr.e - ni/
I Y4,i = 1
lY7,i=1
Degrees of Freedom Calculation - Methanol-Synthesis
Process Unit
Unit
Variables
Vu
Unit
Equations
Ru
Mixer
Converter
Condenser-Separator
Splitter
Total
11
13
15
7
9
11
12
39
Line
Number
18
57
Repeated
Variables
VR
2
3
4
7
Total
6
4
7
6
23
Repeated
Equations
RR
0
1
1
1
3
Process Degrees of Freedom
FP = (Vu - VR) - (Ru - RR ) = (57 - 23) - (39 - 3) = 34 - 36 = - 2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 3
138
Table 3.5.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Revised Degrees of Freedom Calculation—MethanolSynthesis Process
Process Unit
Unit
Variables VD
Unit
Equations
Ru
Mixer
Converter
CondenserSeparator
Splitter
Total
12
14
15
7
9
10
18
59
11
37
Line
Number
Repeated
Variables VR
Repeated
Equations
RR
2
3
4
7
Total
6
0
1
1
0
2
5
7
6
24
Process Degrees of Freedom
FP = (Vu - VR) - (Ru - RR) = (59 - 24) - (37 - 2) = 35 - 35 = 0zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
Now that the problem is formulated we turn our attention to solving the
equations. One solution method that we could use is the sequential modular
method. For this method, select one of the process units as the starting point for
the calculation. Then, assume values for some of variables to reduce the degrees of
freedom to zero for that unit. Next, precede unit-by-unit through the flow sheet
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
139zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Process Circuit Analysis
until you can calculate the assumed variables to compared with the original
guesses. Westerberg et al. [16] have reviewed the sequential modular method, as
well as other methods, in detail. This particular method has the advantage that the
calculation procedure can be visualized physically. Also, at any particular time
the number of equations that require simultaneous solution is considerably reduced.
For this problem we can solve the reduced set of equations simultaneously,
using POLYMATH (Version 4.0) [19] or by some other suitable mathematical
software. Since POLYMATH cannot solve more than 32 simultaneous, nonlinear
equations and explicit algebraic expressions, we must reduce the number of equations listed in Table 3.5.3.
First, drop all the repeated equations listed in Table 3.5.3. By substituting
Equations 3.5.30 to 3.5.34 into Equations 3.5.19 to 3.5.22, we eliminate the mole
fraction variables in line seven. We do not need Equations 3.5.35 to 3.5.39 for the
solution, so they can be dropped. Table 3.5.2 lists the specified variables, except
for the nitrogen mole fraction, y , which is now unspecified. Table 3.5.7 lists the
reduced set of equations.
Before solving the Equations in Table 3.5.7, we must select initial guess
values for all the variables. Selecting guess values for variables to start a calculation is always a problem. For some initial values of the variables, the solution may
not converge. One strategy for obtaining correct initial guesses is to examine each
variable for limits. For example, values of mole fraction must be limited to the
range from zero to one. Temperatures in heat exchangers are limited by the freezing point of the fluids and the stability of the fluids at high temperatures. Obtaining stable initial guess values is an iterative procedure. Table 3.5.8 lists the composition and flow rates from the POLYMATH solution.
To complete the process circuit analysis, we now assign pressures and temperatures in lines 1 to 8. The pressures in the various streams given in Table 3.5.8,
are determined after specifying 100 bar at the reactor inlet, an optimum synthesis
pressure [30]. Then, we assign pressure drops, based on experience, of 0.34 bar
across each heat exchanger [8] and 5.0 bar across the converter. The pressure drop
across the gas-liquid phase separator, PS-1, and piping is small compared to the
other system pressure drops. Starting at 100 bar at the converter inlet we can now
specify pressures in lines 1 to 8, except line 6. The pressure at line 6 should be
high enough to overcome the pressure drop across the upper plates of the first column, 0.1 bar, plus the pressure across the two condensers. Therefore, the total
pressure drop is 0.1 +2 (0.34) or 0.78 bar which is the pressure at line 6. The
copper-oxide catalyst sinters significantly at high temperatures, i.e., there is
growth of the copper-oxide crystals. Consequently, there will be a corresponding
reduction in surface area and catalytic activity. Thus, limit the gas temperature to
270 °C [8]. Because the compressor work increases with increasing volumetric
flow rate, we must keep the temperature at the compressor inlet low. If we assume
a temperature of 40 °C in lines 1 and 2, then the temperatures in lines 5, 7 and 8
will also be 40 °C. The temperature in line 3 can be determined by an energy bal3]6
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
140
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
ance across the compressor, which will be considered in Chapter 5. Finally, we
can find the temperature in line 6 by making a flash calculation. Table 3.5.8 gives
the pressures and temperatures in each line. This completes the analysis of the
methanol-synthesis flow loop.
Table 3.5.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Revised Summary of Mole Balances - Methanol-Synthesis
Process___________________________________
MIXER (M-1)
Mole Balances
Yu' mi + y2,i m2 = y3/ m3
(3.5.1)
Yi/m, + y2,3 m2 = y33 m3
(3.5.2)
YM' mi + y2,4 m2 = y3,4 m3
(3.5.3)
Yi/mi + y2>5 m2 = y3j5 m3
(3.5.4)
yi>6' mi + y2,6 m2 = y3,6 m3
(3.5.5)
Y2,lzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
+ Y2,3 + Y2,4 + Y2,5 + Y2,6 = 1
(3.5.6)
CONVERTER (R-3)
Mole Balances
y3ji m3 = y4>, m,
(3.5.9)
x B y 3j5 m 3 =y 4 > 2 m4
(3.5.10)
Y3,3 m3 = y4>3 m, + 2 XA y3,4 m3 + 3 XB y3,5 m3
(3.5.11)
y3,4m3 = y4j4 m4 + xA y3j4m3
(3.5.12)
Y3,s m3 = y4j5 m, + XB y3,5 m3
(3.5.13)
Y3,e m3 = y4>6 m,
(3.5.14)
XA Y3,4 ms + XB y3,5 m3 = y4;7' ro,
(3.5.15)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
141
Table 3.5.7 Continued zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
J3,l
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFE
(3.5.16)
+ Y3,3 + Y3.4 + 73,5 + Y3,6 = 1
CONDENSER-SEPARATOR
(the system includes H-1, 2, 3, 4 and PS-1)
Mole Balances zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
y4,i 1114 = y2,i m7
(3.5.19)
y4,2m4=y6,2m«
(3.5.21)
Y4,3 "14 = y2,3 m7
(3.5.22)
y4,4 nu = y2>4 m7
(3.5.23)
y4,s nu = y2>5 m7
(3.5.23)
Y4.6 m4 = y2,e m7
(3.5.24)
y4,7'm, = y6J ms
(3.5.25)
y6;7' 1^=1000
(3.5.26)
y4,i + y4,2 + y4,3 + y4,4 + y4,5 + y4,6 + y4,?' = 1
y6,2 + y6,7' = i
(3.5.27)
(3.5.28)
SPLITTER
m7 = m2 + m8
(3.5.30)
Variables
XA - XB - m, - m2 - m3 - rut - ms - m7 - mg - y2>i - y2,3 - y2,4 - yz.s - y2,6 - y3,i,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
yi,i - ys,4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
-y3,s - y4,i - y4,2 - yw - y4,4 - y^s - y4,6 - ye,2
Degrees of Freedom
F = 25 - 25= 0
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 3
142zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 3.5.8 Summary of Stream Properties—Methanol Synthesis
Process zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Line
No.
Pressure1
Temperature
»c
bar
Flow
Composition, Mole Fraction
Rate"
kgmol/h
H20
H,
CO
COj
N2
CHjOH
1
40
94.32
5184
CH«
0.0085
-
0.7800
0.0600
0.1500
0.00150
-
2
40
94.32
16816
0.03009
-
0.9041
0.0208
0.03972
0.005309
-
3
-
100.68
22000
0.02500
-
0.8748
0.03004
0.06571
0.004412
-
4
270
95.68
20000
0.0275
0.03597
0.8264
0.01901
0.03631
0.004853
0.0500
5
40
94.32
20000
0.0275
0.02500
0.8264
0.01901
0.03631
0.004853
0.0500
6
40
0.78
1719
-
0.4184
-
-
-
-
0.5816
7
-
94.32
18281
0.03009
-
0.9041
0.0208
0.03972
0.005309
-
8
40
94.32
I46S
0.03009
-
0.9041
0.0208
0.03972
0.005309
-
a) Multiply by 0.9869 to convertzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
to atmospheres.
b) Multiply by 2.205 to convert to lbmol/h.
Nomenclature
English
A
area
a
constant in the heat-capacity equation or in Redlic-Kwong's equation
b
constant in the heat-capacity equation or in Redlic-Kwong's equation
c
constant in the heat-capacity equation
CP
heat capacity at constant pressure
C
cost
CD
direct cost
CG
general cost
Q
indirect cost
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
143zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
CT
total costzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
d
constant in the heat-capacity equation or pipe diameter
F
degrees of freedom
f
friction factor or function of
g
acceleration of gravity
h
enthalpy or heat-transfer coefficient
AhR
enthalpy of reaction
AhVR
enthalpy of vaporization at a reference temperature
Ahyw
enthalpy of vaporization at the wet bulb temperature
k
mass-transfer coefficient
K
degrees Kelvin or phase equilibrium constant or constant of integration
KP
chemical equilibrium constant
m
molar flow rate or mass flow rate
N
number of moles
p
partial pressure or vapor pressure
P
property or total pressure
Q
heat transferred or volumetric flow rate
R
gas constant or number of relationships (tabular, graphical or algebraic)
Re
Reynolds group
t
temperature or time
tP
temperature of the process fluid
tR
reference temperature
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
144
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
tw
water or wet-bulb temperature
T
absolute temperature
U
overall heat-transfer coefficient
v
specific volume or velocity
V
variable or vessel volume
W
work done
x
conversion
y
mole or mass fraction
z
elevation
Greek
E
roughness
p
molar density
Subscripts
B
at the bubble-point temperature
D
at the dew-point temperature
i
ith component
L
liquid phase
LM
logarithmic mean
p
process or constant pressure
P
property
R
reference
S
saturated vapor or liquid
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Circuit Analysis
145zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
V
vapor phase
w
wet bulb or waterzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Polya, G., How to Solve It, 2nd ed, Doubleday, Garden City, NY,
1957.
Reid, R.C., Prausnitz, J. M., Sherwood, T.K., Properties of Gases
and Liquids, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY, 1977.
OLvjic, Z, Compute Friction Factors Fast for Flow in Pipes, Chem.
Eng., 88, 25, 91, 1981.
Nathan, M. F., Choosing a Process for Choride Removal, Chem. Eng.,
85, 3, 93, Jan. 1978.
LeDuff, C., Welder Is Killed in an Explosion at the Brooklyn Navy
Yard, NY Times, New York, NY, Oct. 1998.
Constance, J. D., Solve Gas Purging Problems Graphically, Chem.
Eng., 87, 26, 65,1980
Reid, W. T., et al., Heat Generation and Transport, Chemical Engineers
Handbook, 5th ed. Perry, R. H., Chilton, C. H., (Eds.), p. 9.19,
McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1973.
Anonymous, Methanation Unit Design, AICHE Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, NY, 1982
Aagaard, V., Ledegaard, B. H., Liquefied Natural Gas Storage, Barcelona, CN Post NR 87, Christiani & Wielsen, Kobenhaven, Denmark,
Nov., 1969.
Gunther, R.,Verbrennung und Feuerrungen, Springer-Verlag, Berlin,
1974.
Woodson, R., Cooling Towers, Sci. Amer., 224, 5, 70, 1971.
Walas, S. M., Chemical Process Equipment, Selection and Design,
Butterworths, Boston, MA, 1988.
Chaar, L., Gallagher, J. S, Kelly, G. S, NBSINRC, Hemisphere Publishing, New York, NY, 1984.
Bagnoli, E., Fuller, F. H., Johnson, V. J., Morris, R. W., Evaporative
Cooling, Chemical Engineers Handbook, Perry, R. H., Chilton, C. H.,
5th ed., p. 12-12, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1973.
Bird, R. B., Stewart, W. E., Lightfoot, E. N., Transport Phenomena,
John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1960.
Westerberg, A.W., Hutchinson, H. P., Motard, R. L., Winter, P., Process Flow-Sheeting, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England,
1979.
Rudd, D. F., Watson, C. C., Strategy of Process Engineering, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1968.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
146
18. Meyers, A.L., Seider, W.D., Introduction to Chemical Engineering and
Computer Calculations, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1976.
19. Shacham, M., Cutlip, M.B., POLYMATH (Version 4.0), CACHE
Corp., Austin, TX, 1996.
20. Shacham, M., Shacham O., Finding Boundaries of the Domain of
Definition for Functions Along a One- Dimensional Ray, Acm. Trans.
Math. Softw., 16, 3, 258, 1990.
21. Swearingen, J. S., Turboexpanders and Processes that Use Them,
Chem. Eng. Progr., 68, 7, 95,1972.
22. King, C. J., Separation Processes, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York,
NY, 1980.
23. Greek, B. F., Slump Hits Gas-Based Petrochemicals, Chem. & Eng.
News, p. 18, March 29,1982.
24. Diem, H., Formaldehyde Routes Bring Cost, Production Benefits,
Chem. Eng., 85, 5, 83, 1978.
25. Wade, L. E., Gengelbach, R. B., Trumbley, J. L., Hallbauer, W. L.,
Methanol, Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd
ed., p. 16, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1981.
26. Anderson, E. V., Large Volume Fuel Market Still Eludes Methanol,
Chem. & Eng. News, p. 9, July 16, 1984.
27. Anonymous, Steady Growth Ahead for Methanol in Europe, Chem. &
Eng. News, p. 30, Nov. 17, 1980.
28. Horsley, J. B., Rogerson, P. L., Scott, R. H., The Design and Performance of the ICI100 Atmosphere Methanol Plant, 74th Annual Meeting,
American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, NY, March
1973.
29. Rogerson, P. L., The ICI Low Pressure Methanol Process, Het In
genieursblad, 40e joargang, nr. 21, 659, 1971.
30. Pinto, A., Rogerson, P. L., Optimizing the ICI Low Pressure Methanol,
Chem. Eng., 84,4,102, 1977.
31. Anonymous, The ICI Low Pressure Methanol Process, Agricultural
Division, Imperial Chemical Industries, Bilingham, England, No date.
32. Fulton, W., Fair, J.R., Manufacture of Methanol and Substitute Natural
Gas, Case Study 17, Chem. Eng. Dept, Washington University, St.
Louis, MO, Sept. 1, 1974.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
Heat transfer is a frequently occurring process operation. Within a process
two general types of heat exchange occur. One type is the exchange of heat between two process streams. The heat exchanger where this occurs is frequently
called an interchanger. In the second type, heat exchange occurs between the
process and the surroundings, which requires a heat-transfer fluid. Water is the
most common fluid. If the temperature is sufficiently high, then it may be economical to recover work from a process stream by generating high pressure steam
and then expanding the steam through a turbine. This occurs in processes for synthesizing methanol where superheated steam is generated when cooling the reformer exit stream.
After the process analysis is completed, the heat-exchange requirements of
the process will be specified. The next step is to calculate the heat-exchanger surface area which will allow you to calculate its installed cost. The cost calculation
proceeds according to the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
select a heat-transfer fluid
evaluate and select a heat-exchanger type
locate the shell-side and tube-side fluids
specify the terminal temperatures of the fluid streams
determine the overall heat-transfer coefficient
calculate the heat-exchanger surface area
estimate the total installed cost
To calculate the heat-transfer surface area requires a calculation procedure.
The approach used here will be to use a simple procedure. A detailed procedure
147
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
148
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
requires specifying a tube length, diameter, and layout. Although this detail will
eventually be needed, at the preliminary stage of a process design we are only
interested in an approximate estimate of the cost. Kern [1] gives detailed heatexchanger design procedures, which, according to Frank [29], are too conservative. Some up-to-date procedures can be found in Reference 15 and in the engineering literature.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Heat-Transfer Fluids
Before selecting a heat-transfer fluid, examine the process for any possibility of
interchanging heat between process streams to conserve energy. Frequently, one
process stream needs to be heated and another process stream cooled. After this
possibility has been exhausted, select a heat-transfer fluid to cool or heat the process stream. A variety of heat-transfer fluids are available, ranging from the cryogenic to the high-temperature region as shown in Table 4.1.
Because air and water are common heat-transfer fluids, we must frequently
select one or the other. For an air-cooled heat exchanger, Frank [7] recommends
that if the process-fluid temperature is
1. > 65 °C (149 °F) use an air-cooled heat exchanger
2.<50°C(122°F) use water
Between 50°C and 65°C an economic analysis is required, but for a preliminary
analysis this will not be necessary.
The factors that must be considered in evaluating and selecting a heat
transfer fluid are:
1. operating temperature range
2. environmental effects
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
toxicity
flammability
thermal stability
corrosivity
viscosity
The primary consideration is to match the process temperature requirements
with the recommended operating temperature range of the heat-transfer fluid. Table 4.1 lists the range for several heat-transfer fluids. Steam is normally considered first for high temperatures, but above 180°C (356°F) the steam pressure increases rapidly with increasing temperature. Consequently, piping and vessel
costs will also rise rapidly. Thus, other high-temperature heat-transfer fluids must
be considered. A low vapor pressure at a high temperature is the major reason for
choosing an organic fluid over steam. Pressurized water could be used from 300
to 400°C (572 to 752 °F), but high pressures are required to maintain the water in
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
149
Table 4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Selected Heat-Transfer Fluids
Heat-Transfer Fluid
Refrigerants
Methane
Ethane and Ethylene
Propane and Propylene
Butanes
Ammonia
Fluorocarbon(R-12)a
Water + Ethylene Glycol (50%/50%)
Water
Water (wells, rivers, lakes)
Chilled Water
Cooling Tower Water
High Temperature Water
Air
Steam
Low Pressure (2.7 bar)b
Low Pressure (4.6 bar ) b
Organic Oils0
Silicone Oils
Molten Salts
25% AICI3, 75% AIBr3
40% NaNO2, 7% NaNO3, 53% KNO3
Liquid Metals
56% Na, 44% K or 22% Na, 78% K
Mercury
Combustion Gases
Operating
Temperature
Range, °C
-60 to -11 5
5 to -46
-12 to 16
-32 to 27
-29 to 27
-50 to 90
Reference
2
2
2
2
2
2
32 to 49
1.7 to 16
30
300 to 400
65 to 260
6
7,8
126
148
-50 to 430
-23 to 399
9
11
75 to 500
204 to 454
9
10
204 to 454
31 6 to 538
>500
6
6
9
3
4
a) Dichlorodifluoromethane
b) Typical steam pressures
c) For example: diphenyl-diphenyl oxide, hydrogenated terphenyl,
aliphatic oil, aromatic oil
the liquid state. Singh [9] recommends using the nitrate salt mixture listed in Table 4.1 in the temperature range of 204 to 454 °C (367 to 850 °F). Above 500 °C
(932 °F) combustion gases and liquid metals are possibilities. Although mercury
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
150
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
was considered in the past for power plants, the risk is too great. The other liquid
metals are used for cooling nuclear reactors. Temperatures from 50 to 1000 °C
(90 to 1830 °F) can also be achieved by electrical heating.
Since accidental chemical spills occur occasionally, the effect of the heattransfer fluid on the environment and health must be considered. Since the use of
chemicals may be governed by laws, the process engineer must comply. In 1979,
the EPA banned the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) because of the concern over environmental contamination [12].
The factors numbered three to six can be reduced to economic considerations. Ultimately, the heat-transfer fluid selected will depend on the total cost,
both capital and operating costs. For example, if a heat-transfer fluid meets the
first two requirements, but it is more toxic than other possibilities, then the heattransfer system will have to contain extra safety features, increasing its cost. The
heat-transfer fluid will then need to have other compensating features to reduce the
cost of transferring heat.
Organic heat-transfer fluids require stringent leakage control because they
are all flammable from 180 to 540 °C (356 to 1000 °F) [10], and most of the fluids
irritate eyes and skin [9]. Although a nitrate salt mixture is nonflammable, it is a
strong oxidizing agent and thus should not contact flammable materials.
Organic heat-transfer fluids can degrade somewhat, either by oxidation or
thermal cracking. The primary cause is thermal degradation. In thermal degradation, chemical bonds are broken forming new smaller compounds that lower the
flash point of the fluid. At the flash point, flammable fluids will momentarily ignite on application of a flame or spark. Organic fluids will also degrade to form
active compounds. The compounds will then polymerize to form large molecules
thereby increasing the fluid viscosity, which reduces heat transfer. Heat-transfer
fluids are usually heated in a furnace and then distributed to several heat exchangers in a process. At high temperatures thermal degradation accelerates, forming
coke at the heater surface in furnaces, which eventually leads to heater failure.
Even the most stable fluids will eventually degrade so that some means must be
provided for removal of the degradation products in the design of the system. Alternatively, the fluid could be replaced periodically and the spent fluid sent back to
the producer for recovery.
Generally, a heat-transfer fluid should be noncorrosive to carbon steel because of its low cost. Carbon steel may be used with all the organic fluids, and
with molten salts up to 450°C (842 °F) [6]. With the sodium-potassium alloys,
carbon, and low-alloy steels can be used up to 540°C (1000 °F), but above 540°C
stainless steels should be used [6]. Stainless steels contain 12 to 30% Cr and 0 to
22% Ni, whereas a steel containing small amounts of nickel and chromium, typically 1.85% Ni and 0.80% Cr, is referred to as a low alloy steel [6]. Cryogenic
fluids require special steels. For example, liquid methane requires steels containing 9% nickel.
To aid in the selection of a heat-transfer fluid, Woods [28] has
constructed a temperature-pressure chart for several fluids.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
151zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Heat-Exchanger Evaluation and Selection zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The process engineer must be familiar with the types of equipment that are available for the various process units. Because the evaluation and selection of equipment occur frequently, we will first establish general criteria that applies to most
equipment. These criteria are to determine:
1. operating principles
2. equipment type
3. sealing
4. thermal expansion
5. maintenance
6. materials of construction - shell, tubes, and seals
7. temperature-pressure rating
8. economics
There may also be other special considerations that do not fit in the above criteria.
The most commonly used heat exchangers are the coil and double pipe for
small heat-exchange areas and the shell-and-tube design for large areas. Devore et
al. [13] recommend that if:
1. A < 2m2 (21.5 ft2) select a coiled heat exchanger
2. 2 m2 < A < 50 m2 (538 ft2) select a double-pipe heat exchanger
3. A > 50 m2 select a shell-and-tube heat exchanger
The coiled heat exchanger is very compact, and it is frequently used when space is
limited. The decision between the heat-exchanger types is not as distinct as indicated. At the boundary of each category, a detailed analysis is required to arrive at
the most economical choice. Walas [5] discusses other heat-exchanger designs.
The most frequently used heat exchanger is the shell-and-tube heat exchanger, which is available in several designs. Figure 4.1 shows some of the more
common ones. Each heat exchanger consists of entrance and exit piping, called
nozzles, and hundreds of lengths of tubing contained in a shell. Usually, the outside diameter of the tubes are 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 in (1.9, 2.5, 3.8, 5.1 cm) [14].
The tubes are arranged in parallel and joined to metal plates, called tube sheets, as
shown in Figure 4.1. The tubes are joined to the tube sheet by either welding or
expanding the ends of the tube - called rolling. These methods of joining make
very reliable seals. Tube diameters less than 0.75 in (1.9 cm) are difficult to clean
and therefore should be used with clean fluids. The tubes are arranged in standard
patterns, as shown in Figure 4.2. Although the triangular pitch is a more compact
arrangement, resulting in a larger surface area per unit volume of heat exchanger,
the other tube layouts are more accessible for cleaning. Also, the square pitch has
a lower shell pressure drop than the triangular pitch, if the flow is in the direction
indicated in Figure 4.2. Normally, tube lengths are 8, 12, 16, and 20 ft (2.44, 3.66,
4.88, 6.10m) [5].
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
152
Stationary tubesheet
Bonnet
(stationary head)
Expansion
joint \
Stationary
Bonnet
tubesheet'i
(stationary head)
'
Baffles or support plates"
Fixed Tube Sheet
Pass partition-\zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
, Longitudinal baffle /Baffle5 or support plates
I
I__I
,Shell cover
.Shell
—-Support saddles—"
Stationary-head
-U
'Tie rods and spacers
channel
U-Tube
Figure 4.1 Shell-and-tube heat-exchanger designs. From Ref. 14 with
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
153zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Process Heat Transfer zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pass partition i
Tie rods and spacers
Baffles or support plates
, Packing
/Gland
Stationary-head
channel
i Stationary tubesheet
Floating-tubesheet
skirt
Floating Head, Outside-Packed Stuffing Box
Baffles or support plates >
; Tie rods and spacers
Packing
Packing box,
\ Packing
Stationary-head''
channel
'-Stationary tubesheet
Floating Head, Outside-Packed Lantern Ring
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
box
floating
/
/tubesheet
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Floating
tubesheet
Baffles or support plates
'Tie rods and spacerszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
Inside-Split Backing Ring
Floating tubesheet,
Tie rods and spacers--,
.Shall
Floating-head
I* cover
-Weir
Baffles or support plateszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
Kettle Reboiler
Figure 4.1 Continued.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
155
Flow
Tub*
O.D..
Pitch
Pitch
In-Lim Square Pitch
Diamond Squort Pitch
Flow
L- Ligamtnt
Trionqulqf Pitch
(Apex Vertical)
In-Lin* Triangular Pitch
(Ap*x Horizontal)
Figure 4.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Shell-and-tube heat-exchanger tube layouts. (Source Ref. 15.)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
For each heat exchanger shown in Figure 4.1, except the reboiler, the fluid
enters the shell side in one nozzle, is forced to flow across the tubes by the baffles,
and finally leaves in another nozzle. The baffles create turbulence, increasing the
shell-side heat-transfer coefficient, and support the tubes to prevent sagging and
flow induced vibrations. If the tube-side fluid flows through all of the tubes in one
pass, it may be difficult to obtain a high fluid velocity and therefore an acceptable
heat-transfer coefficient. Thus, the fluid is forced to flow through a fraction of the
tubes in one pass, and then the fluid reverses direction to make at least one more
pass. This is illustrated in Figure 4.1 for the inside-split-backing-ring heat exchanger, where a pass partition divides the tubes into two sections. A heat exchanger with one shell pass and two or more tube passes is referred to as a 1-2 heat
exchanger. It is thus seen that the flow is not purely countercurrent. In the shell
side there is crossflow, and in the tube side the flow is countercurrent to the shell
fluid in one direction and then cocurrent to the shell fluid in the other direction.
The seal type selected depends on the pressure and temperature in the shell
and tubes. Three types of seals employed in shell-and-tube heat exchangers,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
156
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
shown in Figure 4.3, are the flat gasket, the outside-packed stuffing box, and the
outside-packed lantern ring. The latter two seals are sliding seals, which allow for
movement between the sealing surfaces, thus relieving thermal stresses.
The maintenance required is cleaning, because of fouling of the heat-transfer
surface, replacing seals, and replacing or plugging leaky tubes. Because most heat
exchangers are overdesigned, some tubes could be plugged rather than replaced.
Cleaning can either be done chemically or mechanically.
Scale formation is referred to as fouling and may be caused by the following
mechanisms [25]:
1. precipitation of a salt from solution - frequently calcium carbonate in water
2. chemical reaction - such as polymerization of a monomer or corrosion, which
are accelerated by a warm surface
3. growth of a microorganisms
4. depositing of suspended matter
The fixed-tube-sheet heat exchanger, shown in Figure 4.1, is the most popular design. This heat exchanger has straight tubes sealed in tube sheets, which are
welded to the shell. Because the shell side is inaccessible for cleaning, we must
use clean fluids - such as steam, refrigerants, gases, and organic heat-transfer fluids [16]. Differential thermal expansion must be considered when selecting a heat
exchanger. Because the shell and tubes may be made of different materials to reduce the cost, differential expansion could be considerable. Without an expansion
joint in the shell, the temperature difference between the shell and tube fluids is
limited to 80°C (144 °F) [17]. With an expansion joint, as shown in Figure 4.1, a
higher temperature difference is possible, but then the shell pressure is limited to
only 8.0 bar (7.90 arm) [17].
In the U-tube heat exchanger, shown in Figure 4.1, the tubes are free to expand within the shell to prevent thermal stresses. Because the tubes are bent, only
one tube sheet is needed, minimizing the number of connections. This feature plus
the gasket-type seal make this heat-exchanger suitable for high pressure applications. Maintenance, however, is more difficult than for other shell-and-tube heat
exchangers because any leaky inner tubes cannot be replaced, and must be
plugged. Mechanical cleaning in the tubes is also difficult because of the U-bends,
but chemical cleaning is possible. Also, hydraulic tube cleaners can clean both the
straight and curve part of the tubes [6].
Another way of relieving thermal stresses is to use an outside-packed stuffing box or an outside-packed lantern ring, shown in Figure 4.1, and also in detail
in Figure 4.3. For both designs, one tube sheet is free to slide along the packing.
For the outside-packed stuffing box, the shell-side pressure is limited to 42.4 bar
(41.8 arm) and the temperature to 320°C (608 °F) [16]. If the packing leaks, the
shell and tube-side fluids will not mix. To clean the shell side of both heat exchangers, requires removing both ends and then sliding the tube bundle out of the
shell. The tubes and shell can be cleaned mechanically and the seals easily replaced.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
157zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
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Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
158
For the outside-packed lantern ring, the shell and tube-side fluids will not mix
within the shell. If the packing leaks, then the liquid will flow through the weep
holes in the lantern ring and drop to the floor. This design will not be satisfactory
for dangerous liquids unless a means for collecting the liquid safely is devised
This particular design is limited to 11.4 bar (11.3 arm) and 160°C (320 °F).
When higher shell-side temperatures and pressures than are attainable with a
packing-type seal are required, then the inside-split backing-ring design is used.
This design uses only gaskets as shown in Figure 4.1. To remove the tube bundle
for maintenance requires removing the front end, and the split ring, and the floating-head cover at the back end. Because no seal can be guaranteed to be leak
proof, there is the possibility that shell-side and tube-side fluids could mix so that
this design is limited to fluids that can mix without creating a hazard.
The final heat-exchanger design considered is the kettle-type reboiler,
shown in Figure 4.1. The boiling fluid, which could be a refrigerant or other process fluids, is placed on the shell side. In this design, the shell is enlarged to allow
some separation of entrained liquid droplets in the vapor. Also, the tube bundle
can be removed for maintenance. As was the case for the split-ring design, the
kettle reboiler should not be used if mixing of the shell-side and tube-side fluids
creates a hazard. The tubes in the kettle reboiler are free to expand in the shell.
If mixing of the shell-side and tube-side fluids cannot be tolerated, then use
the double tube-sheet design shown in Figure 4.4 for extra protection. Because
Light-gage shroud for
collection or sealing
\
Channel
flange
Figure 4.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Double-tube sheet heat-exchanger design. From Ref. 18 with
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
159zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
leaks could occur at the tube sheets, either the shell or tube-side fluid will collect
in the space between both tube sheets. It is unlikely that both tube sheets will leak
simultaneously.
In Table 4.2, the shell-and-tube heat exchangers just discussed are compared. Table 4.2 illustrates a general approach for evaluating and selecting equipment. To compare various designs, first, list the important design features of heat
exchangers in the left column. Then, list the available heat exchanger designs in
the column headings.
Table 4.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Comparison of Shell-and-Tube, Heat-Exchanger Designs
(Source Ref. 16 with permission..)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Filed
Return Bead
Pull-Thivugh
(U-Tube)
Outside-Pocked
Stuffing Box
Outside-Packed
Tubesheel
Lantern Ring
Bundle
Inside Split
Backing Ring
Is tube bundle
removal*?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Can spue
bundles be
used?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Expansion
Individual tubes
five to expand
Floating bead
Floating bead
Floating head
Heating head
Only those in
outside rows
without special
desiens
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Design Features
H<WB
differentia]
thermal
expanjioa
joint in shell
relieved?
Can individual
tubes be
Yes
Can tubes be
Yes
inside and
outside?
Can tabes be
Yes
With special
tools
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Can tabes be
physically
cleaned on
outside?
No
With square or
wide triangular
pitch
With square or
wide triangular
pitch
With square or
wide triangular
pitch
With square or
wide triangular
pitch
With square or
wide triangular
pitch
Are internal
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
bolting
required?
Are double
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Number
limited by
Number limited
by number of
Number limited
One or two
replaced?
chemicall,
deaned,both
physkany
cleaned on
Inside?
gaskets and
tubesheeU
No
practical?
What number
oftubedde
puncture
available?
number of
U- tubes
tubes
by number of
tubes
Number
limited by
number of
tubes. Odd
number of
passes requires
packed joint or
expansion joint
Relative cost in
ascending
order, least
expensive = 1
2
1
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
4
3
5
Number
limited by
tubes. Odd
number of
passes requires
packed joint or
expansion
joint
6
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
160
For safety and for ease of manufacture, organizations are established to develop standards and to facilitate the exchange of design information. The mechanical design of heat exchangers is governed by the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) [19], the American Petroleum Institute (API) [21],
and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) [20]. These organizations publish standards and update them regularly.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
Fluid Location
Locate the fluid on the tube side if the fluid is:
1.
2.
3.
4.
more corrosive
less viscous
more fouling
at a higher pressure
5. hotter
6. at a higher flow rate
and also if the fluid requires a low pressure drop. Generally, the more "obnoxious"
fluid is placed on the tube side because:
1. the tube side is relatively easy to clean
2. tubes are easier to replace or plugged if damaged
3. high heat-transfer coefficients can be obtained at a low pressure drop
4. a high-pressure fluid is more economically contained in tubes because of their
smaller diameter compared to the shell
Cooling water, for example, will be placed on the tube side because of its tendency
to form a scale. Water usually contains dissolved salts, like calcium carbonate,
which may deposit on the tube wall. A condensing fluid will be placed in the shell
side to prevent the liquid film from growing too large, reducing the heat-transfer
coefficient, or in the tube side if subcooling of the liquid is desirable. In the shell
side, turbulence occurs at a lower Reynolds number than in the tube side because
of the baffles. Thus, the shell side is the best location for very viscous fluids.
Heat-Exchanger Sizing
The well-known formula for sizing heat exchangers is
Q = U 0 A 0 (At) LM
(4.1)
where the subscript, o, signifies that the overall heat-transfer coefficient is based
on the outside tube area. Sizing a heat exchanger entails calculating the area re-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
161zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
Process Heat Transfer zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
quired to transfer a specified amount of heat. This formula, which may be used
for both countercurrent and cocurrent flow, is derived in a number of texts (for
example, see Reference 4.22). Although countercurrent flow is the most efficient,
cocurrent flow is used when it is necessary to limit the final temperature of a heat
sensitive material. Cocurrent flow is also used when a rapid change in temperature
is needed (quenching) [8].
The logarithmic-mean temperature difference, (At)LM, is defined by
(t 4 -ti)-(t 3 -t 2 )
(At)LM = —————————
(U-t.)
ill
(4-2)
———————
(ts-t 2 )
where the subscripts correspond to the streams in Figure 4.5.
To derive Equation 4.2 the assumptions made are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
constant overall heat-transfer coefficient
constant heat capacity
isothermal phase change
adiabatic operation
The first assumption is that the overall heat-transfer coefficient, U, is constant. It
may vary along the length of the heat exchanger because the changing temperature
affects fluid properties. Assumptions two and three mean that the cooling or heating curves are linear for both fluids. The curves are plots of temperature versus the
amount of heat transfer up to any particular point in the heat exchanger. Nonisothermal phase changes occur when processing multicomponent mixtures, and will
frequently result in nonlinear curves as illustrated in Figure 4.6. If, however, the
nonlinear curves are divided up into short enough segments so that they are essen0
Figure 4.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Countercurrent-flow heat exchanger.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
162zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Vapor Cooling
Condensation of a Mixture
szyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
\
Condensation Begins
Heating
Heat Removed or Added
Figure 4.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Heating and cooling curves for a heat exchanger.
tially linear, then the logarithmic-mean temperature difference can be used for
each segment as shown below.
The total surface area,
Ao = A,+A 2 + . . . + A n
(4.3)
Substituting Equation 4.1 into Equation 4.3 for each segment we find that
Ql
Q2
Qn
A0=
(4.4)
U0(At)LMi
U0(At)LM2
If the segments are chosen so that
(4.5)
then
Q/n f
1
1
1
1
A n =-
(4.6)
U0
L (At)LMi
(At)L
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(At)LMn J
163zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Process Heat Transfer
where n is the number of segments. After solving Equation 4.6 for Q, we find that
n
Q = U0 A0 ——————————————————————
l/(At)LMi + l/(At)LM2 + • • • + l/(At)LMn
(4.7)
The expression to the right of A0 is an effective logarithmic-mean temperature difference. Thus,
Q=U 0 A 0 (At) LM ,effzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Correction Factor for Non-countercurrent Flow
It was seen from the discussion of heat exchangers that the fluid streams are not
strictly countercurrent. Baffles on the shell side induce crossflow, and in a twotube-pass heat exchanger both countercurrent and cocurrent flow occur. To account for deviations from countercurrent flow, the logarithmic-mean temperature
difference is multiplied by a correction factor, F. Thus,
Q = U 0 A 0 F(At) LM
(4.9)
An equation for the correction factor can be derived with the following assumptions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
adiabatic operation
well mixed shell-side fluid
the heat-transfer surface area is the same for each tube pass
constant overall heat-transfer coefficient
constant heat capacity
no phase change for either fluid
The correction factor for a one-shell-pass and a two-tube-pass heat exchanger (a 1-2 heat exchanger), which is derived by Kern [1], iszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
1-S
i111n ____
————————
(R 2 +l) 1/2
1-RS
F= —————— —————————————————
R-l
2-S[(R+l)-(R2+l)"2]
In ——————————————
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(4.10)
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
164zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ti-t 2
v-^
(
T
«—
/"->
R=-zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
t »-t 3
t l-t 3
Figure 4.7 Definition of parameters for the logarithmic-mean-temperature
correction factor.
where R and S are defined in Figure 4.7. According to Kern [1], the values of F
for the worst case are less than two percent apart when comparing 1 -2 and 1 -8 heat
exchangers. Thus, for any heat exchanger having one shell pass and two or more
even-numbered tube passes in countercurrent-cocurrent flow, Equation 4.10 is
satisfactory. For other flow arrangements, correction factors can be found in the
Chemical Engineering Handbook [6]. If the flow is perfectly countercurrent, then
F = 1. According to Coulson et al. [17], an economic heat exchanger design cannot be attained for a value of F less than 0.85, whereas Kern [1] and Goyal [23]
recommend a minimum value of 0.75. Taborex [24], however, shows that the
minimum value of F varies with R and S. We will use 0.85.
Overall Heat-Transfer Coefficients
The overall heat-transfer coefficient, defined by Equation 4.11, is derived in a
number of texts (see for example Reference 4.22). If the heat transferred is based
on the outside area of the tube, then the overall heat-transfer coefficient is
1
(4.11)
U 0 =Xf i DO
k fi D;
DO
hjDj
X fo
Xw DO
k w D LM
ho
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
k fo
Process Heat Transfer
165zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
where the logarithmic-mean diameter, DLM, is defined by
DLM = ——————
(4.12)
In (D 0 /DO
Each term in the denominator of Equation 4.11 is the reciprocal of a heattransfer coefficient, and thus represents a resistance to heat transfer. The first term
in the denominator represents the resistance to heat conduction across a scale
formed on the inside surface of the tube, where the thickness and the thermal conductivity of the scale is rarely known. The thermal conductivity and the thickness
of scale are not reported in the literature, but its reciprocal is designated by Rf j,
the resistance to heat transfer caused by the tube-side scale, where
R fi = x f i D 0 / k f i D i
(4.13)
Also, Rf 0, the resistance to heat transfer (fouling resistance or fouling factor)
caused by the shell-side scale is equal to the last term in the denominator of Equation4.11.
R fo = x f o / k f o
(4.14)
The scale thickness will vary with time. When a heat exchanger is first installed, it is clean. With use the scale thickness increases. If a fouling resistance is
specified, the time required to form the scale is indirectly specified, usually 1 to 1
!/ years [1]. When this period of time is reached, the heat exchanger must be
taken out of service and cleaned. The longer the time before cleaning (service
time), the greater the required heat-transfer area and cost of the heat exchanger and
hence capital cost, but the cost of cleaning and operating cost will be less. On the
other hand, if the service time is reduced, the heat-exchanger cost will decrease,
but the cleaning cost will increase. Therefore, there is an optimum service time
which minimizes the total cost. This optimization problem has been studied by
Crittenden and Khater [26].
The second term in the denominator of Equation 4.11 represents the convective resistance to heat transfer caused by the inside fluid film on the scale surface.
The third term is the conductive resistance caused by the tube wall, which is usually small, because the thermal conductivity of many metals is large. We will neglect the conductive resistance to heat transfer, unless the thermal conductivity is
very small and tube wall thickness large. The fourth term is the convective resistance to heat transfer of the outside fluid film on the scale surface. After substituting Equations 4.13 and 4.14 into Equation 4.11,
2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
166
1
U0= ————————————
Do 1 1
(4.15)
R fi + —— +— +Rf 0
Individual heat-transfer coefficients and the fouling resistance or fouling
factor, are listed
in Table 4.3. The heat transfer coefficients in Table 4.3 are divided according to
whether the fluid is inorganic or organic, a gas or a liquid, and whether it is heated
or cooled, with or without a phase change. The inorganic fluids are water and
ammonia, whereas the organic fluids are divided into three categories, light, medium, or heavy, depending on their viscosity. If the fluid is a gas, pressure will
also affect the transfer properties. The footnotes in Table 4.3 define a light, medium, and heavy organic fluid.
For boiling liquids, the heat flux cannot be too large or a vapor blanket will
form on the heat transfer surface, effectively insulating the surface and thus reducing the heat-transfer coefficient. Gases or vapors have a much lower heat-transfer
coefficient than a boiling liquid. If heat is supplied by a condensing vapor or hot
liquid, a considerable reduction in heat transfer will occur if a vapor blanket
forms. If the fluid is being heated electrically, however, heat transfer will remain
essentially the same, and the heater surface temperature will rise until the heater
"burns out". To avoid this problem, Walas [3] recommends designing a heat exchanger for a boiling heat flux of less than 1.3xl0 W/m (4.12xl0 Btu/h-ft ).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
5
2
4
2
Terminal Temperatures of the Fluid Streams
Before calculating the logarithmic-mean temperature difference, determine the
terminal temperature of each fluid stream. Three of the four terminal temperatures
are usually specified, and the fourth can be found by optimizing the fixed and operating costs for the heat exchanger. If we consider cooling a process stream, then
the stream temperature at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger will usually be
known. The stream leaves one process unit and enters the heat exchanger. Then,
the stream is cooled to a specified temperature, depending on the requirements of
the next process unit. Also, if the coolant is water, which is generally the case, its
temperature varies throughout the year. Take the worst case, which is approximately 30 °C (86 °F) in the New York area. The next step is to calculate the exit
water temperature, which is discussed in Example 4.1.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat TransferzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
167zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Table 4.3 Approximate Heat Transfer Coefficients for Shell-and-Tube
Heat Exchangers (Source Ref. 27 with permission.)
To convert w/m = K to Btu/h-ft^F multiply by 0.1761
2
h,WAnl K1*
Fluid Conditions
Fouling resistance,
m'K/W'
Sensible heat transfer
Water*
Ammonia
Light organics'
Medium organics*
Liquid
5000-7500
IxlO" 1 - 2.5x10''
Liquid
6000-8000
0-1 xlO 4
Liquid
1500-2000
Ixl0- l -2xl0- 1
Liquid
750-1500
UxlO-'-4xlO J
250-750
150-400
2x10^-3x10-'
2xlO''-3xlO-*
Cooling
100-300
60-150
4xlO- l -3xlO J
4*10- l -3xlO J
Pressure lOO-MOkN/m1
abs
80 -125
0-1 x 10-1
Pressure 1 MN/m3 abs
250-400
0-1 x Iff 4
500-800
0-1 x 10J
8000-12000
0-1 xlO" 4
4000-6000
0-1x10^
Pressure 100 kN/m1 abs,
2000-3000
0-1 x 10J
Pressure 1 MN/m2 abs no
condensables'-1"
10000-15000
0-1 xlO 4
Heavy organics'
Liquid,
Heating
Cooling
Very Heavy
Organics'
Liquid,
Heating
Gas"
Gas*
1
Gas
Pressure 10 MN/m* abs
Condensing heat transfer
Steam, ammonia
Steam, ammonia
Steam, ammonia
Steam, ammonia
Steam, ammonia
Pressure lOkN/m2
Abs, no noncondensables'
Pressure lOkN/m* abs 1%
noncondensables*
Pressure lOkN/m* abs 4%
noncondensabks
no condensables"1*'
Pure component, pressure
10 kN/m2 abs, no non-
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168zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Table 4.3 continued
condensables'
Light oiganics*
Light organics'
Light organics'
15000-25000
0-1 xlO-1
1500-2000
0-1x10-"
750-1000
0-1x10'
2000-4000
0-lxlO- 1
3000-7000
0-lxlfl- 4
1500-4000
ixicr'-Sxio- 4
600-2000
2x10-" -5x10"
1000-2500
0-2x10-*
600-1500
lxlO- 1 -4xlO J
!
Pressure 10 kN/m abs,
4% noncondesables*
Pure component, pressure
100 kN/ra1 abs, no noncondensables'
Pure component, pressure
1 MN/m' abs
Pure component or narrow
condensing range.
pressure 100kN/m2abs* "
Light organics'
Narrow condensing range,
pressure lOOkNAn' abs» •
Medium organics'
Medium condensing
range, pressure 100lcN/m2
abs"-""
Heavy organics
Medium condensing
range, pressure lOOkN/m2
abs'*"
Medium condensing
Light multicomponent
mi xtures, all condensable4
3
range, pressure 100kN/m
abs1*'
Medium multicomponent
mixtures, all condensable
Heavy mullicomponent
mixtures, all condensable'
Vaporizing heat transfer
Pressure < 0 .5 MN/m2 abs,
"•jff,max = :1J1'
Pressure > 0.5 MN/m2 abs,
pressure < 10 MN/m1 abs.
"•S»,max =rai
At
Water"
PressurezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
< 3 MN/m2 abs,
300-600
2xlO- 1 -8xlO- 1
"Sftmax = OT
Pure component, pressure
Water1
Ammonia
<2MN/m2abs,"SH,
max = Blt
Narrow boiling range1 ,
pressure < 2 MN/m2 abs,
ar
5ff,max=1"
3000-10000
Ixl0- 1 -2xl0 4
Pure component, pressure
<2MN/mzabs,arSH,
max= M
4000-15000
lx!0-'-2xlO- <
Light organics'
Narrow boiling range' ,
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169zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Process Heat Transfer
Table 4.3 continuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
pressure < 2 MN/m2 abs,
**$//, max = ls K
3000-5000
Light organics'
Pure component, pressure
<2MN/m2abs,irSry,
1000-4000
Ixl04-2xl<r>
750-3000
IxlO-'-SxlO"
1000-3500
Ixl0"-3xl0 4
600-2500
IxlfJ'-SxlO 4
750-2500
2x10^-5x10^
400-1500
2x10-* -SxlO 4
300-1000
2x10^1x10*
Medium organics*
Narrow boiling ranges' .
pressure < 2 MN/m2 abs.
Narrow boiling range' ,
pressure < 2 MN/m2 abs.
Medium organics*
Heavy organics''
Heavy organics*
Very heavy organics*
' Heat transfer coefficients and fouling resistances are based on area in contact with fluid. Ranges shown are typical,
not all-encompassing. Temperatures are assumed to be in normal processing range; allowances should be made for
very high or low temperatures.
'Allowable pressure drops on each side are assumed to be about 50-100 kN/m except for (1) low-pressure gas and
two-phase flows, where the pressure drop is assumed to be about 5% of the absolute pressure; and (2) very viscous
organics, where the allowable pressure drop is assumed to be about 150-250 kN/m2.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
' Aqueous solutions give approximately the same coefficients as water.
'"Light organics" include fluids with liquid viscosities less than about 0_5 x 10J N/m2, such as hydrocarbons through C,
, gasoline, light alcohols and ketones, etc.
:
' "Medium organics" include fluids with liquid viscosities between about 0.5 x IO"3 and 2.5 x 10"3 Ns/m2, such as
kerosene, straw oil, hot gas oil, absorber oil, and light crudes.
'"Heavy organics" include fluids with liquid viscosities greater than 2 .5 x 10"' Ns/m, but not more than 50 x 10
Ns/m, such as cold gas oil, lube oils, fuel oils, and heavy and reduced crudes.
* "Very heavy organics" include tars, asphalts, polymer melts, greases, etc. having liquid viscosities greater than about
50 x l(V3Ns/m2. Estimation of coefficients for these materials is very uncertain and depends strongly on the
temperature difference, because natural convection is often a significant contribution to heal transfer in heating,
whereas congelation on the surface and particularly between fins can occur in cooling. Since many of these materials
are thermally unstable, high surface temperatures can lead to extremely severe fouling.
'Values given for gases apply to such substances as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, light hydrocarbon mixtures (no
condensation), etc. Because of the very high thermal conductivities and specific heals of hydrogen and helium, gas
2
2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
J
170
Chapter 4
Table 4.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
continuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
mixtures containing appreciable fractions of these components will generally have substantially higher heat transfer
coefficients.
1
Superheat of a pure vapor is removed at the same coefficient as for condensation of the saturated vapor if the exit
coolant temperature is less than the saturation temperature (at the pressure existing in the vapor phase) and if the
(constant) saturation temperature is used in calculating the mean temperature difference. But see notezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
k for vapor
mixtures with or without noncondensable gas.
' Steam is not to be condensed on conventional low-finned rubes; its high surface tension causes bridging and retention
of the condensate and a severe reduction of the coefficient below that of the plain tube.
* The coefficients cited for condensation in the presence of noncondensable gases or for multicomponent mixtures are
only for very rough estimation purposes because of the presence of mass transfer resistances in the vapor (and to some
extent, in the liquid) phase. Also, for these cases, the vapor-phases temperature is not constant, and the coefficient
given is to be used with the mean temperature differences estimated using vapor-phase inlet and exit temperatures,
together with the coolant temperatures.
'As a rough approximation, the same relative reduction in low-pressure condensing coefficients due to noncondensable
gases can also be applied to higher pressures.
* Absolute pressure and noncondensables affect condensing coefficients for medium and heavy organics in
approximately the same proportion as for light organics. Because of thermal degradation, fouling may become quite
severe for the heavier condensates. For large fractions of noncondensable gas, interpolate between pure component
condensation and gas cooling coefficients.
" "Narrow condensing range" implies that the temperature difference between dew point and bubble point is less than
the smallest temperature difference between vapor and coolant at any place in the condenser.
" "Medium condensing range" implies that the temperature difference between dew point and bubble point is greater
than the smallest temperature difference between vapor and coolant, but less than the temperature difference between
inlet vapor and outlet coolant.
f
Boiling and vaporizing heat transfer coefficients depend very strongly on the nature of the surface and the structure of
the two-phase
flow past the surface in addition to all of the other variables that are significant for convective heat transfer in other modes. The flow
velocity and structure are very much governed by the geometry of the equipment and its connecting piping. Also, there is a maximum
heat flux from the surface that can be achieved with reasonable temperature differences between surface and saturation temperature of
the boiling fluid; any attempt to exceed this maximum heat Qux by increasing the surface temperature leads to partial or total coverage
of the surface by a film of vapor and a sharp decrease in the heat flux.
Therefore, the heat transfer coefficients given in this table aie only for very rough estimating purposes and assume the use of plain or
low-finned tubes without special nucleation enhancement. Ars//_ max is the maximum allowable temperature difference between
surface and saturation temperature of the boiling surface. No attempt is made in this table to distinguish among the various types of
vapor-generation equipment, since the major heat transfer distinction to be made is the propensity of the process steam to foul Severely
fouling streams will usually call for a vertical thermosiphon or a forced-convection (tube-side) reboiler for ease of cleaning.
'Subcooling heat load is transferred at the same coefficient as latent heat load in kettle reboilers, using the saturation temperature in
the mean temperature difference. For horizontal and vertical thermosiphons, a separate calculation is required for the sensible heat
transfer area, using appropriate sensible heat transfer coefficients and the liquid temperature profile for the mean temperature difference.
r
Aqueous solutions vaporize with nearly the same coefficient as pure water if attention is given to boiling-point elevation and if the
solution does not become saturated and care is taken to avoid dry wall conditions.
J
For boiling of mixtures, the saturation temperature (bubble point) of the final liquid phase (after the desired vaporization has taken
place) is to be used to calculate the mean temperature difference. A narrow-boiling-range mixture is defined as one foi which the difference between the bubble point of the incoming liquid and the bubble point of the exit liquid is less than the temperature difference
between the exit hot stream and the bubble point of the exit boiling liquid. Wide-boiling-range mixtures require a case-by-case analysis
and cannot be reliably estimated by these simple procedures.
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
Example 4.1 Optimum Cooling-Water Exit Temper atur e___________
The exit water temperature could be calculated by minimizing the total cost of
operating a heat exchanger. This optimization problem is approached by listing all
the relationships and variables to determine if there are any degrees of freedom.
Table 4.4.1 lists the equations for the optimization. The mass flow rate of cooling
water into the heat exchanger equals the mass flow rate of water out, as given by
Equation 4.4.1, where the subscript, w, refers to water. Also, we must calculate the
amount of heat transferred from the process stream to the water stream, so that an
energy balance is written for the tube side instead of over the entire heat exchanger, which would eliminate Q. Because the kinetic energy and potential energy changes are usually insignificant, and the work term is zero, the energy equa-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
171zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Process Heat Transfer
tion reduces to Equations 4.4.2, which states that the heat transferred to the water
is equal to the change in enthalpy of the water.
Because the cost of a heat exchanger depends on its size, and because its
size will depend on the heat-transfer rate, a rate equation must be introduced. The
rate equation is given by Equation 4.4.3. The logarithmic-mean temperature difference in Equation 4.4.3 is given by Equation 4.4.4. Because perfect countercurrent flow can never be achieved in an actual heat exchanger, the logarithmic-mean
temperature difference correction factor, F, is needed. For simplicity, Equation
4.10, discussed earlier, is expressed as Equation 4.4.5, which states that F depends
only on the terminal temperatures, once a particular heat exchanger is selected.
Several cooler sizes will cool a process fluid to a specified temperature, but
there is only one that is the most economical. If the cooling-water exit temperature increases, less water is needed and its cost will be less. To achieve a high exitwater temperature, however, requires more heat-exchanger surface area and consequently a more costly heat exchanger. Equation 4.4.6, the total annual cost, expresses the trade-off between the cost of cooling water and the cost of a heat exchanger. The total cost consists of the sum of the first term, which is the coolingwater cost, and the second term, which is the installed cost of the heat exchanger
and the maintenance cost. In Equation 4.4.6, C equals the cost of water per
pound, Cc capital cost of the heat exchanger per square foot, and CM the maintenance cost per square foot. Because we want to obtain the optimum cooling-water
exit temperature and therefore, an optimally-sized heat exchanger, the total cost
should be the minimum. Therefore, the derivative of the total cost with respect to
the exit water temperature dCT/ dt2>w is set equal to zero.
Finally, to complete the formulation of the problem, we need system property data. For this particular problem, enthalpy, a thermodynamic property, is
required for the energy balance and the overall heat-transfer coefficient, a transfer
property, is needed for the rate equation. These system property relationships are
given by Equations 4.4.8 to 4.4.10. The economic balance also requires cost data.
w
Table 4.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating the Optimum
Cooling-Water Exit Temperature_______________________
First subscript: Process stream = 1,2,3 or 4
Second subscript: Component = p or wzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Mass Balances
(4.4.1)
Energy Balances
Q = h2,w m2,w - hi,w nii.w
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(4-4.2)
172
Chapter 4
Rate EquationszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(4-4.3)
(At)LM = f(t,,w', t2.w,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
tit, t4,p') — Equation 4.2
(4.4.4)
F = f(tljW', t2.w, t3jP', t4,P') — Equation 4.10
(4.4.5)
Economic Relations
CT = m l j W e'C w '+A(Cc' + CM')
dCT/dt2,w = 0
(4.4.6)
(4.4.7)
Thermodynamic Properties
h,,w = *IW) = CPW (ti>w( - tB')
h2,w = f(t2,w) = CpW (t2>w - tB')
(4.4.8)
(4.4.9)
Transfer Properties
U0 = f(heat-exchanger type', shell fluid', tube fluid')
(4.4. 1 0)
Var iables
2>w
- t2,w - A0 - F - U0 - (At)LM - CT
Degrees of Freedom
F = V-R=10-10 = 0
Because the degrees of freedom are zero, the problem is completely formulated and we can now solve the equations listed in Table 4.4.1. Next, express
the total cost equation in terms of a single variable, which is the exit water temperature, t , so that it can be differentiated. It is reasonable to assume that in the
temperature range of interest the heat capacity of the cooling water will not vary
appreciably. Thus, from Equations 4.4.1 and 4.4.2,
2jW
Q = (h2;W - hi,w) nii,w
(4.4.11)
and after substituting Equations 4.4.8 and 4.4.9, where t is a base temperature,
into Equation 4.4.11
B
(h 2;W -h ljW ) = = mliW CpW (t2,w - ti,w)
(4.4.12)
Therefore,
Q = mi,w CpW (t2jW - ti,w)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(4.4.13)
173zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Process Heat Transfer
Use Equations 4.4.13 and 4.4.3 to eliminate m and A from the total cost
equation, Equation 4.4.6. Thus,
liW
0
Q 6 Cw
Q (Cc + CM)
C T =———————— + ———————
CPW (t2,w - ti.w) U0 F (At)LM
(4.4.14)
With the exception of F, all the parameters in both terms in Equation 4.4.14
are constants. In order to obtain a first approximation for the exit-water temperature and to simplify the derivation, assume that F is constant. To obtain an economically-viable heat exchanger, let F = 0.85.
After substituting the logarithmic-mean temperature difference, Equation
4.4.4, into Equation 4.4.14 we find that
FQ9CW
Q(C C + C M )
(t4,p-tllW)
CT = ————————— + —————————————————— In —————— (4.4.15)
Cpw (t2,W - ti,w)
U0 F [ (t4jP -zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
ti\n) - (taj
Equation 4.4.15 can now be differentiated with respect to t,w After setting
the derivative equal to zero, and rearranging the equation, it is found that
2
U0 6 Cw (A^ - At2)2
(At!-At2)
(4.4.16)
CpW(CF + CM) (t2,w-ti,w)
2
At2
At2
where Att = t^f - t\\N and At2 = ts;p - t2jw Equation 4.4.16 is dimensionless. The
optimum cooling-water temperature, t , is obtained from Equation 4.4.16 by
iteration.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2;W
APPROACH TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCES
Frequently, an approximate value of the optimum exit-water temperature is all that
is required, and a rule-of-thumb will be satisfactory. Table 4.4 lists the approach
temperature difference, which is the difference between the two terminal temperatures of two passing streams, for several heat exchangers. Several approach temperature differences were taken from Ulrich [8]. For refrigerants, Ulrich's range of
10 to 50°C is on the high side. Frank [7] recommends a range of 3 to 5°C whereas
Walas [3] recommends a value of 5.6°C or less.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 4
174zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 4.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Heat-Exchanger Approach Temperature Differences and Pressure Drops
Heat-Exchanger
HeatTransfer
Fluid
Approach
Temperature
Difference3, °C
Pressure Drop3 , bar
Shell
Chiller (H)c
Brine
3.0 - 5.0b
Cooler (H)
Water
5.0 - 50.0
5.0 - 50.0
0.0012
Air
Water
Tube
Condenser (H or V)
(I)
Air
10.0-50.0
5.0 - 50.0
0.1
0.0012
Heater (H)
d
10.0-50.0
0.1
Superheater (H)
d
50.0-
0.05 - 0.6
0.050.6
d
d
10.0-50.0
20.0 - 60.0
negligible6
0.1
0.2 - 0.6
Process
Fluid
10.0-50.0
100.0
Reboiler or Vaporizer
Kettle (H)
Thermosyphon (V)
Interchanger (H)
0.1
Liquids
Average Viscosity, cp
Pressure Drop
Shell or Tube, bar
(psi)
<1.0
0.34 (5.0)
0.48 (7.0)
0.70(10)
1.0-10.0
>10.0
Gases
Pressure, bar
Pressure Drop
Shell or Tube, bar
High Vacuum
<1.7
>1.7
0.004 - 0.008
0.035
5.0 to 10.0% of the
inlet pressure
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
175zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
a. Source: Reference 8 except where indicated. Multiply by 0.9869 to obtain atm.
Multiply by 0.9869 to obtain atmospheres,
b. Source: Reference 7.
c. The letters in the parenthesis is the normal installation
position, H for horizontal, V for vertical, and I for inclined,
d. Steam, organic, hot gases
e. Source: Reference 1.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Also, listed in Table 4.4 are pressure-drop ranges for heat exchangers for
making preliminary estimates. The pressure drop depends on whether the fluid is a
gas or a liquid, or if the fluid is condensing or vaporizing. For gases, the pressure
drop depends on the total pressure. Below atmospheric pressure, the pressure drop
is critical and should be small because of the cost of vacuum pumps.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPON
SIZING HEAT EXCHANGERS
There are two general classes of problems encountered by a process engineer. One
class is the design problem, which requires calculating the size of a process unit.
The other class is the rating problem, which requires determining if an existing
process unit will satisfy process conditions. For a heat exchanger, the sizing problem is calculating surface area for transferring a specified amount of heat. Then, a
heat exchanger can be designed in detail to give the calculated area. For the rating
problem, the heat-transfer area is fixed. The heat exchanger may be available in a
plant, at a used equipment dealer, or supplied by a manufacturer, who usually produces standard heat exchangers in discrete sizes. Rating a process unit is a frequently occurring problem. We will consider the design problem first.
We have now developed sufficient background material to outline a sizing
procedure for a preliminary estimate of the heat-exchanger surface area. Equations
for sizing heat exchangers are summarized in Table 4.5. Table 4.6 outlines the
calculation procedure. Because heat transfer coefficients and fouling factors are
contained in Table 4.3, we represent this mathematically by using functional notation as shown by Equations 4.6.10 to 4.6.13 inTable4.5.
Table 4.5 Summary of Equations for Sizing Shell-and-Tube
Heat Exchangers______________________________
First subscript: Process stream = 1,2,3 or 4
Second subscript: Component =1 or 2
Mass Balance
m3' = m4
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(4.5.1)
176
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Energy BalancezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Q = h3>2 m, - h4,2m3'
(4.5.2)
Rate Equations
Q=U 0 A 0 F(At) L M
(4.5.3)
F = f(ti', t2, t3', 14') — Equation 4.10
(4.5.4)
(At)LM = f (tr, t2) t3', V) — Equation 4.2
(4.5.5)
Thermodynamic Properties
h3,2 = W)
(4-5.6)
h^W)
(4.5.7)
Economic Relation
t3' -12 = approach At — from Table 4.4
(4.5.8)
Transfer Properties
U0 = l/[Rfi + I/hi + l/ho+ Rf0]
(4.5.9)
rf i = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.5.10)
hi = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.5.11)
ho = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.5.12)
R fo = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.5.13)
Variables
nu -12 - (At)LM - h3,2 -114,2 - Q - U0 - A - F - Rn - h, - ho - Rf 0
Degrees of Fr eedom
F=13-13=0
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
177zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Example 4.2 Sizing a Distilled-Water Inter changer _______________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
Distilled water at 34 °C is cooled to 30 °C by a raw-water feed at 23 °C flowing to
an evaporator. Estimate the heat-transfer area required to cool 79,500 kg/h
(8.16xl05 Ib/h) of distilled water using a 1-2 heat exchanger.
The Equations listed in Table 4.5 can be solved one at a time. Table 4.6 outlines the calculation procedure. From Equations 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.5.6, and 4.5.7 in
Table 4.5, and noting that the enthalpy difference is equal to CP (t3i2 -1^), we find
that the heat transferred,
Q = m3 (h3,2 - Ii4,2) = m3 Cp (t3;2 -t,,;,)
where the first subscript 3 refers to the entering distilled water stream, and 4 refers
to the exit distilled water stream. The second subscript 2 refers to distilled water,
and the subscript 1 refers to raw water.
Q = (79500 kg/h) (lh/3600s) (4.187xl03 J/kg-°C) (34 - 30) °C
= 3.699xl05 J/s (1.26xl06 Btu/h)
Table 4.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers___________________________________
1. Calculate the heat transferred from Equations 4.5.1,4.5.2,4.5.6, and 4.5.7.
2. Select approximate values of the individual heat-transfer coefficients and fouling
resistance from Equations 4.5.10 to 4.5.13.
3. Calculate the overall heat-transfer coefficient from Equation 4.5.9.
4. Calculate the exit temperature,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
iz, from Equation 4.5.8 for the approach temperature difference.
5. Calculate the logarithmic-mean temperature differences from Equation 4.5.5.
6. Calculate the logarithmic-mean correction factor, F, from Equation 4.5.4.
7. Calculate the required surface area, AO, of the tubes from Equation 4.5.3.
Use Table 4.3 to obtain approximate values of the individual heat-transfer
coefficients and fouling resistances. Then, calculate the overall heat-transfer coefficient from Equation 4.5.9 after selecting a conservative heat-transfer coefficient
of 5000 W/m2-K for water on both the shell and tube sides. Also, select a high
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
178
value of 2.5xlO~ for the fouling resistance for raw water and a low value of IxlO"
for the fouling resistance for distilled water, which is clean. Thus, the overall heattransfer coefficient,
4
4
U0 = l/[2.5xlQ-4 + (l/5.0xl03) + (l/5.0xl03) + l.OxKT4]
= 1.333 x 103 W/m2-K (235 Btu/h-ft2-°F)
This value for the overall heat-transfer coefficient appears to be on the high side.
Ludwig (4.15) reports a range of coefficients of 170 to 225 Btu/h-ff^F (965 to
1280 W/m-K) for raw water in the tubes and treated water in the shell. We will
use the value of the coefficient calculated above, and then, correct the area calculation by using a large safety factor.
For a cooler, select from Table 4.4 an approach temperature difference of
5.0 °C, which is an economic rule-of-thumb. This approach is selected rather than
the upper limit of 50.0 °C to conserve heat, but the surface area will be larger for
the 5.0 °C approach. From Equation 4.5.8, the exit raw-water temperature, t2,
equals 29 °C. Because the raw water has a tendency to scale, it is located on the
tube side. At a water temperature of about 50 °C and above, scale formation increases so that the exit water temperature should never exceed 50 °C (122 °F).
From Equation 4.5.5, the logarithmic-mean temperature difference is
2
(30-23)-(34-29)
(At)LM =——————————— = 5.944 °C (10.7 °F)
(30 - 23)
hi —————
(34 - 29)
Next, calculate the logarithmic-mean temperature difference correction factor, F, from Equation 4.5.4. Calculate F either from Equation 4.10 or use plots of
Equation 4.10 given in the chemical engineering handbook [1]. In either case, first
calculate the parameters R and S. R and S are defined in Figure 4.7.
34-30
R = ———— =0.6667
29-23
29-23
S =———— =0.5455
34-23
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
179zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
By solving Equation 4.54 using Polymath, F = 0.9471. Because F = 0.9471
is greater than the minimum recommended value of 0.85, the design is acceptable.
Finally, using Equation 4.5.3, we find that the required surface area,
A = (3.669xl05) / 1.33xl03 (0.9471) (5.944) = 49.0 m2 (527.2 ft2)
Because of the uncertainty in the overall heat-transfer coefficient, allow for
a safety factor of 20%, which results in an area of 58.80 m2. Round off the area to
60 m2 (64.6 ft2).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
RATING HEAT EXCHANGERS
The objective of a rating problem is to determine if an existing process unit will
satisfy process conditions. To arrive at an approximate calculation procedure for
rating a heat exchanger, first define a clean overall heat-transfer coefficient, i.e., in
the absence of any fouling. Therefore, R fi and R fo = 0 in Equation 4.15.
1
U oC =———————
Dn
1
(4.16)
For many situations, D0 / D ; « 1.
Substitute Equation 4.16 into Equation 4.15 and let Rf,- and Rf 0 equal
(Rf ;)A and (Rf )A, the available fouling resistances. Then, the overall heat-transfer
coefficient,
0
U0 = l/[(Rfi)A + 1/Ucc + (Rfo)A]
(4.17)
If the individual fouling resistances are added to obtain the total fouling resistance, R,, A, then
U 0 =l/(R oA -l/U oC )
(4.18)
Rearranging Equation 4.18, the total available fouling resistance,
U oC -U 0
ROA=—————
UoCU0
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(4.19)
180
Chapter 4
where the overall heat-transfer coefficient for the existing heat exchanger is calculated from Equation 4.20.
Q = U 0 A 0 F(At) LM
(4.20)
Thus, ROA can be calculated from Equation 4.19 after calculating U from
Equation 4.16 and U0 from Equation 4.20.
oC
Next, add the fouling resistances caused by the inside and outside scale,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
RoR = (Rfi)R + (Rfo)R
(4-21)
where R^R is the required combined fouling resistance. Ro is calculated using
individual fouling resistances obtained from Table 4.3, assuming that one to oneand-a-half years of service before cleaning is optimum.
For an existing heat exchanger to be adequate for new process conditions,
R
ROA ^ ROR
(4-22)
A value of Ro larger than ROR means that the heat exchanger will last longer than
the optimal time before cleaning. For any value of RoA smaller than ROR, the heat
exchanger will operate at less than the optimum time.
Tabele 4.7 lists the equations for rating heat exchangers and Table 4.8
outlines thecalculating procedure.
A
Example 4.3 Rating an Ammonia Condenser __________________
It is required to condense 650 kg/h (1430 Ib/h) of ammonia vapor at 14.8 bar
(14.6 atm) using water. The available heat exchanger is a 1-2 heat exchanger
with 46 m2 (495 ft2) of surface area. The enthalpy of vaporization is 261.4
kcal/kg. Is this heat exchanger adequate for this service? Show why or why not.
Follow the solution procedure.
From Table 4.3, the following conservative values of the heat-transfer coefficients and fouling resistances are selected. Because water is dirtier than ammonia, locate the water on the tube side. Also, a condensing vapor is usually located
on the shell side.
hj = 5000 W/m2-K
^ = 8000 W/m2-K
R fi = 2.5 x KT4 m2-k/W
Rfo=lxlO~4m2-kAV
Assuming that there is no subcooling of the condensed ammonia, from
Equations 4.7.1 and 4.7.2,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
181zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Process Heat Transfer
Q = 261.4 kcal/kg (650 kg/hr) = l.VxlO 5 kcal/h (6.75xl05 Btu/h)
To calculate the logarithmic-mean temperature difference, the terminal temperatures of the condenser must be fixed. Because the condensation is essentially
isobaric, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the ammonia stream are 41.4°C
(106.5 °F). From Table 4.1, the inlet cooling-water temperature is 30°C (86.0 °F)
if cooling-tower water is used. Also, for thermodynamic considerations the exit
water temperature must be less than 41.4°C, and it is calculated from Equation
4.7.6. If the lower value of the approach temperature difference of 5 °C (9.0 °F) is
selected from Table 4.4, a low cooling-water flow rate will be needed. Thus, exit
water temperature is 36.4°C. Therefore, from Equation 4.7.5, the logarithmicmean temperature difference,
41.4-36.4-(41.4-30.0)
(At)LM =——————————————— = 7.765 °C (14.0 °F)
5.0
hi ——
11.4
For isothermal condensation, the logarithmic-mean temperature difference
correction factor, F, equals one. Therefore, from Equation 4.7.3 for the existing
heat exchanger, the available overall heat-transfer coefficient,
Q
u = ————
AF(At) LM
1.7xl05 kcal
U0
=
h
0
1
46m 2
1
7.765 °C
4.183xl03
1
J
1 h
kcal 3600s
= 97.5Btu/h-fV2-°F.
From Equation 4.7.11, the clean overall heat-transfer coefficient,
hj ho 5000 (8000)
UoC = ——— = ——————— = 3.077xl03 W/m2-K (542 Btu/h-ft2-0?)
hj + ho 5000 + 8000
Then, from Equation 4.7.10, the available fouling resistance,
U o C -U 0 3077-553.5
ROA = ————— =——————— =1.482xlO~3m2-°C/W (2.60x10" h-ft2-°F/Btu)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
182
UocU0
3077(553.5)
From Equation 4.7.9, the required fouling resistance for the condenser,
= Rfi +R f o = 2.5xlO"4+ 1.0xlO-4 = 3.5xlO-4m2-K/W(6.16xlO~5h-ft2-°F/Btu)
Therefore,
Thus, the condenser will be adequate for the service. Because the available fouling resistance is greater than the required fouling resistance, the condenser will last
longer than the specified time before cleaning.
Table 4.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Rating a Heat Exchanger______
First subscript: Process stream = 1,2,3 or 4
Second subscript: Component =1 or 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Mass Balance
m 3 '=m4
(4.7.1)
Energy Equation
Q = h 3 , 2 m3'-h4, 2 m
(4.7.2)
Rate Equation
Q = U0 A 0 F(At) LM
(4.7.3)
F = f(tj', t2, t3', t4') — Equation 4.10
(4.7.4)
(At)LM = f(ti', t2, t3', V) — Equation 4.2
(4.7.5)
Economic Relations
1 3' - 12 = approach At — Table 4.5
(4.7.6)
Thermodynamic Properties
h3j2 = f(t3')
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(4.7.7)
183zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Process Heat Transfer
Table 4.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
Transfer Properties
RoR = (Rfi)R + (Rfo)R
(4.7.9)
Uoc-U 0
(4-7.10)
U0UOC
hi ho
U oC = ————
hj + ho
(4.7.11)
Rf ; = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.7. 12)
hj = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.7. 13)
ho = f(fluid', type of phase change') — Table 4.3
(4.7. 14)
R fo = f(fluid', type of phase change') - Table 4.3
(4.7.15)
Variables
m, - tz - (At)LM - h3,2 - h4j2 - Q - U0 - UoC - F - ROA - ROR - (Rf OR - (Rf0)R - hi - ho
Degrees of Freedom
F=15-15 = 0
Table 4.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Rating Heat Exchangers____
1. Calculate the heat transferred from Equations 4.7.1, 4.7.2,4.7.7 and 4.7.8.
2. Calculate the approximate values of the heat-transfer coefficients from
Equations 4.7.12 to 4.7.15.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
184
Chapter 4
Table 4.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
3. Calculate the coolant exit temperature, fe, from Equation 4.7.6.
4. Calculate the logarithmic-mean temperature difference, (At)i_M. from Equation
4.7.5.
5. Calculate the logarithmic-mean temperature-difference correction factor, F,
from Equation 4.7.4.
6. Calculate the overall heat-transfer coefficient, U0, from Equation 4.7.3.
7. Calculate the clean overall heat-transfer coefficient, Doc, from Equation 4.7.11.
8. Calculate the available fouling resistance, ROA, from Equation 4.7.10 and the
require fouling resistance, ROR, from Equation 4.7.9.
9. If ROA ^ ROR, the condenser will be adequate for the process.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
NOMENCLATURE
English zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A
surface area
A0
outside surface area of a tube
Cc
capital cost per unit area
CM
maintenance cost per unit area
Cp
heat capacity at constant pressure
CT
total cost
Cw
cost of water per unit mass
D
tube diameter
F
logarithmic mean temperature correction factor or degrees of freedom
h
heat transfer coefficient or enthalpy
k
thermal conductivity
m
mass flow rate
Q
heat transfer rate
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
185zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
R
number of independent relations
Rf
fouling resistance
t
temperature
IB
base temperature
U
overall heat-transfer coefficient
U
oveall heat-transfer coefficient base on the outside area of a tube
V
number of variables
xf
scale thickness
KW
wall thicknesszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
0
Greek
(At)LM
logarithmic-mean temperature difference
(At)LMj6ff effective logarithmic-mean temperature difference
9
annual number of hours of operation
Subscripts
A
available
C
clean
f
refers to a solid deposit
i
inside of the tube or tube side
LM
logarithmic mean
o
outside of the tube or shell side
p
process fluid
R
required
W
waterzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
REFERENCES
1. Kern, P.Q., Process Heat Transfer, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1959.
2. Mehra, Y.R., Refrigeration Systems for Low Temperature Processes
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
186
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Chem. Eng., 89, 14, 94, 1982.
Walas, S. M., Rules of Thumb, Chem. Eng., 94,4, 75, 1987.
Brochure, Vacuum Cooling, Croll-Reynolds, Westfield, NJ, No date.
Walas, S.M., Chemical Process Equipment, Butterworths, Boston, MA,
1988.
Shilling,R.L., Bell, K.J., Bernhagen, P.M., Flynn, T.M., Goldschmidt,
V. M., Hrnjak, P.S., Standford, F.C., Timmerhaus, K.D., Heat-Transfer
Equipment, eds. Perry, R.H., Green, D.W., Perry's Chemical Engineers
Handbook, 7th ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1997.
Frank,O., Simplified Design Procedures for Tubular Heat Exchangers,
Practical Aspects of Heat Transfer, Chem. Eng. Prog., Tech. Manual,
Am. Inst. of Chem. Eng., New York., NY, 1978.
Ulrich, G.P., A Guide to Chemical Engineering Process Design and
Economics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1984.
Singh, J., Selectinq Heat-Transfer Fluids for High-Temperature Service,
Chem.Eng.,88, H,53, 1981.
10.
Fried, J.R., Heat-Transfer Agents for High-Temperature Systems, Chem.
Eng., 80, 12, 89,1973.
11. Worthy, W., Silicone Heat-Transfer Fluids Use Grows, Chem. & Eng.
News, p.32, Dec. 8, 1986.
12. Kirschen, N.A., PCBs in Transformer Fluids, Amer. Lab., 13, 12, 65,
1981.
13. Devore, A., Vago, G.J., Picozzi, G.J., Heat Exchangers, Specifying and
Selecting, Chem. Eng., 87,20, 133, 1980.
14. Mehra, O.K., Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers, Chem. Eng., 90, 15,47,
1983.
15. Ludwig, E.E., Applied Process Design for Chemical and Petrochemical
Plants, Vol. Ill, 3rd ed., Butterworth-Heinernann, Woburn, MA, 2001.
16. Lord, R.C., Minton, P.E., Slusser, R.P., Design of Heat Exchangers,
Chem. Eng., 77, 2, 45, 1970.
17. Coulson, J.M., Richardson, J.F., Sinnott, E.K. Chemical Engineering,
Vol. 6, An Introduction to Chemical Engineering Design, Pergamon
Press, New York, NY, 1983.
18. Yokell, S., Double-Tubesheet Heat-Exchanger Design Stops Shell-Tube
Leakage, Chem. Eng., 80, 11,133, 1973.
19. Anonymous, Standards of Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association, 7th ed., Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association, Tarrytown,
NY, 1988.
20. Anonymous, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Div.
1, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, NY, 1980.
21. Anonymous, Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Service, API Standard 660, American Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C.
22. McCabe, W.L., Smith, J.C., Harriott, P., Unit Operations of Chemical
Engineering, 6* ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 2001.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Process Heat Transfer
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
187zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Goyal, O.P., Guidelines on Exchangers, Hydrocarbon Process., 64, 8, 55,
1985.
Taborex, J., Evolution of Heat Exchanger Design Technologies, Heat
Transfer Eng., I, 11 15,1979.
Kundsen, J.G., Fouling of Heat Exchangers: Are We Solving the Problems?, Chem. Eng. Progr., 80, 2, 63,1984.
Crittenden, B.D., Khater, E.H., Economic Fouling Resistance Selection,
in Knudsen, J.G., ed. Fouling of Heat Transfer Equipment, Hemisphere
Publishing Corp., New York, NY, 1981.
Thermal and Hydraulic Design of Heat Exchangers, K.J. Bell, Approximate Sizing of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers, p 3.1.4-1, Heat Exchanger Design Handbook, Vol. 3, Begell House, New York, NY, 1998.
Woods, D.R, Process Design and Engineering Practice, PTR Prentice
Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1995.
Frank. O., Personal Communication, Consulting Engineer, Convent Station, NJ, Jan. 2002.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Compressors are required to transfer gases from one process unit to another and
to compress them to carry out chemical reactions, separations, and to liquefy
gases. Compressors cover the range from vacuum to high pressure and are called
vacuum pumps, fans, blowers and compressors, according to their operating
pressure range. Roughly vacuum pumps compress gases from about 0.00133 to
1.01 bar (0.0193 to 14.7 psia) [3], fans from 1.01 to 1.15 bar (14.7 to 16.7 psia)
[1], blowers from 1.15 to 1.70 bar (16.7 to 24.7 psia) [1], and compressors above
1.70 bar (24.7 psia) [1]. These regions of application are not distinct, and may
overlap. The word pump is usually reserved for transferring liquids, but in the
vacuum region the compressor is called a vacuum pump.
Compressors are divided into two main classes, positive displacement and
dynamic. Positive-displacement compressors compress essentially the same volume of gas in a chamber regardless of the discharge pressure. In a dynamic compressor, a gas is first accelerated to a high velocity to increase its kinetic energy.
Then, the compressor converts kinetic energy into pressure by reducing the gas
velocity, according to the macroscopic energy balance.
189
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
190zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 5
VACUUM PUMPSzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
In the vacuum region, pressures down to 0.00133 bar (0.0193 psia) are of interest
to process engineers for process operations such as distillation, drying and evaporation. Some applications below 0.00132 bar (0.193 psia) are molten metal degassing, molecular distillation, and freeze drying.
The most commonly used vacuum pumps are steam-jet ejectors and several
positive-displacement pumps, which are shown in Figures 5.1 and 5.2. Some of
the characteristics of vacuum pumps are given in Table 5.1. A prime consideration when selecting a vacuum pump is the compatibility of a gas with a seal
fluid. To avoid these problems, there is a trend toward using dry pumps where a
seal fluid or lubricant is not used [60].
In an ejector, steam enters the nozzle at the pressure, PI, shown in Figure
5.1. The nozzle increases the velocity of the steam, reducing the pressure to P2
at the suction to evacuated a vessel. Then, the steam and suction fluid are compressed in the diffuser section where the kinetic energy of the mixed fluid is
converted to the pressurezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
P^. Both condensable and noncondensable gases, usually air, are entrained by the steam. When staging ejectors, the load on the
downstream ejectors is considerably reduced if intercondensers are used to remove condensable gases. Table 5.1 shows some of the characteristics of staged
ejectors. An advantage of ejectors is that there are no moving parts. A disadvantage is that the ejector is designed to meet specific conditions [2], and it is
inflexible under widely varying conditions.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Decreasing Pressure
Increasing Velocity
Increasing Pressure
Decreasing Velocity
Motive Fluid
atP,
*>
Figure 5.1 A steam-jet ejector. From Ref. 3 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Discharge
Mixture
atP3
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
191
Table 5.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Vacuum-Pump CharacteristicszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
Vacuum Pump Type3
Inlet
Flow3 Rate"
m /h
Single-Stage
Compression
Ratio
Minimum
Suction
Pressure1
—— bai———
Steam-Jet Ejector
One Stage
1 7.0-1. 7x1 06
6.0
0.1
0.016
Two Stages
Three Stages
1.3xlO~3
Four Stages
2.7x10"
Five Stages
2.7xlO~5
Six Stages
4.0x10-*
Positive Displacement
Rotary Piston
One Stage"
5.1-1.4xl03
l.OxlO5
2.7xlO'5
UxlQ-6
Two Stages
Rotary Vane
Dry Operation
Oil Sealed
Oil Sealed' (1 stage)
30.0-l.OxlO 4
85.0-1.4xl0
l.OxlO5
3
6.7X10'2
UxlO'3
2.7xlO"5
5.1-85.0
Oil Sealed0 (2 stages)
1.3xlO-6
Rotary Blower
One Stage
51.0-5.1x10"
2.3
0.4
8.0xlO~2
Two Stages
Liquid Ring
Water Sealed (1 6 °C)
One Stage
51.0-5.1x10"
10.0
0.1
Two Stages
5.3xlO~2
Oil Sealed
1.3X10'2
a) Source: Reference 3
b) To convert to ft3/min multiply by 0.589.
c) Discharge pressure limited to 1.22 bar (1.20)
to convert to atm multiply by 0.987.
d) Maximum temperature = 370 K (666 °R)
e) Spring-loaded vanes
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
192
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
A rotary-piston pump is an oil-sealed, positive-displacement vacuum
pump. The oil both lubricates the pump and seals the discharge from the suction
side of the pump. As the piston rotates, gas enters a chamber, as shown in
Figure 5.2. Then, the inlet port closes, and the gas is compressed in the chamber
until the discharge valve opens, exhausting the gas to the atmosphere. Possible
contamination of the oil with condensable vapors, usually water, is a problem.
One way condensation can be avoided is by reducing the partial pressure of the
condensable gases by allowing air to leak into the cylinder, which is called a gas
ballast.
A rotary-vane vacuum pump is also a positive-displacement vacuum pump.
The vanes slide in slots and are forced against the wall of a stationary cylinder
by springs for laboratory pumps or by centrifugal force for process pumps. Sealing is accomplished either by oil or a dry seal using nonmetallic vanes which
continuously wear thereby forming a tight seal. As can be seen in Figure 5.2, a
gas enters the pump, is trapped between two vanes, is compressed as the volume
of the chamber is reduced, and finally exhausted at the discharge port. The rotary-vane vacuum pump is sensitive to contamination, which can reduce its performance rapidly.
In the rotary blower, shown in Figure 5.2, gases are trapped in between two
interlocking rotors which rotate in opposite directions. The blower requires no
seal fluid. Because of the required clearances between the rotors of 0.025
to 0.25 mm (9.84xlO~4 to 9.84xlO~3 in), backfiow reduces the blower capacity
[3]. Also, overheating limits the pressure increase.
In the liquid-ring pump, shown in Figure 5.2, a seal liquid, usually water, is
thrown against the casing by a rotating impeller forming a liquid ring. Gas
drawn from an inlet port is compressed in the chamber between the rotor blades
as the impeller rotates on an axis that is offset from the casing. Some of the
seal liquid is entrained with the exhausted gas. If the gas contains a condensable
component, the pump behaves like a direct contact condenser. Provisions can be
made for separating the condensable component from the seal liquid which is
then recirculated. Because of its ability to handle condensable vapors, the liquid-ring pump is ideally suited for filtering operations. Another advantage is
that the seal liquid is a heat sink, limiting the temperature rise of the compressed
gases [3]. A disadvantage of this pump is that it uses twice as much energy as an
oil-sealed- rotary-vane or a rotary-piston pump of the same capacity [4].
The performance of a vacuum pump is depicted by a plot of flow rate
against suction pressure, which is called the characteristic curve. Physically, a
vacuum pump must operate at some point on the curve, depending on the design
of the system. In Figure 5.3, the characteristic curves for a rotary piston, a liquid-ring pump and steam-jet ejector are plotted. For a perfect positivedisplacement pump, the curve should be fiat over the whole pressure range. Instead, for the rotary-piston pump, the curve increases slightly with increasing
suction pressure because of reduced leakage. The curve for the ejector increases
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
193
Liquid Ring
Rotary Piston zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Source: Reference 5.5
Source: Reference 5.59
Rotary Lobe
Source: Reference 5.4
Rotary Vane
Source: Reference 5.6
Figure 5.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Positive-displacement vacuum pumps. References with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
194zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
at low pressures and then decreases at high pressures. For the liquid-ring vacuum pump, the curve increases at low pressures, resembling the ejector, and
then flattens out at high pressures, resembling a positive-displacement pump.
Isenrropic efficiencies for some vacuum pumps are plotted against the suction
pressure, as shown in Figure 5.4.
To size a vacuum pump requires calculating the volumetric flow rate and
factional pressure loss in the vacuum system. The volumetric flow rate consists
of condensable and noncondensable gases. The noncondensable gases originate
from the material being processed and from air leaking into the system. Assuming that reasonable care is taken when sealing a vacuum system, Ryans and
Croll [3] have devised a procedure for estimating acceptable leakage rates
through various pump seals, valves, and sight glasses. To estimate the flow rate
of condensable gases, it is assumed that the noncondensable gases are saturated
with the condensable vapors. Once the total flow rate of gases and the required
pressure are known, the vacuum pump power can be calculated according to a
method used for compressors described later.
40 -
20 -
100
150
200
250.300
Pressure, torr
Figure 5.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Characteristic curves of vacuum pumps. From Ref. 3 with
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
195
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Note:
One-stage pump
Two-stage pump
___•
• i i i i i ii___i
i i i i 1111
i i i zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
, " rf
12
46
TO 2 0 4 0 60 100 200 400 t
600
Pressure,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ton
Figure 5.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Isentropic Efficiencies of vaccum pumps. (Source Ref. 3
with permission)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
FANS
Fans are designed to move a large volume of gas near atmospheric pressure. Because the clearance between the impeller and casing are large, the pressure developed is low, between 1.01 to 1.15 bar (14.7 to 16.7 psia). Fans, which are all of
the dynamic type, are classified according to the direction of air flow. In a centrifugal fan, gas flows along the fan shaft, turns ninety degrees by the impeller,
which imparts kinetic energy to the gas as it flows radially outward. Then, the gas
is converted to pressure as it leaves the fan parallel to the shaft. In an axial flow
fan, gas enters and leaves the fan parallel to the shaft. These fan types are shown
in Figure 5.5.
Centrifugal fans are classified according to their blade geometry - radial,
forward curved, backward curved, and air foil. The radial fan's major characteristic is its ability to compress gases to a higher pressure but delivers lower flow rates
than the other fan types. Its characteristic curve is shown in Figure 5.6. The
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
196zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
blades are self cleaning, tending to fling off particles and thus can be used to
pneumatically convey solids. Other applications are listed in TablezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
5.2
The backward-incline fan design consists of the single-thickness blade and
the air-foil blade. The single thickness blade can be used for pneumatic con-
Radial
Forward-Curved
Backward-Incline
Airfoil
Tabe-Axial
Vane-Aria!
Figure 5.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Fan types. From Ref. 7 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
197
Volumetric flowrate
Forward CurvezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
**£»*
Volumetric flowntezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Volumetric flowrate
Backward Incline
Airfoil
Br ikl hwMpovwr
Ptmun
Volumetric flowrato
Tube-Axial
Volumetric flowrate
VamrAxial
Figure 5.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Fan characteristic curves. From Ref. 7 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
198
Chapters
Table 5.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Applications for Several Fan Designs (Source Ref. 5.1 with
permission)
Typcef Fan
Tuba-Axial
Vane-Axial
burners or combustion furnaces
Boosting gas pressures
Ventilating process plants
Boilers, forced-draft
Boilers, induced-draft
Kiln exhaust
Kiln supply
X
X
Cooling towers
X
Application
Conveying systems
Radial
Forward-Curved
X
Backward-Inclined
Airfoil
X
Supplying air for oil and gas
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dust collectors and electrostatic
predpitators
Process drying
X
X
X
X
Reactor off-gases or stack
emissions
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
XzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
veying of solids as shown in Table 5.2. The air-foil type has aerodynamicallyshaped blades to reduce flow resistance, resulting in a high efficiency. Entrained particles will damage the blades, and thus this fan is not suitable for
pneumatic conveying. An attractive feature of both fans is that they have
nonoverloading power curves as shown in Figure 5.6. This means that as the
flow rate increases, the required power increases, reaches a maximum, and then
decreases instead of continuously increasing. When operating under conditions
where the flow rate varies, this characteristic is an asset.
The forward-curved-blade fan is designed for low to medium flow rates at
low pressures. Because of the cupped shaped blades, solids tend to be held in the
fan, and thus this fan is also not suitable for pneumatic conveying of solids. In the
characteristic curve for the fan, shown in Figure 5.6, there is a region of instability
to the left of the pressure peak. Thus, the fan must be operated to the right of that
region. The horsepower increases continuously with increasing flow rate.
Axial fans consist of the tube-axial fan and the vane-axial fan, which are
designed for a wide range of flow rates at low pressures. These fans consist of a
propeller enclosed in a duct. They are limited to applications where the gas does
not contain entrained solids. In a tube-axial fan, the discharged flow follows a
helical path creating turbulence. To reduce turbulence and increase the fan efficiency, the vane-axial fan contains flow straightening vanes (Figure 5.5). The
tube-axial fan has an unusual power-flow curve, as can be seen in Figure 5.6. The
required power initially decreases with increasing flow rate and then increases,
reaching a maximum before decreasing again. Also, the pressure curve has an
unstable region so that the fan must be operated to the right of the maximum.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
199
Table 5.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Fan Efficiencies
Fan Type
Fan Efficiency3
TIP, %
Radial"
Backward inclined
Single Thickness0
Air Foil"
Forward Curved
Axial
Tube"
Vane0
65-70
84
90
70-75
75-80
85
a) Includes fluid and mechanical
frictional losses
b) Source: Reference 7
c) Source: Reference 8
A final consideration is the fan operating temperature and environmental
conditions. Most axial fans contain the motor, bearings, and drive components
within the duct. Thus, the gases must be noncorrosive, at a low temperature (-34
to 82 °C) (-29.2 to 180 °F) [1], nonflammable and without any particulate matter.
At low or high temperatures, most steels lose their strength [8]. Thompson and
Trickier [8] discuss some elements of duct-system design. Table 5.3 summarizes
efficiencies for approximate sizing of the fans that have been described.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
Fan Power
The most frequently used relationship in the design of flow systems is the macroscopic mechanical-energy balance. This equation is obtained by integrating the microscopic mechanical-energy balance over the volume of the system as shown by
Bird et al. [9]. The balance is given by
A(v2/a)
g
f 2 dp
———— + — Az+ I
2g c
gc
Ji
—— + W + E = 0
P
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(5.1)
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
200
Each term has the dimensions of energy per unit of mass - in this case,
ft-lb /lb . The factor, a, in the kinetic energy term, Av /2ag , corrects for the
velocity profile across a duct. For laminar flow in a circular duct, the velocity
profile is parabolic, and a = 1/2. If the velocity profile is flat, a = 1. For very
rough pipes and turbulent flow, a may reach a value of 0.77 [10]. In many engineering applications, it suffices to let a = 1 for turbulent flow.
The second term in the mechanical-energy balance, Equation 5.1, is the
change in potential energy and requires no comment. The third term is "pressure
work" and its evaluation depends on whether the fluid is compressible or incompressible. Because the increase in pressure across the fan is small, we treat
the flow as essentially incompressible. Thus, the fluid density may be removed
from the integral sign and the mechanical energy balance becomes
2
F
M
c
A(v2/a)
Ap
AP
———— + — Az + —— + W + E = 0
2 gc
gc
P
(5.2)
The last two terms are the work done by the system, W, and the friction loss,
E. The system is defined by the fan inlet and discharge. Because the density of a
gas at atmospheric pressure is small, Az can be neglected. Since W is defined as
the work done by the system, the work done on the gas by the fan is -WH. Thus,
Equation 5.2 becomes
WH + E = 0
(5.3)
The frictional loss term, E, can be included in an hydraulic efficiency which
accounts for the gas frictional losses in the fan according to
WH-E
r|e = ————
WH
1 F A(v2)
AP 1
W H = — — I ————— ——
T!H L 2g c
p J
(5.4)
(5.5)
where T|H is a hydraulic efficiency that accounts for pressure losses caused by
fluid friction in the fan.
In addition to the work lost by fluid friction, some work is lost because of
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
201zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
mechanical friction in the seals and bearings. This lost work is accounted for by
a mechanical efficiency. Thus, the fan work,
1 f ACv2)
API
WF = —— | ——— + ——
T!F L 2g c
p J
(5.6)
where r|F = r|M r|H, and WF is the work delivered to the shaft of the fan.
Because power is the rate of doing work, the fan shaft power - frequently
called brake power - is calculated from Equation 5.7.
PF = mWF
(5.7)zyxwvuts
Example 5.1 Calculation of Fan Power ______________________
A fan will pneumatically convey 1360 kg/h (2300 Ib/h) of a powdered resin
from a storage bin to a mixer [11]. The duct diameter is 15.2 cm (6 in). Assume
an electrical-motor efficiency of 95%. If the air flow rate needed to convey the
resin is 1670 m3/h (983 ftVmin) at 300 K (540 °R) and 1.013 bar (14.7 psia).
The pressure drop in the duct system is 0.0893 bar (1.29 psi), what is the required fan power?
The fan shaft work is calculated from Equation 5.6. From Table 5.2, it is
seen that a radial fan is acceptable for the conveying system. From Table 5.3 a
conservative value for the radial fan efficiency of 65% is selected. The air velocity
is
4
1 h
V
m3
v = —— = 1670 — ——————— ———— = 25.56 m/s (83.9 ft/s)
A
h 7i(0.152)2m2 3600 s
From the ideal gas law, the air density,
PM
1.013 bar
IxlO 5
p=-
RT
1
1
N
1
kgmol-K
m2-bar 8314 N-m
1
300 K
29
kgzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
1 kgmol
= 1.179 kg/m 3 (0.0736 lb/ft3)
Because SI units are used, gc is not needed in Equation 5.6. From Equation
5.6, the fan work,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
202
1 m 3 !
1 r (25.56)2 kg-m2 0.0893 bar 1x105 N
= —— | ———————— + —————— ——————— ————— =
1
1 m2-bar 1.179kg J
0.65 L
2
kg-s2
= 1.216xl04 N-m/kg orl.216x!04 J/kg (5.23 Btu/Ib)
The shaft power,
1 kW-szyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
1670 m3 1 h 1.179 kg 1.216xl04 J
m
____
_______
HI W
VV f —
— ——————————
———————— ____
———————————— ———————————————
— —————————————
P p ——zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
1
kg
1 h 3600 s
1 m3
1000 J
= 6.651kW
PF = 6.651 kW / 0.7457 kW/hp = 8.919 hp
The electric motor efficiency is 0.95. The motor horsepower,
PE = 8.919/0.95 = 9.388 hp
Therefore, select a standard 10 hp (7.46 kW) motor, which gives a safety
factor of 6.52%.
COMPRESSORS
Figure 5.7 shows that positive-displacement compressors, like vacuum pumps,
are divided into two main classes: reciprocating and rotary. Table 5.4 lists characteristics of these compressors. Ludwig [14] discusses compression equipment
and calculation methods in detail.
Positive-Displacement Compressors
Reciprocating compressors consist of direct-acting and diaphragm types. The
direct-acting compressor consists of one or more cylinders, each with a piston
or plunger that moves back and forth. A gas enters or leaves a cylinder
through valves that are activated by the difference in pressure in the cylinder
and intake or discharge. When the pressure in the cylinder drops below the
inlet pressure, a valve opens allowing gas to flow into the cylinder. After
compressing the gas to a pressure above the discharge pressure, the discharge
valve opens allowing gas to flow out. This is illustrated in Figure 5.8 for a
double-acting reciprocating compressor, i.e., the gas is compressed during
both the forward and backward stroke of the piston. The valves in Figure 5.8
are not shown in any detail. If the piston is just a straight rod, called
a plunger, the compressor cannot be double acting. An advantage of a
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
203
Figure 5.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Compressor classification chart.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
double-acting compressor is that the discharge flow will be smoother than a single
acting compressor. The reciprocating compressor is a fixed capacity machine as
long as the driver speed is constant. By altering the speed of the driver, the compressor capacity can be changed. A packing-type seal contained in the stuffing
box, shown in Figure 5.8, seals the piston rod from the atmosphere.
In a diaphragm compressor, a piston acts indirectly by applying pressure
to a hydraulic oil, which flexes a thin metal diaphragm to compress the gas. It is
used for small flow rates, below the range for reciprocating compressors, and is
limited by the construction of the diaphragm. An advantage of the diaphragm
compressor is that leakage of either the gas or oil into the gas is prevented. Thus,
the diaphragm compressor is ideal for compressing flammable, corrosive, or
toxic gases at high pressures. A disadvantage is the high maintenance cost,
mainly because the diaphragm has to be replaced after about 2000 h of operation
[13].
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5
204
Table 5.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Compressor CharacteristicszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Compressor Type
Inlet Flow Rate'
lOOOrrrVh
Compression
Ratio
Maximum
Temperature8
K
Overall
Efficiencyb
3.0-4.0
20.0
450-510
0.75-0.85
2.0-4.0
3.0
1.7
450-510
450-510
450-510
450-510
450-510
0.75
Tl
Positive Displacment*
Reciprocating
Diaphragmd
0.0051-0.051
Rotary
Helical
Scew
Spiral Axial
Straight Lobec
Sliding Vane
Liquid Ring
Dynamic
Centrifugal
Axial
34.0
22.0
52.0
10.0
22.0
85.0 - 340
1.3-1000
2.0-4.0
5.0
6.0-8.0
12.0-24
0.70
0.68
0.72
0.50
lll-505 e
590
a) Source Reference 2 except where indicated
b) T] = isentropic efficency
c) Contains two lobes
d) Source: Reference 13
e) Source: Reference 22
f) To convert to ftVmin multiply by 0.5885
g) To convert to °R multiply by 1.8.
The rotary-compressor types have been discussed when the vacuum pumps
were described, except for the screw pump. A rotary-screw compressor contains a
male and female rotor, which are shown in Figure 5.9. The rotation of the rotors
causes an axial progression of successive sealed cavities, which compresses the
gas [14]. One of the major advantages of a screw compressor is that it can handle
polymer-forming gases and gases containing significant amounts of entrained liquids. Also, the compression chamber is dry so that lubricating oils will not contaminate the compressed gases, which is necessary in food and drug-production
processes.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Dynamic Compressors
Dynamic compressors, like fans, are divided into two classes, centrifugal and axial, according to the direction of gas flow through the machine. A compression
stage for a centrifugal compressor, shown in Figure 5.10, consists of a row of
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
205
Inlet
Cylinder
Piston rod
Stuffing box
Valves ^ -
Figure 5.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A double-acting reciprocating compressor. (Source Ref. 6 with
permission).
Figure 5.9 Screw-compressor rotors. (Source Ref. 15).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
206
iDrffuser
Impeller
Shaft
Figure 5.10 A centrifugal compressor containing four impellers. (Source
Ref. 16).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
blades attached to an impeller, a diffuser, and a diaphragm. The impeller increases
the kinetic energy of the gas as it flows radially outward. Then, the diffuser, which
is an expanding passage, converts the kinetic energy into pressure. The diffuser
and the diaphragm direct the flow to the center of the next impeller. Curved guide
vanes, located before each impeller, guides the gas into the impeller at the proper
angle. If the pressure rise across the compressor is too large, increasing the gas
temperature, intercooling may be necessary.
In an axial-flow compressor, shown in Figure 5.11, the gas flows through an
annular passage parallel to the compressor axis. The cross sectional area of the
annular passage decreases towards the outlet as the gas density decreases. One
compression stage consists of one row of rotating and one row of stationary
blades. As the gas flows through the compressor, the rotating blades increase both
the pressure and kinetic energy of the gas. In a row of stationary blades, kinetic
energy is converted into pressure. The stationary blades also guide the gas flow
into the next row of rotating blades. Generally, half the pressure rise is accomplished in the rotating blades and the other half in the stationary blades [18]. Axial-flow compressors are more efficient and are used for higher flow rates than
centrifugal compressors. Since axial compressors are more sensitive to deposits,
corrosion, and erosion, they are used for very clean, noncorrosive gases. Axial
compressors are designed without any intercooling.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
207
Figure 5.11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
An axial-flow compressor.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
In Figure 5.12, the characteristic curve illustrates the performance of a compressor rotating at a definite speed. In addition to showing the pressure-capacity
characteristic, the curve also shows important operating limits. The most important one is the "surge limit" or minimum-flow point below which the compressor
operation becomes unstable. If the flow rate is reduced, the pressure developed
by the compressor decreases. Then, the pressure in the discharge line becomes
greater, and the gas flows back into the compressor. As soon as the pressure in
the discharge line drops to below that developed by the compressor, the gas
again flows into the discharge line. Then, the cycle repeats. The oscillating pressure and flow rate will cause audible vibrations and shocks, and could damage
the compressor blades, seals, and other components. Therefore, the compressor
requires an antisurge control system to limit the flow rate at a minimum point,
safely away from the surge limit. The surge limit usually is clearly marked, but,
if not, it should be understood that the left end of the curve terminates at the
surge limit. The lower right end of the curve usually terminates before reaching
a limiting condition referred to as the "choke limit", where the gas flows at the
speed of sound. If the curve were extrapolated as shown by the dashed line, it
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
208
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
DESIGN
POINT
20
20
40
60
10
100
120
140
Capacity, %
Figure 5.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Characteristic curve for a centrifugal compressor. From
Ref. 19 with permission.
10
10*
10*
104
10*
Inlet Flowrate, tf/min
Figure 5.13 Compressor selection chart. From Ref. 12 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
209zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
would become vertical at the choke limit, indicating that the flow rate has
reached a maximum. Controls to prevent operation too near the choke
limit usually are not required. The design point is selected to allow for an increase or decrease in the flow rate if the process conditions vary.
In Figure 5.13, the operating range of the various compressors are shown
for comparison, except for the rotary compressors which are expected to occupy
a region between the reciprocating and centrifugal compressors. Figure 5.13 can
help to guide the process engineer in selecting a compressor design.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
COMPRESSOR POWER
To size a compressor requires calculating the power needed for compression.
This can be done by assuming an isentropic compression and then correcting the
result by dividing by an isentropic efficiency. The power can also be calculated
by assuming a polytropic compression, and then correcting the result by dividing
by a polytropic efficiency. Both methods will be considered. The isentropic
method is also used for blowers and vacuum pumps, but the polytropic method
could also be used if data were available. First, we need to derive relationships
to calculate the compressor power.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
210
ozyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
v
CD
IOzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
M-^
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Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
oo o
ooo.
m
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
Aini9ISS3adHO3
O)
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
211zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
To obtain an equation for calculating the work of compression, first apply
Bernoulli's equation, Equation 5.1, across the compressor. The first term, the kinetic energy term, is small compared to the other terms in the balance. The second
term is the change in potential energy, and it is also small. The last two terms are
the work done by the system and the friction loss. First, we consider frictionless
flow. Thus, the compressor work,
f 2 d pzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
W = -|
——
Ji
(5.8)
PzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Isentropic Compression
For isentropic compression of an ideal gas, the dependence of pressure on temperature is given by
T2
f P2
1
—— =1 —— I
(5.9)
T,
I PIzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
where k is the ratio of the heat capacity at constant pressure to the heat capacity at
constant volume. Equation 5.9 is derived in several thermodynamic texts and by
Bird et al. [9]. Table 5.5 contains values of k for several gases.
By integrating Equation 5.8 over an isentropic path using Equation (5.9),
it can be shown that the work of compression for an ideal gas,
rfp 2 v k - i)/k i
Ws = ————— I ——
APi )
-1 I
(5.10)
\
where k is assumed constant.
For a real gas, we define the compressibility factor, z, by
PV = z n R T
(5.11)
If the gas is ideal, z = 1. In Figure 5.14, the compressibility factor is plotted
as a function of reduce pressure and temperature. The compressibility factor in
Equation 5.11 will vary as the temperature and pressure changes from the compressor inlet to the compressor outlet.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
212
Chapter 5
Table 5.5: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Properties of Gases
(Mo« values taken from Natural QM Processors Suppliers Association Engineering Data Book—1972, Ninth Edition)
Gas or Vapor
Acetylene
Air
Reference Symbole
Ci-
Ammonia
Argon
Benzene
Iso-Butane
IC.
n-Butane
lao-Butylme
nC.
1C.—
Butylena
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Monoxlo>
nC4-
Carbureted Water Gas (1)
Chlorine
Coke Oven Qaefl)
n-Daoane
Ethane
Ethyl Alcohol
nCi«
0,
Ethyl Chloride
Chemlcal
Formula
CUHn
C4H.
C4Hi
COi
CO
68.12
68.10
68.10
44.01
28.01
19.48
1.09
1.10
1.11
1.40
1.35
40.2
74.0
35.2
31.3
Cli
70.11
10.71
1.36
1.35
1,03
1.19
1.13
1.19
77.2
26.1
22.1
48.8
S3.9
52.7
Ci.Hn
C.H.
CiHiOH
C.K.CI
c.m
n-Hexane
nCj
r>C4
C7H»
Hydrogen Sulphide
Methane
Methyl Alcohol
Methyl Chloride
Natural Qa»(1)
Ci
n-Nonane
lao-Pentane
n-Pentane
Pentylene
n-Octane
Oxygen
Propane
Propylene
Blast Furnace Gaa (1)
Cat Cracker Gas(1)
Sulphur Dioxide
He
C.HI.
H,
H.S
CH.
CHjOH
CH.CI
Ni
Nitrogen
nC.
ICi
nCt
C.-
nC«
Ci
Ci-
Water Vapor
ans.S'C
Critical Conditions
Absolute
Pressure
PC (bar)
26.04
28.97
17.03
39.94
78.11
58.12
Ci-
Hydrogen
Specific Heat Ratio
k-cp/c»
C,H,
Nj-t-Oi
NHi
A
C.H.
C4H,«
Ethylene
Flue Oat (1)
Helium
n-Heptane
Molecular
Meat
C.H..
C.H,i
C.H,,
C.H,.
C.H,.
Oi
CiHi
C>H.
SO,
HjO
1.24
1.40
1.31
1.66
1.12
1.10
1.30
142.28
30X17
tern
62.4
37.7
112.6
48.6
49.2
TeAbsolute
T(Kr
309.4
132.8
406.1
151.1
562.8
36.6
408.3
38.0
40.0
425.6
418.3
420.0
304.4
134.4
130.6
*Cp.m
at 0-0
42.16
29.05
34.65
it 100'C
48.18
29.32
37.93
20.79
74.18
89.75
20.79
103.62
116.89
93.03
117.92
104.98
105.08
40.06
29.31
83.36
83.40
36.04
29.10
31.58
33.78
35.53
34.21
35.29
31-95
21 855
49.49
69.92
69.61
280.41
62.14
81.97
70.16
283.3
146.7
5.0
540.6
506.3
33.3
40.90
30.17
20.79
161.20
138.09
28.87
51.11
30.88
20.79
202.74
174.27
29.03
373.9
191.1
513.3
33.71
34.50
42.67
35.07
40.13
416.7
210.6
126.7
45.60
596.1
461.1
470.6
197 .07
417.2
109.4
619.4
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
305.6
64.52
28.05
30.00
4.00
100.20
88.17
2.02
1.24
1.38
1.68
1.05
34.08
16.04
32.04
1.32
1.06
1.41
1.31
1.20
51.2
38.8
2.3
27.4
30.3
13.0
90.0
46.4
79.8
86.7
516.7
460.6
55.32
49.82
39.54
29.31
50.49
18.82
28.02
1.20
1.27
1.40
128.25
72.15
1.04
1.06
1.07
1.08
1.05
1.40
23.8
33.3
33.7
40.4
25.0
474.4
569.4
112.09
115.21
102.11
176.17
29.17
253.10
145.56
145.94
130.37
226.17
294)2
1.13
1.15
42.5
46.1
370.0
365.6
48.5
288.1
430.6
68.34
60.16
29.97
86.68
75.70
30.64
72.15
70.13
114.22
32.00
44.09
42.08
29.6
28.83
64.06
18.02
1.39
1.20
1.24
1.33
46.5
33.9
50.3
78.7
221.2
154.4
647.8
34.66
29.10
46.16
36.05
33.31
57.31
40.00
34.07
(1) Approximate values based en average competition.
'Use straight line interpolation 01 ntrapolatlon to approximate C,. [In kJ/(kmol'K)] at actual Mot T. (For greater accuracy, average T should be used.)
Source: Ref. 56 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
213zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Then, for a real gas the isentropic work of compression is approximated by
ZRT, rfp 2 Y k - i y k
W s = ————— II —— I
i
- 1 I
(5.12)
where z is taken as an average of the inlet and discharge compressibility factors.
To obtain the actual work of compressing a gas, WA, divide the isentropic
work by an isentropic efficiency.
Ws
WA = ——
(5.13)
Equation 5.9 cannot be use to obtain the gas-discharge temperature for a real
compression because it was derived for an isentropic compression. Instead, use
the macroscopic energy balance which applies for any process. Thus,
Ah = c P (T 2 -T,)=W A
(5.14)
where it is assumed that CP is a constant.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Polytropic Compression
When adiabatic conditions are not attained, the process is called a polytropic
change of state. Such a change of state is described by the Equation 5.15.
P Vn = a constant
(5.15)
Thus,
PV" = PiV! n
(5.16)
The exponent n depends on the amount of cooling, mechanical friction, and fluid
friction during compression. It is determined experimentally for any particular
compressor. By integrating Equation 5.8 over a polytropic path, using Equation
5.16, it can be shown that the polytropic work of compression for an ideal gas,
rrp 2 v n - i ) / n i
WP = ————— M —— I
( n - l ) / n K Pj
- 1 I
J
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(5.17)
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
214
Again, for a real gas use the compressibility factor.
Wp
n |)/n
rfp
v
- _i | i
2
= ————— || —— |
( n - l ) / nzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
l(fj
J
To obtain the actual work of compression, divide the polytropic work of
compression by the polytropic efficiency.
WP
WA = ——
(5.19)
The polytropic efficiency is defined by Equation 5.20.
TIP =—————
(5.20)
Figure 5.15 contains plots of the polytropic efficiency for centrifugal and axial compressors as a function of the volumetric flow rate at the compressor inlet.
In addition to the isentropic and polytropic efficiencies, there are other efficiencies that affect the actual power that is delivered to the gas. The isentropic and
polytropic efficiencies are hydraulic efficencies because some of the work done on
the gas is consumed by fluid friction. Other factional energy losses are caused by
the compressor seal, the bearings supporting the shaft, and any gears needed to
reduce or increase the rotational speed. Table 5.6 lists these efficiencies. The engineering literature either reports these efficiencies separately or combined. The
seal, bearing, and gear efficiencies may be combined into a mechanical efficiency.
Then, the hydraulic and mechanical efficiencies are combined into an overall efficiency for the machine, which is designated as the compressor efficiency, r|c.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and TurbineszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
215
v>
CM
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Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
§
\zyxwvutsrqponm
in
vJ
S
8
iri
0)
O)'?
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
216zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
After calculating the isentropic work, then calculate the shaft work, brake
work, or compressor work, i.e, the work that is delivered to the shaft of the compressor. The compressor work,
(5.21)
r)c
T!S TIB
If the polytropic work is calculated, then the compressor work,
WP
(5.22)
T|G
where Wc is called the compressor, shaft, or brake work.
Using either method, the compressor work should be approximately the
same. Finally, the compressor horsepower,
niWr
Pc = 550
(5.23)
If the compressor driver is an electric motor, then divide the compressor
power by an electric-motor efficiency to size the electric motor.
Table 5.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Compressor Gear, Bearing, and Seal Efficiencies
Component
Gears
Bearings
Mechanical Seals3
Efficiency
0.95 to 0.98
0.95 to 0.99
0.98
to 0.995
a) For seal power losses from 5 kW to 25kW
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
217
Optimum Compression RatiozyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
When compressing a gas to a high pressure, the compressor may be divided into
two or more stages. The pressure ratio per stage for various compressors are given
in Table 5.4. The pressure ratio for a compression stage is determined by mechanical considerations and is the concern of mechanical engineers. If the gas
temperature rises too high, then the gas must be cooled after one or more compression stages. This is illustrated in Figure 5.16 for a centrifugal compressor, where
the gas is removed, cooled in an external heat exchanger, called an intercooler, and
returned to the compressor. The objective is to calculate the number of intercoolers
because they affect the work of compression.
The minimum work of compression is obtained if the compression is isothermal. Figure 5.17 illustrates this, where the isothermal work is compared with
the adiabatic work by comparing the area under to the left of the curves. Thus,
the compressor should be operated isothermally, but practically it is difficult to
remove heat fast enough to obtain isothermal operation because the surface area
needed for heat transfer cannot be contained inside the compressor. Isothermal
operation can be approached by removing the gases from the compressor periodically and cooling the gases in an intercooler, as illustrated in Figure 5.17.
After specifying the compressor inlet and discharge pressures, then the
problem is to find the pressure ratio for each stage of compression. A stage may
contain one or more impellers. We define a stage of compression as one or more
impellers in series with no intercooler between the impellers. Thus, the compressor in Figure 5.16 contains two stages and each stage contains three impellers. If part of the gases condenses after cooling, then there will also be a
Inlet
Outlet
L
Figure 5.16 A centrifugal compressor with intercooling. (Source Ref.
21).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
218zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 5
10
i
l
l
Isothermal Compression zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
Second-stage Adiabatic CompressionzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
0
I i
24
I i
6
i
8
10
i
l
i
12
i
14
t
16
Specific Volume of Gas
Figure 5.17 The effect of operating mode on compressor work.
phase separator after the condenser to separate the gas from the liquid. The total
work of compression is equal to the sum of the work for each stage of compression. Assuming that the compressed gases are cooled to the inlet temperature of
the compressor after each stage, we can use Equation 5.18 for each stage. If it is
also assumed that the pressure drop across intercoolers, phase separators, and
piping is negligible, then the total compressor work,
1
z R T i [ f P2 Yn~
Wp = ————— | | ———|
+ .....
(5.24)
( n - l ) / n L IP,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
where z is the average of the inlet and discharge compressibility factors.
Because the work of compression should be a minimum, differentiate
Equation 5.24 with respect to P, and then set the derivative equal to zero.
2
p3 1
5WP
(5.25)
5P2
P2 J
Next, solve for the pressure ratio for the first stage, P /Pi.
2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
219zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
— =—
Pi P2
(5.26)
Similarly, after differentiating Equation 5.24 with respect to P, and setting
the derivative equal to zero, the pressure ratio for the second stage,
3
P3 P4
—=—
P2 Pa
(5.27)
Therefore,
P2 PB P4
PN
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
d 7K\
— -— — ——— - —
—•
——
(p.zo;
Pi P2 PS
PN-I
Thus, the pressure ratio for each stage should be equal to obtain the minimum work of compression. Then, the pressure ratio for each stage,
P S+ , f p D Y / N
——— = — I
(5.29)
PS
U, )
Next, consider the case where the pressure drop across the intercooler and
connecting piping is significant. If the gas requires cooling between stages, the
pressure drop across the cooler, separator, and piping can be approximated by AP
= 0.1 PD°' for centrifugal compressors except when compressing air [58], where
PD is the discharge pressure for a stage. For air compressors AP = 0.05 PDO? [58],
and for reciprocating compressors AP = 0.3 PD °7 [58]. Now, we can develop a
procedure for calculating the compressor work if intercooling is necessary.
Assuming a two stage compressor, the pressure at the inlet of the second
stage is P3 = P 2 -0.1 P2°'7.
?
ZRT, rfp 2 v n - i ) / n
WP = ————— I I — I
( n - l ) / n L l?i )
( p4
v n -° /n
+ 1 ————————
lP 2 -0.1P 2 0 ' 7 )
+••••••
J
i
(5.30)
Let 6 = (n - l)/n and then differentiate Equation 5.30 with respect to P2. Then, set
the derivative equal to zero to obtain the minimum work of compression. Thus.
P,
a7
Ip 2 -o.ip 2 j
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
7 2
L (p 2 -o.ip 2 °- ) J
(l-0.07P 2 -°- 3 )
(5.31)
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
220
Multiply both sides of Equation 5.31 by P and rearrange the result to obtain
2
f P2 VzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(
P4
V 1-0.07P 2 - 0 ' 3
(Pi)
( P 2 -0.1P 2 a 7 )
1-0.1P 2 ~ 0 3
Because
1-0.07P 2 " 03
———————— « !
1-0.1P2~°"3
(5.33)
we find for the first stage that
— = ————————
PI
P 2 -0.1P 2 a 7
(5-34)
Also, the pressure at the inlet to the second stage is given by P3 = P2 - 0.1
P 2 °- 7 .Thus,P 2 /Pi=P 4 /P 3 .
Similarly, for the third stage,
P4
P6
—- = ———————
P3
P 4 -0.1P 4 °' 7
(5.35)
and the pressure at the inlet to the third stage is given by PS = P4 - 0.1 P4 °'7. Thus,
P/P = Pe/Ps- Because P * P and P ^ P etc., the pressure ratio across any stage
and across the entire compressor are not simply related to the number of stages as
4
3
2
3
4
5
given by Equation 5.29.
The maximum allowed temperature determines the number of intercoolers.
This limit is determined by the stability of seals, lubricants, and other materials
that contact the gas. The gas temperature may have to be even lower than this
limit if the gases are corrosive; undergo chemical reactions at high temperatures,
possibly exploding; or react with the lubricating oil. High compressor operating
temperatures lead to high power consumption and may promote polymerization of
gases such as ethylene, acetylene and butadiene. In this case, the gas temperature
should be limited to 107 °C (225 °F) [2] If the stability of the materials are the only
constraint, then use the temperature limits listed in Table 5.4. If the discharge
temperature exceeds this limit, then the pressure ratio across a stage must be reduced. Ulrich [23] recommends that the temperature be no greater than 200 °C
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
221zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
(392 °F). For low temperatures, Moens [22] reported a temperature as low as -162
°C (-260 °F).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Compressor Sizing
Table 5.7 lists the equations for the sizing a centrifugal compressor and Table 5.8
outlines the calculation procedure. The equations listed in Table 5.7 assumes three
stages of compression. Equation 5.7.1 in Table 5.8 sums up the work for three
stages of compression, where z is the average of the inlet and outlet compressibility factors. Equations 5.7.1 to 5.7.3 can be adjusted to include more or less stages
of compression. The other equations remain the same. To determine the stages of
compression and the number of intercoolers, first assume one stage of compression, and then check if the discharge-temperature limit is exceeded. If it is, then
assume two stages of compression with intercooling after the first stage, and again
check if the temperature limit is exceeded. Repeat the process until the gas temperature is below the maximum acceptable value after each stage of compression.
The discharge temperature can be calculated from Equation 5.14, which was discussed earlier. If R = c - c , is substituted into Equation 5.14, the result is Equation 5.7.6 in Table 5.7,
p
v
Table 5.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing a Compressor
ZR'T,' r fp 2 v n - i)/nzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(
p4
WPN = ————— I I — I
(n-l)/n L (.Pi')
(
Yn-1)/n
P6'
+ I ———————— I
- 1 + 1 ————————I
lP 2 -0.1P 2 a v )
- 1
V n - i)/n
1
-1
I
(5.7.1)
for two stages of compression:
P2
P4
P,'
P 2 -0.1P 2 0 7
for three stages of compression:
P4
P6'
_
P3
_
_________
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
fc 1 -5\
(P./.JJ
P 4 -0.1P 4 0 7
P 2 /P,=P 4 /P 3
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(5.7.4)
222
Chapter 5
Table 5.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
W PN
——————
(5.7.5)
WCN =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
TlpT| s 'r| B 'r| G '
R'
WCN = —————— (TD-T,')
n-1
______
n
k-1
=
______
(5.7.6)
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
/ r 1-1 i-j\
r)pk
rip = f (Vj) — Figure 5.15
(5.7.8)
V! = vi m,'
(5.7.9)
Pcp=W C N m 1 '
(5.7.10)
Thermodynamic Properties
z = (z, + z D )/2
(5.7.11)
z, = f (TR1, PR1) — (Figure 5.14)
(5.7.12)
ZD = f (TRD , PRD) — (Figure 5.14)
(5.7.13)
T R ,=T,7Tc
(5.7.14)
TM.=T D '/T C
(5.7.15)
PRI=PI'/P C
(5.7.16)
PRD=PD'/PC
(5.7.17)
Tc = I i y i ' T c i
(5.7.18)
Pc=Iiyi'Pci
(5.7.19)
k=Ziyi'kj
(5.7.20)
Tci = f (chemical compound') — from Table 5.5
(5.7.21)
P C j = f (chemical compound') — from Table 5.5
(5.7.22)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
223
Table 5.7 Continued zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
k j = f (chemical compound') — from Table 5.5
(5.7.23)
z,R"iY
v, = ————
(5.7.24)
Pi'zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Variables
W PN - W CN - Z - Z, - Z D - P 2 - P 3 - P 4 - PC - PC i - P CP - T C - T c i - PR, - PRD - T D - T R , - TRD -
k - k j - vj -V] -zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
r\T - n
Degrees of Freedom
F = 24 - 24 = 0
Table 5.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Compressor Sizing Procedure__________________
1. Calculate Tc, PC and k from Equations 5.7.18 to 5.7.23.
2. Calculate z, from Equations 5.7.12, 5.7.14, and 5.7.16.
3. Calculate V ls vb riP and (n - l)/n from Equations 5.7.7 to 5.7.9, and 5.7.24.
4. Assume one stage of compression (N = 1, PD = P2).
5. Calculate WP[ from Equation 5.7.1.
6. Calculate the discharge temperature, T2 (TD = T2), from Equations 5.7.5 and
5.7.6.
7. If T2 > Ira,*, assume two stages of compression (N = 2).
8. Calculate P2 (PD = P4) from Equation 5.7.2.
9. Calculate WP2 from Equation 5.7.1.
10. Calculate the discharge temperature, T4 (TD = T4), from Equations 5.7.5 and
5.7.6.
11. Caculate the average compressibility factor z, from Eq. 5.7.11.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
224
Chapter 5
Table 5.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
12. If T4 > T^, assume three stages of compression (N = 3).
13. Calculate P2 and P4 (P D = P6) by solving Equations 5.7.2, 5.7.3, and 5.7.4 simultaneously.
14. Calculate WP3 from Equation 5.7.1.
15. Calculate the discharge temperature, T6 (TD = T6), from Equations 5.7.5 and
5.7.6.
16. If T6 < Tmax, calculate ZD (ZD = z6) from Equations 5.7.13, 5.6.15, and 5.7.17.
17. Calculate z from Equation 5.7.11.
18. Recalculate WP3 from Equation 5.7.1 using the new value of z.
19. Recalculate WCN from Equation 5.7.5. T6 will change and could be recalculated from Equation 5.7.6, but in most cases this will not be necessary.
20. Calculate PCP from Equation 5.7.10.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 5.2 Calculation of Compressor Power _________________
This problem was taken from Reference 5.56. Assume that the electric motor
efficiency is 94%. Calculate the power required for an electric motor drive for a
compressor to compress a process gas containing propane, butane and methane
from 5 °C (41°F) and from 1.4 to 7.0 bar (20.3 to 101 psia). The composition of
the gas in mole percent is: C3H8 = 89.0, n-C4Hi0 = 6.0, and C2H6 = 5.0. The flow
rate is 1090 kgmol/h (2403 Ibmol/h).
Follow the procedure outlined in Table 5.8. First, calculate the mole
fraction averages of the heat capacity ratio, critical temperature, and critical pressure from Equations 5.7.18 to 5.7.23. Critical pressures and temperatures are given
in Table 5.5.
k = 0.89 (1.13) + 0.06 (1.09) + 0.05 (1.19) = 1.131
Tc = 0.89 (370.0) + 0.06 (425.6) + 0.05 (305.6) = 370.1 K (666 °R)
PC = 0.89 (42.5) + 0.06 (38.0) + 0.05 (48.8) = 42.55 bar (617 psia)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
225zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
To determine the compressibility factor at the compressor inlet, zb first
calculate the reduced temperature and pressure.
TI 278.2
TRI=—- = ——— = 0.7517
Tc 370.1
P!
1.4
PRI= —= —— = 0.03290
PC 42.55
From Figure 5.14,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
z\ = 0.97.
At the compressor inlet, the specific volume of the gas (Equation 5.7.24),
z,RT!
P!
0.970.08314
1
1
bar-m3
1
278.2 K
kgmol-K 1.4 bar
1
= 16.03 nrVkgmol (257 ft3/lbmol)
At the inlet conditions, the volumetric flow rate of the gas from Equation
5.7.9,
16.03
m3 1090.0 kgmol
Vi = —————— ——————— = 1.747x104 m3/h
1
kgmol
1
h
or
1.747xl04m3 1 h 35.31ft3
V,= —————— ———— ———— =1.028x10" ft3/min
1
h 60 min
1 m3
From Figure 5.15 at Vi the polytropic or hydraulic efficiency, r\f = 0.73. Therefore, from Equation 5.7.7,
n-1
(k-l)/k
(1.131-1)/1.13
——— = —————— = ————————— = 0.1587
n
t|p
0.73
Assume one stage of compression, and calculate the polytropic work of
compression given by Equation 5.7.1. Because the discharge temperature is un-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
226
known, the average compressibility factor for Equation 7.7.11 cannot be calculated until work done is calculated. To start the calculation, use the compressibility factor at the inlet for one stage of compression, N = 1, in Equation 5.7.1.
Therefore,
n i)/n
i I
7 T? T rzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
I ( IP r v ~I
Z] K i i
Wpl = ———
2
—I
(n-l)/n L I P , )
-i I
J
1
0.97 8314.0
J
278.2K IY7.0 V'1587
I
——
————— ___ ———— i i I I __
i
WPJ — ___
0.1587
1 kgmol-K
1
\\\A )
J
— i ii I
Wpi=4.114xl06J/kgmol(1.770xl03Btu/lbmol)
Now, calculate the discharge temperature from Equation 5.7.6.
( k - l ) / k = (l.131-I)/1.131 =0.1158
0.1158 4.114xl06 J
1
kgmol-K
T2 = ——— ————————— ————————— + 278.2 = 335.5 K (605 °R)
1
1
kgmol 8314.0
J
Therefore, T2 is below 450 K (810 °R) given in Table 5.4. Thus, intercooling
is not required, and a single compression stage is adequate.
Now, find the compressibility factor at the compressor outlet, z, first calculate the reduced temperature and pressure.
2
T2 335.5
TR2 = — = —— = 0.9065
Tc 370.1
P2
7.0
PR2 = —= —— = 0.1645
PC 42.55
From Equation 5.7.12, z2 = 0.93, and the average value of the compressibility factor,
z = (0.97 + 0.93) / 2 = 0.95
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
227zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
which is not significantly different than the inlet value. It is not necessary to recalculate the specific volume and volumetric flow rate.
From, Equation 5.7.5, the shaft work,
4.1 14x1 06
WCN = ————————————— = 6.372x1 06 J/kgmol (2.740x1 03 Btu/lbmol)
0.73 (0.98) (0.95) (0.95)
where conservative values for the seal, bearing and gear efficiencies were taken
from Table 5.6.
From Equation 5.7.10, the total shaft power,
6.372xl06
1
J
1 W 1090.0 kgmol
kgmol J/s
1
h
1
h
1 kW
3600 s 1000 W
P CP = 1929 kW (2590 hp)
The total power required by the electric-motor drive is,
PCP 1.929xl06W
1 hp
PE = —— = —————— - ————— = 2752 hp
TIE
0.94 745.7 W
Because electric motors are available in standard sizes from Table 5. la, select a
standard 3000 hp (2.24x1 03 kW) motor. This choice results in a safety factor of
9%.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
COMPRESSOR AND PUMP DRIVERS
After calculating the work of compression, a suitable driver must be selected. A
compressor driver accounts for about half the cost of a compressor installation
[22]. The possible drivers are electric motors, engines, and turbines. Among the
electric motors are the synchronous, squirrel cage induction, and wound-rotor induction. The engines include reciprocating steam engines, gas engines, and the oil
engines, and turbines consist of steam and gas turbines [24]. The reciprocating
steam engine was one of the first drivers, but it is seldom used today [36] and thus
will not be given further consideration. The electric motor and steam turbine are
the most common, and will be discussed in detail. The gas turbine is used to a
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
228
lesser extent. Some characteristics of electric motors, steam, and gas turbines are
listed in Table 5.9.
Table 5.9: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Characteristics of Compressor and Pump Drivers
Driver3
Power Ranged
Speed rpm
SpeedControl
Efficiency
hp
Squirrel Cage
Induction Motor
1 to 5,000
3600/N (less 2%)
Ne= 1 to 8
Constant
Speed
10hp-86%
100hp-91%
l,OOOhp-94%
Wound Rotor
1 to 1,500
3,550-1,750-1,150
100 to 60%
10hp-86%
870 - 700 - 580
Induction Motor
100hp-91%
1,500 to 2,500
1,750-1,150-870
100 to 60%
l,OOOhp-94%
Synchronous
Motor
100 to 20,000
3600/N
Constant
90 to 97
Steam Turbine
10 to 20,000
2,000 to 15,000
Single Stageb
up to 1,000
1,000 to 7,000
High Back
Pressure5
Single or
Multistage
150 to 3, 000
5,000 to 10,000
Multistage15
Medium
Large
750 to 5,000
5,000 to 60,000
up to 10,000
Gas Turbine0
3,000 to 20,000
10,000
Speed
(all)
100 to 35%
r| A =50to76%
3,000 to 16,000
a) Source: Reference 24 except where indicated.
b) Source: Reference 26.
c) Simple cycle.
d) To convert to kW multiply by 0.7457.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
e) N is the number of poles.
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
229zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Drivers can be grouped according to the type of energy supplied - electrical,
expansion of a high pressure gas, and expansion of a high pressure liquid. An
important consideration in the selection of a driver is to match the speed of the
driver with the speed of the machine. If it is necessary to run both units at different speeds for technical or economic reasons, then gears will be needed to increase
or decrease the speed of the driver. Fans for many applications are V-belt driven.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Electric Motors
Most chemical-plant-size compressors are electrically driven [43]. Moore [25]
discusses the characteristics of squirrel-cage induction and synchronous electrical motors. Wound rotor induction motors have not been used for compressor
drives. For 370 to 4500 kW (500 to 6,000 hp), the induction motors are the first
choice. The squirrel-cage induction motor is the most commonly used driver in
the process industries from 1/8 to 1,5000 hp (0.0932 to 1,120 kW [25]. From
15,000 hp (149 to 11,200 kw) the synchronous motor could be used [25]. If the
compressor is operated at 7,500, 11,000, and 23,000 rad/s (1,200, 1,800 and
3,600 rpm), no step-up gears are required. The least costly speed for an induction motor is 1,000 rad/s (1800 rpm) so that this speed is usually selected. Stepup gears are used to obtain higher speeds.
To calculate the size of an electric motor, divide the compressor shaft power
by an electric-motor efficiency. Efficiencies for electric motors are given in Table
5.9. The size of electric motors are standardized according to horsepower, as
shown in Table 5.10. If less than the standard horsepower is calculated, then the
next standard horsepower is selected.
Table 5.10zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Standard Electric-Motor Sizes
Horsepower3
1/20,1/12, 1/8, 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, 1/2, 1
1-1/2, 2, 3, 5, 7-1/2, 10,15,20, 25, 30,40, 50, 60, 75, 100
125, 150,200,250, 300, 350,400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900,1000
1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000
and up to 30,000
a)To convert to kW multiply by 0.7457.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
230
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Expander szyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The energy from high-pressure gas streams may be used to drive compressors or
pumps. High pressure gases range in temperature from the low-temperature cryogenic fluids to high-temperature combustion gases. The energy source could be
the process stream itself or an external working fluid such as steam. Frequently,
the energy source is high-pressure steam, but the process engineer should seek
opportunities to conserve energy by utilizing the energy from high-pressure process streams whenever possible. In either case, the energy for compression or
pumping is obtained by expanding the gas through an expander. Like dynamic
compressors, gas expanders are available in either the radial or axial-flow design,
where the radial-flow design is used for low flow rates and high-pressure differences and the axial-flow types at high flow rates and low-pressure differences (1 to
40 bar) (0.9869 to 39.5 arm) [28].
The radial-flow expander consists of inflow and outflow types. In the radial-outflow type, the gas flows from the center to periphery of the impeller. The
radial-outflow expander is used for very low enthalpy drops, 58 to 70 kJ/kg (25 to
30 Btu/lb) per stage [29]. The radial-inflow expander is similar to a centrifugal
compressor used in reverse, i.e., the gas flows radially inward from the periphery
of the impeller, exhausting approximately axially. Most radial turbines are of the
inflow type. One example of the radial outflow type is the Ljungstrom turbine,
which usually uses steam in small in-house generating plants, producing 10 to 35
MW (13,400 to 46,900 hp) of power [30]. Similarly, the axial expander resembles
an axial compressor where the gas flows through an annular passage in a direction
that is substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft. In both cases, however, the
expander blade design differs from the compressor blade design. An expander
stage consists of a nozzle followed by a rotor. The purpose of a nozzle is to accelerate a fluid, converting pressure into kinetic energy, and then guide the gas into
the rotor where kinetic energy is converted into work. The gas velocity varies
from above to below the speed of sound. For a radial flow expander, the nozzle
may be a fixed set of vanes, a variable set of vanes, or no vanes at all [27]. A radial-flow expander is shown in Figure 5.18.
Steam Turbines
If the working fluid is steam, then the expander is called a steam turbine. Steam
turbines are available as single and multistage units having several blade designs
and arrangements [31]. If the power generated is too large for a single stage turbine, or if it is necessary to expand the steam more than once to improve the turbine efficiency, then use a multistage turbine. Inlet steam is limited to about 42 bar
(615 psia) and 440 °C (750 °F) [31].
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
231
rotor full, or
Figure 5.18zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A radial-inflow turbine. (Source Ref. 27 with permission).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
If the steam is expanded to atmospheric pressure or above, the turbine is
called noncondensing. Noncondensing turbines are used when the exhaust steam
is needed for process heating. On the other hand, if the steam is expanded to below
atmospheric pressure, the turbine is called condensing. Usually, the exhaust pressure is between 0.0040 to 0.0053 bar (3 to 4 mm Hg, 0.058 to 0.0769 psia), but
can be anywhere from 0.0013 to 0.020 bar (1 to 15 mm Hg, 0.0189 to 0.29 psia).
In condensing turbines, the exhaust steam may contain as much as 15 % moisture
by mass, but 10 % is common practice [32],
Because centrifugal and axial compressors are high-speed machines, they
could be driven by steam turbines, which are designed for the same high speeds
and thus may be directly coupled. To improve efficiency, however, recent developments in steam-turbine technology are in the direction of achieving higher
speeds, which will require gears to match the speed of the driven machine [33].
About 2 to 3% of the shaft power is lost by gear friction [26].
To size a steam turbine requires calculating the steam flow rate, which will
eventually be needed to size a steam boiler. A summary of equations for sizing a
steam turbine are given in Table 5.11 and the calculation procedure in Table 5.12.
In this case, the mass balance is simple in that the steam flow rate into the turbine
is equal to the steam and the condensate flow rate out of the turbine.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
232
mi = m2L + m2V
(5.36)
If Equation 5.36 is divided by mt we find that
m2L m2V
——— — — = 1
mi
nil
(5.37)
but XL = m2L /ni! the mass fraction of condensate and xv = m2V/mi mass friction of
steam. Thus,
XL + xv = 1
(5.38)
This obvious relationship is used in Table 5.11 to obtain mass-fraction averages of
thermodynamic properties of steam-condensate mixtures. The macroscopic energy
balance, is used to obtain the steam flow rate. Like compressors, the kinetic and
potential energy terms are not significant, and the expansion is assumed to be
adiabatic.
Table 5.11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Steam Turbines_______
Subscripts: Isentropic process, s
First subscript: Entering steam, 1 — Exit steam, 2
Second subscript: Condensate, L — Steam, VzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Energy Balance
Pc' = r| T m(hi-h 2S )
(5.11.1)
h,-h 2
= ——— __ definition
h, - h2S
(5.11.2)
Si = s2S — isentropic process
(5.11.3)
r,T
Single Stage
TIT = ( l - x / 2 ) O i B / C s )
(5.11.4)
T|B = f((o',Pi',Pc') — Figure 5.19
(5.11.5)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
233zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
Cs = f (degrees of superheat) — Figure 5.2
(5.11.6)
Multistage
(5.11.7)
% = f (P,', PC', x) — Figure 5.21
(5.11.8)
GS = f (degrees of superheat') — Figure 5.21
(5.11.9)
c P =f (condensing pressure') — Figure 5.21
(5.11.10)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Thermodv namic Properties
S =XsS s + (l-Xs)s S
2 S
2 L
2 V
(5.11.11)
h2s = xs h2LS + (1 - xs) h2VS
(5.11.12)
h2 = xh 2L + (l-x)h 2 V
(5.11.13)
s, = f(T,',P,')
(5.11.14)
S2LS = f(P 2' )
(5.11.15)
s 2 vs=f(P2 r )
(5.11.16)
h,=f(T,',P 2 ')
(5.11.17)
h2LS = f(P2')
(5.11.18)
h 2 V s=f(P 2 ')
(5.11.19)
h2L = f(P2')
(5.11.20)
h 2 V =f(P 2 ')
(5.11.21)
Variables
Single Stage
t|T - r|B - cs - m - hj - h2 - h2S - h2LS - h2Vs - h2L - h2V - s t - s2S - s2LS - s2Vs - x - xs
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
234
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Table 5.11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
Multistage
T|T - T|B - CS - Cp - m - ll! - h2 - h2S - h2LS - Ws -zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
^2L - h2V - Si - S2S - S 2LS - S2VS - X
-x s
Degrees of Freedom
Single stage
F=17-17 = 0
Multistage:
F=18-18 = 0____________________________________
Table 5.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculating Procedure for Sizing Steam Turbines_______
1. Obtain the thermodynamic properties (Equations 5.11.14 to 5.11.21) at the inlet
and discharge of the turbine from the steam tables (44).
2. Calculate the mass fraction of water in the turbine exit stream, xs, assuming an
isentropic expansion of the steam from P i to ?2 (Equations 5.11.3 and 5.11.11).
3. Obtain the turbine efficiency, r\B, for a single-stage turbine from Equation
5.11.5 or Equation 5.11.8 for a multistage turbine.
4. Obtain the correction factor for superheated steam, cs, for a single-stage turbine
from Equation 5.11.6. For a multistage turbine, obtain the correction factors cs and
cp from Equation 5.11.9 and 5.11.10
5. Calculate the exit enthalpy for an isentropic expansion, h2s, from Equation
5.11.12.
6. Calculate the actual mass fraction of water in the exit steam, x, for a single-stage
turbine from Equation 5.11.2, 5.11.4, and 5.11.13. For a multistage turbine calculate x, from Equation 5.11.2, 5.11.7, and 5.11.13.
7. Calculate the steam flow rate, m, from Equations 5.11.1.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
235zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Thus,
WT = - Ah
(5.39)
The turbine efficiency,
Ah
T!T= ——
Ahs
(5-40)
where Ahs is the change in enthalpy for an isentropic expansion.
Therefore,
WT = - T|T Ahs = - TVT (has - hi) =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
i\r(hi - h2S)
(5.41)
After multiplying Equation 5.41 by the steam flow rate, m, we obtain
= Ti T m(h 1 -h 2S )
(5.42)
Because power is the rate of doing work, PT = m WT, Equation 5.42 becomes
PT = Tl T m(h 1 -h 2S )
(5.43)
When sizing steam turbines, Molich [34] recommends a safety factor of
10%.
Efficiencies for single-stage turbines are given in Figure 5.19 for noncondensing, dry, saturated steam. As it can be seen, the turbine efficiency, which includes mechanical as well as hydraulic losses, depends on brake or shaft power,
steam pressure, and turbine speed. To take into account the reduction in efficiency
caused by condensation, an arbitrary method, quoted in Reference 14, is to multiply the turbine efficiency by the average of the vapor mass fraction entering and
leaving the turbine. Also, the effect of superheated steam on the turbine efficiency
is taken into account by dividing by a correction factor, cs, given in Figure 5.20.
Thus, the turbine efficiency of a single-stage turbine, given by Neerkin [31], iszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
(zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
X "l T)B
TIT = | I - —
—
(5.44)
I 2) cs
where x is the mass fraction of water, and T|B is the single-stage isentropic efficiency from Figure 5.19.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
236
ISOPSI,3j600RPM
(50PSI.I300RPM
600P$I,3*OOWM
600PSI, 1.800RPH
GEARED TURBINE
-HALF-LOW STEAM
- RATE FACTOR
(ma. SEAR toss)
-ATM. BACK PRESS.
150PSt,3,600RPtl
300PSI.3J600RM
I
150PSI, 1.BOORPIII
300PSI, 1.800RPM
600PSLI.BOOWMzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR
20
30 4050607080100
ZOO
300400500zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPON
Brake Horsepower
Figure 5.19 Isentropic efficiencies for single-stage noncondensing turbines - dry saturated steam. From Ref. 31 with permission.
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
II
100
200
300
Initial Superheat, °F
Figure 5.20 Efficiency correction factors for single-stage turbines - superheated steam. From Ref. 31 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
237zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
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Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
238
A single-stage turbine is limited to about 2,500 hp (1,490 kW) [31]. The
efficiencies plotted in Figures 5.19 and 5.20 are used for estimating steam flow
rates. Methods for determining more accurate efficiencies and steam flow rates
are given in Reference 5.31.
When higher power than a single-stage turbine can provide is needed, then
use a multistage turbine for greater efficiency and hence steam economy. Turbine
efficiencies for both condensing and noncondensing, multistage steam turbines are
given in Figure 5.21. These efficiencies must be corrected for the effect of using
superheated steam and the discharge pressure, if it is in the vacuum region. Thus,
r|=c s c P r|B
(5.45)
where r| is the efficiency of dry saturated steam, obtained from Figure 5.19. The
superheat correction factor, GS, and the pressure correction factor, CP, are also obtained from Figure 5.21. In the upper part of Figures 5.19 and 5.21, a half-load,
steam-rate factor is plotted. When the turbine is delivering half its rated power,
the steam flow rate will be equal to this factor times one half the full-steam flow
rate.
The ideal final state, designated with a subscript s, is reached by conducting
an isentropic process from state one to state two. This process is given by EquationS.11.3 in Table 5.11.
If the steam leaves the turbine part liquid and vapor, the properties of the
exit stream are determined by a mass fraction average of the properties of pure
liquid and vapor as given by Equation 5.11.11 to 5.11.13. According to the phase
rule, these properties are a function of one thermodynamic variable. Because the
inlet steam is superheated, the properties depend on two variables as given by
Equation 5.11.14 and 5.11.17. Problem 5.3 illustrates the calculation procedure
given in Table 5.12.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
B
Example 5.3 Sizing a Steam-Turbine Drive for a Centr ifugal Compressor
Superheated steam at 13.0 bar (189 psi) and 260.0 °C (500 °F) is being considered
to drive a compressor. The shaft power required by the compressor, Pc, is 100 hp
(74.6kW). If a steam turbine rotates at 3,600 rpm and exhausts at 0.15 bar (2.18
psi), what is the power output, steam rate, and steam condensed.
Follow the calculation procedure outline in Table 5.12. First, obtain the
thermodynamic properties (Equations 5.8.14 to 5.8.21) at the inlet and discharge
of the turbine from the steam tables [44]. These are:
at P] = 1.30 MPa and Tj = 260.0 °C, hi = 2954.0 kJ/kg, s, = 6.8301 kJ/kg-K, and at
saturation T= 191.6 °C
at P2 = 0.015 MPa, T2 = 45.81 °C, h2L = 191.83 kJ/kg, h2V = 2584.7, s2L = 0.6493
kJ/kg-K, s2V = 8.1502 kJ/kg-K
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
239zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
For an isentropic process (Equation 5.11.3), B! = s . Therefore, from Equation5.ll.ll,
2S
s2S = 6.8301 = 0.6493 xs + 8.1502 (1 -xs)
The mass fraction of water in the exit stream for an isentropic process, xs, is equal
to 0.1760.
From Equation 5.11.12 for an isentropic process, the exit enthalpy for the
part-water, part-vapor stream,
h2S= 0.1760 (191.83) + 0.824 (2584.7) = 2164.0 kJ/kg (930 Btu/lb)
The compressor power is within the range of single-stage turbines. If it is assumed that the compressor will be directly coupled to the steam turbine, the compressor shaft power must be matched by the steam-turbine shaft power. Allowing
for a 10% safety factor, the power delivered to the compressor will be 110 hp
(82.0 kW). From Equation 5.11.5, the turbine efficiency, T|B, at 36,000 rpm, 110
hp (82.0 kW), and 1.30 MPa (188.5 psi), is 36%.
The correction factor for superheated steam, c, is obtained from Equation
5.11.6 (Figure 5.20). The correction factor depends on the degrees of superheat at
the turbine inlet, and it is defined as the difference between the steam temperature
and the saturation temperature.
s
superheat = (260.0 - 191.6) °C (9 °F / 5 °C) = 123.1 °F
From Figure 5.20, cs » 0.87.
After solving Equation 5.11.2, 5.11.4, and 5.11.13 for x by eliminating h2
and T|T, we obtain
hiv - h , + (TiB/c s )(h 1 -h 2 s)
x = —————————————————
h2V - h2L + ( T|B / 2 cs)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
hi - h2S)
2584.7 - 2954.0 + (0.36 / 0.87) (2954.0 - 2164.0)
x = ———————————————————————————— = - 0.0762
584.7 - 191.83 + [0.36 / 2 (0.87)] (2954.0 - 2164.0)
A negative sign means that no condensation occurs. This can also be shown
by calculating the actual enthalpy of the exit steam from Equation 5.11.2. If x = 0,
TIT = T)B/CS, as can be seen from Equation 5.11.4. Thus, from Equation 5.11.2, the
actual enthalpy,
h2 = h, - (TIB/ cs) (h! - h2S) = 2954.0 - (0.36 / 0.87) (2954.0 - 2164.0)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
240
= 2627 kJ/kg(l 129 Btu/lb)
Therefore, h2 > hav, which means that the steam leaves the turbine superheated.
Although in the isentropic process condensation occurs, friction in the turbine increases the steam temperature and therefore the enthalpy of the steam, preventing
condensation.
The steam flow rate can now be calculated from Equation 5.11.1. The adjusted shaft power is 110 hp (82.0 kW). The steam flow rate,
0.87 HO.Ohp 745.7 J/s
1
kg
m = —— ———— ————— ———————————— = 250.9 kg/s (553 Ib/s)
1
1 hp (2954.0-2164.0) JzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
0.36
Gas Turbines
If the working fluid is a combustion gas, formed by burning a gaseous or liquid
fuel, the expander is called a gas turbine. The gas turbine is a relatively recent
developed driver for process plants. Figure 5.22 shows a flow diagram for a simple-cycle gas turbine. Fuel is burned with excess compressed air in a combustor at
constant pressure. The gas entering the turbine is limited to 760 to 1,000 °C
(1,400 to 1,830 °F) because of temperature limits on the materials of construction
[37]. The gases are maintained in this temperature range by using excess air. After
combustion, the pressurized gas expands through a turbine to about 0.025 bar (10
in H2O) above atmospheric pressure to allow for the exit-duct losses [38]. The gas
turbine drives the air compressor and provides excess power for other process machinery. Inlet-duct pressure losses are about 0.0075 bar (3 in HO, 0.109 psia)
[36]. The combustion gas typically contains 14 to 19 % oxygen [37]. An efficiently-operated system requires recovering the enthalpy of the hot exhaust gas.
The ratio of the output power to the total power generated varies from 0.33 to 0.50
[34].
The gas turbine requires an electric starting motor or steam turbine for starting until the gas-turbine speed reaches 55 % of its final speed and becomes selfsupporting. For most applications gears are required to match the speed of the
driven equipment [34]. Molich [34] recommends a safety factor of 10 % when
justifying sizing gas turbines. The gas turbine for process applications ranges from
1,000 (746 kW) to greater than 100,000 hp (74,600 kW) [34].
2
Tur boexpander s
When the source of high-pressure gas is a process stream, the expander is referred
to as a turboexpander. Some process applications of turboexpanders are: the sepa-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
241zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
ration of air into oxygen and nitrogen, recovery of condensable hydrocarbons from
natural gas, liquefaction of gases, and energy recovery from high pressure gas
streams. After conducting chemical reactions at high pressures, the pressure of the
effluent stream must be eventually reduced. For example, in the process for synthesizing methanol, the purge gas from the synthesis loop is used as a fuel at 3 to 4
Fuel
Exhaust
Air Intake
Compressor Power
Output Power
Figure 5.22zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A simple cycle gas turbine. From Ref. 34.
bar (43.5 to 58 psia), but the synthesis loop is at 100 to 300 bar (1,450 to 4,350
psia). Thus, the pressure could be dropped through a turbine, partially recovering
the energy of the high-pressure stream [28]. Turboexpanders operate at pressures up to 3,000 psia (207 bar) with isentropic efficencies of 75 to 88% [39]. To
conserve energy, the turboexpander is frequently used in expanding gas streams
in cryogenic processes. For half of these applications, the stream condenses producing, in some cases, more than 50 % by mass of liquid or better [39].
Hydraulic Turbines
Hydraulic turbines are used for recovering energy from high-pressure liquid
streams. A common process application is an absorber-stripper combination. In
this application, a gas is absorbed in a solvent at a high pressure, where absorption is favored. Then, the solvent is stripped of the absorbed components at a
low pressure, where stripping is favored, to recover the solvent. Thus, the energy of the high-pressure solvent stream from an absorber can be partially recovered by a hydraulic turbine. There are three types of hydraulic turbines, the
Pelton-wheel turbine, the Francis turbine, and the propeller reaction turbine, an
axial type turbine. The propeller reaction turbine is used in hydroelectric applications and will not be considered further. The Pelton-wheel and Francis tur-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
242
bines are shown in Figure 5.23.
In the Pelton-wheel turbine, used for low flow rates, a high-pressure liquid
flows through a nozzle to convert the pressure to a high velocity jet which impinges on an impulse wheel or runner. This turbine may contain one to four nozzles. Above approximately 800 m3/h (28,200 ft3/h) the Francis turbine becomes
Impulse Wheel
AdjustablezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
Guide
, Vanes on Runner
AdjustablezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
__
Nozzle Needles
Pelton-Wheel Turbine
Francis Turbine
Figure 5.23zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Hydraulic turbines. From Ref. 40 with permission.
more economical [28]. The Francis turbine contains a stationary guide case where
pressure is partially converted into kinetic energy. In the runner, pressure is further
converted into kinetic energy.
Radial-flow centrifugal pumps running backwards can also be used in
place of a hydraulic turbine. Although pumps are less expensive, the power
recovered by a hydraulic turbine can exceed that of reverse-running pump by
10% or more [28]. Buse [41] has outlined a method for selecting a centrifugal
pump that will give the best efficiency when operating as a turbine. The hydraulic efficiency of pumps used as turbines are usually 5 to 10 % below the
value given for the pump [39].
The turboexpander is also a hydraulic turbine used for flashing liquids and
liquids releasing dissolved gases as discussed by Swearingen [42]. Capacities
range from 50 to 1,000 hp (39.3 to 746 kW), suction pressures from 1,000 to
1,500 psia (69 to 103 bar) and discharge pressures from 50 to 200 psia (3.45 to
13.79 bar). In an illustrative example, Swearingen cites an isentropic efficiency
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
243zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
of 67 % at a rotational speed of 31,000 rpm. The recovered power can be used
to drive a pump or compressor.
The energy available in a high-pressure liquid or gas process stream must
be balanced by the energy required by a compressor or pump. Thus, the power
delivered by an energy-recovery turbine must be absorbed at the same rate by
the compressor or pump. Also, a gas turbine, turboexpander, and hydraulic turbine require an electric motor or steam turbine for starting the driven machinery.
Figure 5.22 illustrates a system for starting an axial compressor which is driven
by an expander. At startup, the energy from the expander is not available so that
the electric motor drives the compressor. When the processes approaches steady
operation, the expander supplies some of the energy to operate the compressor.
Eventually, the process reaches steady state, and the motor may continue
to supply power to the compressor if there is insufficient power delivered by the
expander. If the power delivered by the expander exceeds the power needed by
the compressor, then the excess power will be absorbed by the generator and
delivered to the plant's electrical-distribution system.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFE
PUMPS
Like compressors, pumps are divided into two main categories according to their
principle of operation, positive-displacement or dynamic. In positivedisplacement pumps, pressure is developed by trapping a quantity of liquid in a
chamber and then compressing it to the discharge pressure. In a dynamic pump,
the fluid first acquires kinetic energy which is then converted to pressure. The
classification of pumps according to this scheme is shown in Figure 5.24, and
some characteristics of selected pumps are given in Table 5.13. Examples of
these pumps are shown in Figure 5.25 For a more detailed discussion of pumps
than will be given here, the reader should refer to Holland and Chapman [45].
POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
The characteristic feature of positive-displacement pumps is that ideally they will
deliver the same volume of liquid at every stroke regardless of the discharge pressure. In practice, the flow rate will decrease with increasing pressure because of
increasing leakage pass the seals. This is shown by the characteristic curve in Figure 5.26. The characteristic curve, which is supplied by the pump manufacturer, is
a plot of pressure or head against the flow rate of water. Head is the height of a
column of liquid that exerts a pressure equal to a given pressure. The difference
between the ideal and actual flow rate is called slip. A very high pressure will be
developed if the discharge line of a positive-displacement pump becomes blocked.
Thus, in order to prevent damage to the pump and piping, a pressure relief valve
must be installed across the pump. As soon as the design pressure is exceeded,
the relief valve automatically opens and discharges liquid into the pump inlet. Be-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
244
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
cause of this characteristic of positive-displacement pumps, if a valve, located on
the discharge side of the pump, is used to vary the flow rate, then, the discharged
pressure must be controlled. A variable-speed drive could also be used to vary the
flow rate. Generally, positive-displacement pumps are employed where it is required to deliver low flow rates at high pressures. If high flow rates at high pressures are required, then the pumps are installed in parallel. To develop high pressures requires close clearances between the moving parts to minimize leakage, but
close clearances means that the pump must move at slower speeds to avoid excessive wear. Thus, pumps designed to develop high pressures are forced to deliver low flow rates. On the other hand, pumps designed to deliver high flow rates
usually cannot develop high pressures.
Positive-displacement pumps are self priming, which is the ability of a
pump to lift liquids from a level below the center line of the pump. This characteristic of positive-displacement pumps is attributed to the tight seal between the
discharge and suction sides of the pump. Thus, at startup air is compressed and
Figure 5.24zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pump-classification chart.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
245
Table 5.13zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pump CharacteristicszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pump Type"
Flow Range3
gal/min
Positive
Displacement
Reciprocating
Rotary
10 to 10,000
Pressure
Rangeb
Head, ft
Pump Efficiency
%
1.0xlOsmax
70 at 10 hp
85 at 50 hp
90 at 500 hp
50 at 80 hp
1 to 5,000
50,000 max
15 to 5,000
20 to 11, 000
500 max
5,500 max
Dynamic
Centrifugal
Single Stage
Multistage
Axial
20 to 100,000
40
45 at 100 gal/min
70 at 500 gal/min
80 at 10,000 gal/min
65 to 85
a) To convert to rrrVmin multiply by 0.003785. d) Source of data: Ref 4.
b) To convert to meters multiply by 0.3048.
c) To convert to kW multiply by 0.7457.
Source Ref. 46.
discharged, creating a vacuum in the suction line allowing liquid to fill the line. As
can be seen in Figure 5.24, positive-displacement pumps are classified into two
main groups: reciprocating and rotary pumps. These two classes of pumps are
discussed in the next two sections.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Reciprocating Pumps
In a reciprocating pump, a piston, plunger or diaphragm moves back-and-forth
resulting in an alternating increase and decrease in the volume of the chamber.
Examples of common reciprocating pumps are shown in Figure 5.25. As the volume of the chamber is increased by withdrawal of the plunger or diaphragm, a
low suction pressure draws liquid into the pump. Then, as the plunger returns, it
displaces the liquid forcing it out the discharge. The pump contains check valves
to prevent backflow. Reciprocating pumps have a pulsating discharge as contrasted to rotary or centrifugal pumps which produce steady flow. The pulsation
causes piping to flex and vibrate. This, in turn, may cause piping connections to
leak and piping to fail in fatigue. To minimize pulsation, the designer could select
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
246zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Outlet Valve
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Manifold
'f\
-
Y/W/f//
/
<F///S///MftlW>
—ftrton
-*•
Inlet Valve^^^tfSS///tf/////////s\
S) (E22
Kfl
Yi.
\
Manifold
Inlet Valve
Hunger (Source: Reference 5.49)
Piston (Source: Reference 5.49)
Inlet Valwx
Diaphragm
Diaphragm (Source: Reference 5.49)
Reciprocating Pumps
Gear
Gear (Source: Adapted from Reference 5.60)
Sliding Vane (Source: Adapted from Reference 5.60)
—— Shad
Staler Rotor
Progressive Cavity
Rotary Pumps
Figure 5.25 Common positive-displacement pumps. Adapted from Refererence 49, 60 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
247zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Ideal
izyxwvutsrqponm
ActualzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
T
Slip
Pressure
Figure 5.26 Characteristic curve for a rotary positive-displacement
pump.
reciprocating pumps with multiple cylinders arranged in parallel so that one discharge stroke begins before another has ended. Alternatively, or in addition, the
designer can use pulsation dampers, discussed by Reynolds [47]. The piston pump
uses a piston as the displacement element, the plunger pump, a rod, and the diaphragm pump a flexible diaphragm. Also, because the piston and plunger pumps
have close clearances between parts, they cannot pump liquids containing any
solids. The diaphragm pump is used where leakage or contamination cannot be
tolerated, and it is suitable for pumping liquids containing solids, shear-sensitive
liquids, and viscous liquids.
Rotary Pumps
Figure 5.25 shows some common rotary pumps. Rotary pumps, as contrasted to reciprocating pumps, produce a smooth-flowing discharge and do not
require check valves at the inlet and discharge sides of the pump. Rotary pumps
rotate at higher speeds than reciprocating pumps, and thus they can deliver a
higher flow rate but at the expense of delivering lower pressures than reciprocating pumps. A gear pump is shown in Figure 5.25, where a drive gear and driven
gear are contained in a casing. Liquid flows around the periphery of the revolving gears from the suction to the discharge sides of the pump. Between the gears
and side plates and between the gear tips and the housing requires a certain
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
248
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
amount of clearance. Clearance is necessary to prevent seizure, but it also results in leakage, called slippage. A sliding-vane pump, shown in Figure 5.25, is
similar to a sliding-vane compressor or vacuum pump. Rectangular vanes that
are free to move in a radial slot are placed at regular intervals around the rotor.
As the rotor revolves, the vanes are thrown outwards against the casing to form
a seal. In the suction side of the pump, the space between the vanes fills with
liquid, which is then compressed and discharged. Both the gear and slidingvane pumps are not suitable for pumping liquids containing solids.
A progressive-cavity pump is shown in Figure 5.25. A helical screw revolves in a fixed casing which is shaped to produce cavities. At the suction side of
the pump, the liquid flows into a partial vacuum created in a cavity, which moves
the liquid to the discharge side of the pump as the helical screw rotates. Toward
the discharge side, the shape of the casing causes the cavity to close. This action
generates an increase in pressure forcing the liquid into the outlet line. The discharge pressure determines the length and pitch of the helical-screw rotor. Unlike
the other types of rotary pumps, the progressive-cavity pump, can pump liquids
containing large amounts of nonabrasive suspended solids.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
DYNAMIC PUMPS
Dynamic pumps are divided into two main classes as shown in Figure 5.24, centrifugal and peripheral. Dynamic pumps are characterized by their ability to deliver high flow rates at low pressures. To achieve high flow rates requires that the
impeller rotate at high speeds. Thus, the clearances between the impeller and the
pump housing are larger than those between moving and stationary parts of positive-displacement pumps. This, in turn, means that the pressures developed by
dynamic pumps cannot be as large as the pressures developed by positivedisplacement pumps. Dynamic pumps, with the exception of peripheral pumps,
are not self priming. The large clearances between the impeller and casing does
not facilitate the removal of air from the pump at startup. Thus, dynamic pumps
must be filled with the liquid being pumped before starting, which is called priming. The flow rate from dynamic pumps is smooth and is easily be controlled by
installing a control valve on the discharge side of the pump.
Centrifugal Pumps
About 95 % of the pumps used in the chemical industry are centrifugal pumps.
The centrifugal pump contains an impeller, usually having curved blades that are
mounted on a shaft. The blades rotate inside a volute casing, as shown in Figure
5.27. A liquid enters axially into the eye of the impeller and velocity is imparted
to the liquid by rotating blades. An appreciable amount of the kinetic energy of
the liquid is then converted into pressure in the casing. Centrifugal pumps are
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Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
249zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
employed where it is required to deliver a high flow rate at a medium pressure. To
achieve higher discharge pressures with centrifugal pumps, several stages are in-
InletzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Radial-Flow Centrifugal
Peripheral
Source: Reference 5.45
Source: Reference 5.45
Propeller
Shaft
Axial How
Figure 5.27zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Dynamic pumps.
stalled on one shaft or the pumps are installed in series. Centrifugal pumps are not
self priming. Methods of priming centrifugal pumps are discussed by Kern [48].
A centrifugal pump operating at a constant speed will develop the same head in
feet regardless of the specific gravity of the fluid being pumped, provided that the
viscosity of the fluids do not differ significantly. For this reason, it is usual to plot
the pump characteristic curve as head against volume flow rate for a given rotational speed. Viscosities of less than 50 cp (0.05 Pa-s) will not affect the head
appreciably. The effect of viscosity is to change the internal friction of the pump
and thus the head developed by the pump. Although the head developed by dif-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
250
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
ferent fluids are the same, the pressure will differ. The denser fluid will exert the
greater pressure. The power consumed will also be greater for the denser fluid.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
Head
Flowrate, gal/min
Figure 5.28zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Characteristic curve for a centrifugal pump.
Figure 5.28 shows typical performance curves for a centrifugal pump. The pump
manufacturer supplies these curves for water. When a control valve in the pump
discharge opens or closes, the pump will follow these performance curves.
Pumps wear and the curve will change with time. In addition, friction factors will generally increase with time because of corrosion and deposits. For
these reasons, pumps are usually oversized and thus will initially deliver larger
flow rates than required. A control valve installed on the discharge side of the
pump will bring the pump to the desired operating point on the curve.
Peripheral Pumps
A peripheral pump, shown in Figure 5.27, is sometimes referred to as a regenerative pump or a turbine pump because of the shape of the impeller. This pump
employs a combination of mechanical impulse and centrifugal force to produce
heads of several hundred feet at low flow rates. The impeller, which rotates at
high speed with small clearances, has many short radial passages milled on each
side at the periphery of the impeller. Similar passages are milled in the mating
surfaces of the casing. Upon entering, the liquid flows into the impeller pas-
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251zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
sages and proceeds in a spiral pattern around the periphery, passing alternately
passing alternately from impeller to the casing, receiving successive impulses.
In effect, this pump may be considered a multi-stage pump with the stages built
into the periphery of the impeller. A characteristic curve is shown in Figure
5.29.
Peripheral pumps are particularly useful for pumping low-flow-rate, lowviscosity liquids at high pressures than are normally available with centrifugal pumps. Close clearances limit their use to clean liquids. Also, because of the
close clearances between the impeller and casing, a peripheral pump has excellent
suction lift-up to 8.5m (128 ft) of head.
Axial-Flow Pumps
At very high flow rates and low heads, axial and mixed-flow pumps
provide more efficient pumping in smaller casings than centrifugal pumps.
The higher flow rates are achieved with higher pumping speeds than centrifugal pumps. The impeller of an axial-flow pump resembles a boat propeller as
shown in Figure 5.27. A typical characteristic curve is shown in Figure 5.30.
Because the suction lift of an axial-flow pump is not good, the intake must be
located below or only slightly above the liquid surface.
Head
Flowrate, gal/min
Figure 5.29zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Characteristic curve for a peripheral pump.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
252
Head zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Flowrate, gal/min
Figure 5.30 Characteristic curve for an axial-flow pump.
PUMP SELECTIONzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Figure 5.31 shows the operating range of the pumps discussed. As you would
expect there is overlap in the operating range of the various pumps. In the overlaping region, selecting the right pump requires experience, but as a general rule
a centrifugal pump should be considered first. Figure 5.31 shows that centrifugal
pumps can be used to produce high pressures by staging.
PUMP SIZING
Because liquids are incompressible, Equation 5.2 may be used to calculate the
work required to pump a liquid. The kinetic energy term is small compared to the
other terms and is neglected. Therefore, Equation 5.2 reduces to
(g/gc)Az + Ap/p+ W+ E = 0
(5.46)
where the units of each term is in ft-l
Next, define the flow system as point 1 for the inlet and point 2 for the
outlet. After expanding Equation 5.46, we obtain.
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253zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
(g/gc) (z2 - z,) + (p2 - p,)/P + W + E = 0
(5.47)
The friction pressure loss term is split into two parts, one for the suction side
of the pump, E, and, the other for the discharge side of the pump, E . Thus, Equation 5.47 becomes, after solving for W.
s
W = (g/gc) (z, - z2) + (p, - p2)/p - (Es + ED)
D
(5.48)
Frequently, we must make a preliminary estimate of the pump work. Manufacturers do not stock all pumps and other expensive machinery because of the
cost of carrying an inventory. The machinery is manufactured on receipt of an
order from a customer. Manufacturing some process machinery, may take six
months or longer. To save time in implementing a project will require ordering
equipment having long delivery times before completing a detailed design. Also,
the management of a firm will require an estimate of the cost of a project to prepare a budget or a proposal for a customer.
To estimate the size of a pump at the preliminary stages of a process design
before the flow system is completely defined, requires experience with similar
designs. From Equation 5.48, we see that the elevation, pressure difference, and
frictional pressure losses of the system have to be estimated. Before using Equation 5.48, clearly define the system. Points 1 and 2 are usually selected, when the
pressures are known at these points. The elevation, Az, of the flow system can be
made from a rough estimate of the size and the location of equipment. Table 5.14
gives rules-of-thumb for locating equipment. The pressure at both ends of the
system will be known. Because the exact length of piping and the kind and number of fittings will not be known until all equipment is exactly located and the piping designed, a rule-of-thumb must be used to estimate the frictional pressure
losses, E. Valle-Riestra [50] recommends using a very liberal pipeline frictional
pressure drop of 0.345 bar (5.0 psi) and a 0.345 bar pressure drop across control
valves. Walas [46], however, states that a 0.69 bar (10.0 psi) pressure drop across
a control valve is required for adequate control. Table 5.16 contains rules-ofthumb for frictional pressure losses for some equipment.
Once the work is estimated, the pump shaft power,
PP = m W / r | p
(5.49)
where T|P , the pump efficiency, includes both the hydraulic and mechanical frictional losses. Pump efficiencies are given in Table 5.13 for several pumps. Table
5.17 outlines a calculation procedure for calculating an approximate pump size.
Example 5.4 illustrates the procedure.
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254
Chapter 5
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Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
255
Table 5.14zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Rules-of-Thumb for Locating Process Equipment
Process Equipment
Location Above
Ground Level0, ft
0
20
10
3 to 5
3 to 6
Pumps
Condensers
Reflux Drums
Phase Separators
Skirt3 Height for Columns"
(2 to 12 ft in diameter)
Heat Exchangers
1 to 4
a) A "skirt" supports the column. The skirt
diameter equals the column diameter.
b) Source: Reference 57
c) To convert to meters multiply by 0.3048.
Table 5.15 Approximate Frictional Pressure Drop Across Process Equipment
Flow System Component
Pressure Drop0, bar
Pipeline
Control Valve
Interchanger
Air Cooler
Surge Vessel
Reference
0.35
0.70
0.35a
0.60
Small
a) Pressure drop for a fluid with a viscosity less than 1 cp
(0.001 Pa-s)
b) To convert to psi multply by 14.5.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
5.50
5.46
5.55
5.23
Chapter 5
256
Table 5.16zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Approximate Pump-Sizing Calculation Procedure_______zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
1. Define the flow system, i.e., locate points 1 and 2. The pressures pi and p will
be known at these points.
2. Locate the process equipment according to the rules-of-thumb listed in Table
5.14.
3. Estimate z t and z2.
4. Estimate the frictional pressure losses E and E using the rules-of-thumb given
in Table 5.15.
5. Calculate the pump work from Equation 5.48.
6. Calculate the pump shaft horsepower using Equation 5.49 and the pump efficiencies given in Table 5.13.
7. Calculate the electric-motor horsepower using the motor efficiency given in
Table 5.9.
8. Select a standard electric-motor horsepower using Table 5.10 to obtain approximately a 10% safety factor.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2
s
D
Example 5.4: Approximate Pump Sizing
It is required to estimate the amine-circulating-pump size in the separation process
shown in Figure 5.4.1. The pump, which is a centrifugal pump, will be delivered
six months after placing an order. In order to put the process on stream as soon as
possible, a process engineer must place the order within three days.
Air Cooler
Absorber
Scrubber
Figure 5.4.1
An acid-gas-removal process. From Ref. 51.
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To Add Gas
Disposal
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
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Pr ocess Descr iption zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
In this process, acid gas, i.e., a gas containing CO2 and H2S is removed from a
natural-gas stream by absorption in a solution containing 0.15 mass fraction of
monoethanolamine (MEA) dissolved in water. Removal of CO2 and H2S, from
gas streams is a common processing problem. These gases react with the monoethanolamine at a high pressure in the absorber, shown in Figure 5.4.1, and are
removed from the gas stream. The exit gases are then recycled to the bottom of
the absorber to scrub out any entrained liquid drops. After absorption, the liquid
stream is flashed across the valve where some CO2, H2S, and other dissolved gases
are desorbed from the solution in the gas-liquid separator. Solids are frequently
present in the liquid stream because of corrosion and degradation of the MEA.
The solids are removed by the filter. Also, soluble degradation products of MEA
are removed in the purge stream by the carbon adsorber to reduce foaming and
corrosion.
In the amine stripper, the MEA solution is regenerated by stripping the solution of CO2 and H2S using hot vapors from the reboiler. The hot liquid from the
stripper is cooled before returning to the absorber by first preheating the feed
stream to the still in an interchanger and then by air cooling. An accumulator in
the line dampens the solution flow rate to the absorber.
A
Inlet *-*-[- —
Figure 5.4.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A simplified acid-gas-removal process.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
258
AnalysiszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A simplified flow diagram for the process is shown in Figure 5.4.2. Table 5.4.1
list specifications for the process, obtained from Maddox and Burns [52, 53].
The shaft work for the pump will be calculated from Equation 5.48 and the shaft
power from Equation 5.49. Because the process at this point is not well defined,
all approximations must be made to maximize the estimated power so that the
pump will not be undersized.
First, designate the terminal points of the flow system. Point 1 is located
at the liquid surface at the bottom of the stripper, as shown in Figure 5.4.2. Point
2 is located at the top of the absorber. These points are selected because the
pressures, given in Table 5.4.1, are known.
Calculate the elevation on the discharge side of the pump - the first term in
Equation 5.48. The elevation consists of:
1. height of the column support, "the skirt"
2. the liquid level at the bottom of the absorber
3. distance between the liquid level and the gas inlet
4. the distance between the gas inlet and the bottom tray
5. the number of trays
6. distance between trays.
Table 5.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Specifications for an Acid-Gas-Removal Process
Mass Fraction of MEAa
Liquid Flow Rate2
Average Density
Stripper"
Absorber15
20
0.61 (2 ft)
93.0 (199 °F)
1.35 (20.8 psia)
116.0(241°F)
1.65 (23 .9 psia)
2.41 (7.81 ft)
26
0.61 (2 ft)
38.0 (100 °F)
34.8 (505 psia)
57.0 (135 °F)
35.5 (5 15 psia)
1.75 (5. 74 ft)
Specification
No. of Trays
Tray Spacing, m
Top Temperature, °C
Top Pressure, bar
Bottom Temperature, °C
Bottom Pressure, bar
Column Diameter, m
0.15
2.08 nrVmin
974 kg/m3
a) Source: Reference 52
b) Source: Reference 53
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The skirt diameter is equal to the diameter of the column, and its height varies from 2 to 12 ft (0.61 to 3.66 m). The height of the skirt is determine by maintenance requirements. Maintenance workers need space to repair the bottom section
of a column. Columns could also be supported on a structure. Assume that the
skirt height for the absorber, LAi, in Figure 5.4.2, is 2.0 m (6.56 ft).
To dampen flow-rate fluctuations, requires liquid holdup at the bottom of the
column. Ludwig [54] recommends 5 to 20 min for the surge time, i.e., the liquid
residence time at the bottom of a column. On the other hand, it is desirable to
minimize the solvent inventory in a process to minimize cost and to minimize the
amount of flammable liquids. Also, if the liquid contains heat-sensitive organic
compounds, it is necessary to reduce the residence time, particularly in strippers,
where the temperature is high. For this problem, select a surge time of 5.0 min to
keep the residence time low for the stated reasons. Therefore, the liquid height in
the absorber,
4
2.08 m3 5.0 min
LAZ = ————— ———— —————— = 4.323 m(14.2 ft)
7i(1.75) 2 m 2
1 min
1
The distance between the liquid level and the gas inlet in the absorber, LA3,
is 1.5 m (4.92 ft), and the distance from the gas inlet to the bottom tray, LA4, is 0.9
m (2.95 ft). From Table 5.4.1, it is seen that there are 26 trays with a spacing of
0.61 m (2.0 ft) Thus, the trays for the absorber will occupy a height of
LA5 = 0.61 (26 - 1) = 15.25 m (50 ft)
The elevation of the pump discharge line,
Z[ = LAi + LAJ + LA3 + LA4 + LA5
zi = 2.0 + 4.323 + 1.5 + 0.9 + 15.25 = 24.0 m (78.7 ft)
The elevation for the suction side of the pump consists of the sum of the
stripper-skirt height and the liquid level at bottom of the stripper. Again, assume
that the skirt height is 2.0 m (6.56 ft).
To calculate the liquid height, LS2, we again assume 5.0 min for the surge
time.
LS2
2.08 m3 5.0 min
4
= ———— ————— ———————— = 2.280 m (7.48 ft)
7t(2.412)2m2
1 min
1
Therefore, the elevation of the pump suction line,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
260
z2 = 2.0 + 2.280 = 4.28 m (14.0 ft)
From Table 5.4.1, the stripper-bottom pressure, pi= 1.65 bar (23.9 psia), and
the absorber-top pressure p2 = 34.8 bar (505 psia). Thus, we can calculate the second term in Equation 5.48.
The total-frictional pressure drop in the system is the sum of the pressure
drops caused by the piping and fittings, control valve, interchange^ and air cooler.
Estimates of these loses are listed in Table 5.15. Therefore, the total frictional
pressure drop in the system,
Es + ED = 0.35 + 0.70 + 0.35 + 0.60 = 2.0 bar (29.0 psi)
Now, substitute numerical values into Equation 5.48. In the SI system of
units gc, is not needed. Because one bar equals IxlO5 Pascals (N/m2), we have,
after multiplying and dividing the first term in Equation 5.48 by kg,
9.8m
1 s2
1
2.0 bar IxlO 5
1
(1.65 -34.8) bar IxlO 5
(4.28 - 24.0) m-kg
N
kg
1
1
m3
m2-bar 974.0 kg
1 m3
- = -3.391xl03 N-m/kg (-3.217 Btu/lb)
2
1
1
N
m -bar 974.0kg
( -3.391xl03 J/kg) ( -3.217 Btu/lb)
Because kg-m/s equals one Newton, the first term has units of N-m/kg, as does
the other terms. The negative sign means that the work is done on the system.
Work done by a system is positive.
According to Table 5.13, the centrifugal pump efficiency depends on the
volumetric flow rate. From Table 5.13, the pump efficiency is 45 %, Therefore,
from Equation 5.49 the pump shaft power,
2
mW
r|p
1
2.08 m3 974kg 3391 J
0.45
1 min
1m3
1 kg
1 min
60 s
= 2.544xl05 J/s (254 kW) (341.2 hp)
Assuming that a squirrel-cage electric-motor drive for the pump is selected,
the electric-motor efficiency is determined by interpolating between 100 and
1,000 hp (in Table 5.9). An acccurate determination of the motor efficiency re-
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Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
261zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
quires knowing the final motor size. With some loss in accuracy, we will use the
power calculated above. Thus, the motor efficiency is 91.9 %, and electric-motor
power,
P P = 341.2
/ 0.919
= 371.3
hp (276.9 kw)
From Table 5.10, select a standard 400 hp (298 kW) motor, which results in
a safety factor of 7.73 %. The next size motor is 450 hp (336 kW) resulting in a
safety factor of 21.2 %. Based on his past experience, the process engineer would
have to decide what safety factor to chose.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
NOMENCLATURE
English
CP
cs
heat capacity at constant pressure
or condensing-pressure efficiency correction factor for a multistage steam
turbine
superheat efficiency correction factor for a single stage
or multistage steam-turbine
E
friction losses
ED
friction losses on the discharge side of a pump
ES
friction losses on the suction side of a pump
g
acceleration of gravity
gc
conversion factor
h
enthalpy
k
ratio of the heat capacity at constant pressure to the heat capacity at constant
volume
L
length
m
mass flow rate
M
molecular weight
n
number of moles or polytropic exponent
N
number of compression stages for cooling
p
pressure
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
262
P
power or pressure
PC
compressor power
PCP
compressor power for a polytropic compression
PE
electric motor power
PF
fan power
PP
pump power
PT
turbine power
R
gas constant
s
entropy
T
absolute temperature
v
average velocity or specific volume
V
gas volumetric flow rate
W
work
WA actual work of compressing a gas
Wc
compressor work
WCN compressor work for N cooling stages
WF
fan work
Wp
polytropic or pump work
WPN polytropic work for N cooling stages
Ws
isentropic work
WN turbine work
x
mass fraction of moisture in steam
y
mole fraction
z
elevationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Greek
a
kinetic energy correction factor
r]A
isentropic efficiency
r|B
bearing efficiency or uncorrected steam-turbine efficiency
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
263zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
r|c
compressor efficiency
T)F
fan efficiency
r)G
gear efficiency
T|H
hydraulic efficiency
T|M
mechanical efficiency
T|P
polytropic efficiency
T|S
seal efficiency
%
steam turbine efficiency
fi
viscosity
p
density
a)
rotational speedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Subscripts
C
compressor or critical conditions
L
liquid phase
R
reduced state
s
constant entropy
V
vapor phase
z
elevation or compressibility factor
REFERENCES
1. Pollak, R., Selecting Fans & Blowers, Chem. Eng., 80, 2, 86, 1973.
2. Kusay,R.G.P., Vacuum Equipment for Chemical Processes, Brit.
Chem.Eng, 16,1,29, 1971.
3. Ryans, J.L., Croll, S., Selecting Vacuum Systems, Chem. Eng., 88, 25,
72,1981.
4. Patton, P.W., Joyce, C. F., Lowest Cost Vacuum System, Chem. Eng.,
83, 3, 84, 1976.
5.
Dobrowolski, Z., High Vacuum Pumps, Chem. Eng., 63, 9, 181, 1956.
6. Neerken, R.F., Compressor Selection for the Chemical Process Industries, Chem. Eng., 82, 2, 78, 1975.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
264
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
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26.
27.
28.
Summerell, H.M., Consider Axial-Flow Fans When Choosing a Gas
Mover, Chem. Eng., 88, 11, 59, 1981.
Thompson, J.E., Tickler, C.J., Fans and Fan Systems, Chem. Eng., 90. 6,
48,1983.
Bird, R.B., Stewart, W.E., Lightfoot, E.N., Transport Phenomena, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY 1960.
Booth, R.G., Epstein N., Kinetic Energy and Momentum Factors for
Rough Pipes, Can. J. of Chem. Eng., 47,10, 515,1969.
Fischer, J., Practical Pneumati Conveyor Design, Chem. Eng., 65, 11,
114,1958.
Dimoplon, W., What Process Engineers Need to Know About Compressors, Hydrocarbon Proc., 57, 5, 221, 1978.
James, R., Positive Displacement Compressors, Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing and Design, McKetta, J. J., Cunningham, W. A., eds.,
Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY, 1979.
Ludwig, E.E., Applied Process Design for Chemical and Petrochemical
Plants, Vol. 3, 3r(i ed., Gulf Professional Publishing, Boston, MA, 2001.
Brochure, Gardner-Denver, Quincy, IL, No Date.
Advertisement, Atlas Copco Comptec, Voorheesville, NY, Chem. Eng.,
93, 23,10,1986.
Severns, W.H., Degler, W.H., Steam Air and Gas Power, John Wiley &
Sons, 4th ed.. New York, NY, 1948.
Esplund, D.E. Schildwachter, J. C., How to Size and Price Axial Compressors, Hydrocarbon Proc., 42, 1, 141,1963.
Shemeld, D.E., Turbocompressors, Applications, Selections, Limitations,
Dresser Industries, Olean, NY, No Date.
Ryans, J., Bays, J., Run Clean with Dry Vacuum Pumps, Chem. Eng.
Prog., 97,10, 32,
Brochure, Clark Centrifugal Compressors, Bulletin 336, Dresser Industries, Cranford, NJ, 1983.
Moens, J.P.C., Adapt Process to Compressor, Hydrocarbon Proc., 50, 12,
96, 1971.
Ulrich, G.P., A Guide to Chemical Engineering Process Design and Eco
nomics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1984.
Hancock, R., Drivers, Controls and Accessories, Chem. Eng., 63. 6, 227,
1956.
Moore, J.C., Electric Motor Drivers for Centrifugal Compressors, Hydrocarbon Proc., 54, 6, 133, 1975.
Willoughby, W.W., Steam Rate: Key to Turbine Selection, Chem. Eng.,
85, 20, 146, 1978.
Harman, R.T.C., Gas Turbine Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, New
York City, NY, 1981.
Rex, M.J., Choosing Equipment for Process Energy Recovery, Chem.
Eng., 82, 16,98, 1975.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Compressors, Pumps, and Turbines
265zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
29. Rossheim, D.B., Peterson, F. W., Vogrin, C. M., Mechanical, Plant, and
Project Engineering, Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 4th ed., p.
24-1, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY, 1950.
30. Turton, R.K., Principles of Turbomachinery, E & F, N. Spon, London,
England, 1984.
31. Neerken, R.F., Use Steam Turbines as Process Drivers, Chem. Eng., 87.
17, 63, 1980.
32. Scheel, L.F., What You Need to Know About Gas Expanders, Hydrocarbon Proc.,49, 2, 105, 1970.
33. Makansi, J.M., Advances in Steam Turbine Technology Focus on Efficiency, Power, 126. 7, 19.
34. Molich, K., Consider Gas Turbines for Heavy Loads, Chem. Eng., 87.
17, 79, 1980.
35. Gatmann, H., DeLaval Engineering Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New
York, NY, 1970.
36. Bloch, H.P., Driver Selection, Encylopedia of Chemical Processing and
Design, McKetta, J. J., and Cunningham, W.A., eds., Marcel Dekker,
New York, NY, 1979.
37. Campagne, W.V.L., Select HPI Gas Turbines, Hydrocarbon Proc. 64, 3,
77, 1985.
38. Campagne, W.V.L., Gas Turbine Selection for the Chemical Industry.
Summer National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, American Institute of
Chemical Engineers, New York, NY, 1984.
39. Process Machinery Drives, Bloch, H.P., Daugherty, R.H., Geiter, F.K.,
Boyce, M.P., Sweringen, J.S., Jennet, E., Calistrat, M.M., Perry's Chemical Engineers Handbook, Perry, R.H., Green, T.D.W., Maloney, J.O.,
eds., 7th ed., p. 24-1, McGraw- Hill, New York, NY, 1997.
40. Franzke, A., Benefits of Energy Recovery Turbines, Chem. Eng., 77,
109, 1970.
41. Buse, F., Using Centrifugal Pumps as Hydraulic Turbines, Chem. Eng.,
88,2, 113, 1981.
42. Swearingen, J.S., Flashing Liquid Runs Turboexpander, Oil and Gas J.,
14,27,70,1976.
43. Frank, O., Personal Communication, Consulting Engineer, Convent Station, Jan. 2002.
44. Keenan, J.H., Keyes, F. G. Hill, P. G., Moore, J. G., Steam Tables, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1978.
45. Holland, F.A., Chapman, F.S., Pumping of Liquids, Rheinhold Publishing, New York, NY, 1966.
46. Walas, S.M., Rules of Thumb, Chem. Eng., 94, 4, 75, 1987.
47. Reynolds, J.A., Pump Installation and Maintenance, Chem. Eng., 78. 23,
67, 1971.
48. Kem, R., How to Design Piping for Pump Suction Conditions, Chem.
Eng., 82, 9, 119, 1975.
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Chapter 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
266
49. Stindt, W.H., Pump Selection, Chem. Eng., 78, 23,43, 1971.
50. Valle-Riestra, J.F., Project Evaluation in the Chemical Process Industries, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1983.
51. Brochure, Gas Treating, Pro-Quip Corp., Tulsa, OK, No Date.
52. Maddox, R.N., Burns, M.D., Here are Principal Problems in Designing
Stripping Towers, Oil and Gas J., 65,40,110, 1967.
53. Maddox, R.N., Burns, M. D., How to Design Amine Absorbers, Oil and
Gas J., 65, 38,114,1967.
54. Ludwig, E.E., Applied Process Design for Chemical and Petrochemical
Plants, Vol. 2,3rd ed., Gulf Publishing, Houston, TX, 1997.
55. Frank, O., Simplified Design Procedures for Tubular Heat Exchangers,
Practical Aspects of Heat Transfer, Chem. Eng. Prog. Tech. Manual,
Am. Inst. of Chem. Eng., New York, NY, 1978.
56. Elliott Multistage Compressors, Bulletin P-25A, Carrier Corp., Jeannette,
PA, 1975.
57. Kern, R., Pipe Systems for Process Plants, Chem. Eng., 82, 24, 209,
1975.
58. Cole, P., Personal Communication, Dresser Industries, Olean, NY, 1985.
59. Brochure, Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps and Compressors, GMCI/1, Graham Manufacturing Co., Batavia, NY, 1978.
60. Cody, D.J., Graig, A.V., Stratt, D.K Selecting Positive Displacement
Pumps, Chem. Eng., 92,15. 38, 1985.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 1 discussed two major types of separation processes, component and
phase separation. In component separation, the components are separated from a
single phase by mass transfer. An example is gas absorption where one or more
components are removed from a gas by dissolving in a solvent. In phase separation, two or more phases can be separated because a force acting on one phase
differs from a force acting on another phase or because one of the phases impacts
on a solid barrier. The forces are usually gravity, centrifugal, and electromotive.
Examples are removal of a solid from a liquid by impaction (filtration), gravity
(settling), centrifugal force, and the attraction of charged particles in an electrostatic precipitator. One exception to these mechanisms is drying by evaporating
unbonded water from a solid. In this case, separation of a liquid from a solid occurs by mass transfer. For example, the water mixed with sand can be removed by
evaporating the water. Because many component separations require contacting
two phases, like liquid-liquid extraction, component separation is frequently followed by phase separation. Phase separators can be classified according to the
phases in contact: liquid-gas, liquid-liquid, liquid-solid, solid-gas, and solid-solid.
Some of the more common phase separators will be discussed.
In addition to discussing phase separators, it is also appropriate to consider
the application of accumulators in processes. Accumulators or surge vessels are
necessary to reduce fluctuations in flow rate, pressure and composition and
thereby improve process control. Although accumulators are not phase separators,
they are discussed here because they are sometimes contained in the same vessel
as a phase separator. For example, in a gas-liquid separator, the volume of liquid
at the bottom of the separator is determined by the need to dampen fluctuations in
flow rate.
267
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
268
VESSEL DESIGNzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Although a mechanical or civil engineer normally designs vessels, the process
engineer should have some knowledge of the mechanical design of vessels. For
example, the process engineer may have to make a preliminary design of vessels
for a cost estimate. Reactors, fractionators, absorbers, heat exchangers, and some
phase separators are classified as vessels. What makes an absorber an absorber,
for example, is its internal design. A vessel consists of a cylindrical shell and end
caps, called heads. For safety, vessel design is governed by codes. An example is
the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Engineers who agreed on what is a safe procedure for designing vessels
formulated this code.
Most vessels in the process industries are thin-walled vessels, which have a
wall thickness of less than about 5% of the inside diameter of a vessel. Internal
pressure acting on the walls of a cylindrical vessel produces a longitudinal and
radial stress, also called hoop stress. For thin-wall vessels, it may be assumed that
the radial stress is approximately uniform across the wall. Rase and Borrow [1],
for example, showed that the radial stress, produced by an internal pressure, P, is
given by Equation 6.1.
PD
S = ——
4t s
(6.1)
where the diameter of the vessel is D. The radial stress is larger than the longitudinal stress, and thus it must be used to calculate the wall thickness, 1$. If a cylindrical vessel fails, it will split longitudinally.
Vessels larger in diameter than about 30 in (0.672 m) and above are fabricated from plates, which are formed into cylinders, called shells, and welded
longitudinally. Shells smaller than 30 in (0.672) may be extruded and thus will not
contain a longitudinal weld. Shells may then be joined by welding circumferentially to form longer shells. After fabricating the shell, end caps, called heads, are
welded to the shell to form the vessel. Because the weld may have imperfections,
the radial stress will be less than its maximum value. Thus, S is multiplied by a
joint or weld efficiency, E, which depends on the type of x-ray inspection of the
weld. Thus,
PD M
o o
————
(0.^ 1
4t s
where the mean diameter, D , is the average of the outside and inside diameters.
M
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
269zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
D + (D + 2 ts)
DM = ————————
(6.3)
2
If Equation 6.3 is substituted into Equation 6.2, the wall thickness,
PD
ts = ———
(6.4)
eS-P
Sivals [10] summarizes values of the weld efficiency in Table 6.1. Radiographic examination locates imperfections in the weld using x-rays or gamma
rays. This technique is described by Gumm and Turner [2]. Shells are either
seamless or contain a longitudinal weld. As Table 6.1 shows, the weld efficiency
depends on whether the shell is seamless or not. To use Table 6.1, first decide if
the shell will be seamless or contain a longitudinal weld. Next select the type of xray required to inspect weld.
Even in a thin-walled vessel the radial stress is not exactly uniform over the
vessel thickness. To correct for this, the internal pressure in the denominator of
Equation 6.4 is multiplied by 1.2 to obtain a more accurate formula. Thus,
PD
ts = ———————
2sS-1.2P
(6.5)
To account for corrosion, the vessel thickness is increased by adding a corrosion allowance, to to assure that the vessel operates safely during the lifetime of a
process. Therefore, Equation 6.5 becomes
PD
ts = ——————— fc
2eS-1.2P
(6.6)
The minimum corrosion allowance frequently selected is 1/8 in (3.18 mm).
Wallace and Webb [3], however, point out that arbitrarily selecting 1/8 in can be
unnecessarily costly. There may be situations where there is no corrosion at all.
The corrosion allowance should be determined by past experience, laboratory
tests, or data taken from the literature.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6
270
Table 6.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Weld Joint Efficiencies for Ellipsoidal and Torispherical Heads
(Source: Adapted from Ref. 10).
Weld Efficiency - Head/Shell
Seamless Shell3 with a
Circumferential Weld
Full X-Ray
Partial X-Ray
Spot X-Ray
No X-Ray
Shell with a Longitudinal Weld
Full X-Ray
Spot X-Ray
No X-Ray
1.0/1.0
1.0/1.0
0.85/0.85
1.0/1.0
1.0/1.0
0.85/0.85
1.0/0.85
1.0/0.85
1.0/0.85
1.0/0.85
0.80/0.80
0.85/0.85
0.85/0.85
0.85/0.85
0.85/0.85
0.80/0.70
a) Two or more shells joined with a circumferential weld to make a longer
shellzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Several head designs are shown by Walas [6], but not all of these are common designs. The most common head designs are shown in Figure 6.1. According
to Markovitz [7] ellipsoidal heads, where the ratio of the semi-major to semiminor axis is 2:1, are commonly used when the pressure is greater than 150 psig
(10.3 barg). Below 150 psig, a torispherical head (dished head) is used.
The wall thickness for a 2:1 ellipsoidal head is given by
PD
(6.7)
2 eH S - 0.2 P
where H/D = % in Figure 6.1.
For a torispherical head the wall thickness,
1.104 PD
(6.8)
2 sH S - 0.2 P
where R/L = 0.06 and L = D in Figure 6.1.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
271
Figure 6.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Ellipsoidal and torispherical vessel heads.
Table 6.2 Wall-Thickness Rounding Increments for Pressure VesselszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
Wall
Thickness, in
Hounding3
Increment13, in
<1.0
> 1.0 < 2.0
> 2.0 < 3.0
1/32
>3.0
1/4
1/16
1/8
a) Because alloy steels and nonferrous metals are more costly
than carbon steel, the rounding increment should be smaller
than the above.
b) To convert to mm multiply by 25.4.
Minimum Vessel Thickness for Pressure Vessels
Metal
Carbon and low-alloy
Service
Minimum
Thickness, in
noncorrosive
3/32
noncorrosive
1/16
corrosive
3/32
steels
High-alloy steels
and nonferrous metals
High-alloy steels
and nonferrous metals
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
272
Because the operating pressure in a vessel may fluctuate, for safety, process
engineers will use a design pressure in Equations 6.6 to 6.8 to calculate the wall
thickness. The design pressure is 1.10 times the expected operating pressure or the
expected operating pressure plus 25 psi, whichever is greater. For carbon steel, the
calculated vessel thickness is rounded off according to the rules listed in Table 6.2.
For high columns, the thickness at the bottom of the column may have to be increased further because of wind load. Mulet et al. [8] describe a calculation procedure to determine the effect of wind load on wall thickness. Other factors will also
affect the strength of vessels, such as nozzles and manholes. To take these factors
into account, an engineer must follow the ASME pressure vessel code. Table 6.3
summarizes the equations for calculating the vessel wall thickness, and Table 6.4
outlines the calculation procedure.
Table 6.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Calculating Vessel Wall Thickness
P = 1.1P0' — or
P = P0' + 25 psi — whichever is larger
(6.3.1)
For a shell
P
as = ———————
2s s 'S'-1.2P
(6.3.2)
For a torispherical head:
1.104 P
<XH = ———————— — or
2 EH' S' - 0.2 P
(6.3.3)
For a 2:1 ellipsoidal head:
P
«H = ———————————
2 eH' S' - 0.2 P
ts = a s D' + tc'
(6.3.4)
tH = a H D' + tc'
(6.3.5)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
273
Table 6.3 Continued
Variables zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
P, ts, tH, as, aH
Table 6.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Calculating Vessel Wall Thickness
1. Calculate the design pressure, P (psig), from Equation 6.3.1 where P is the expected operating pressure.
0
2. Select the shell and head weld efficiencies, ES d H> from Table 6.1.
an
£
3. Calculate the shell factor, cc, in the hoop stress formulas from Equation 6.3.2.
s
4. Calculate the head factor, CCH, from Equation 6.3.3. If P < 150 psig, select a torrispherical head. Above 150 psig select an ellipsoidal head.
5. Calculate the shell thickness, ts, from Equation 6.3.4.
6. Calculate head thickness, tH, from Equation 6.3.5.
7. Select a standard thickness from a vessel manufacturer.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
VORTEX FORMATION IN VESSELS
Vortex formation in separators must be prevented to reduce gas entrainment in the
liquid, which can result in the following: loss of valuable vapor, pump damage,
loss of flow, erroneous liquid level readings resulting in poor control, and vibrations caused by unsteady two-phase flow. Vortexes appear frequently in nature
such as in hurricanes, tornados, and whirlpools. The mechanism of atmospheric
generated of vortices is an active area of research. Even the more common bathtub vortex is of scientific interest. Sibulkin [15] describes experiments to determine the effect of the earth's rotation on the rotation of a bathtub vortex. Although
the earth's rotation induces a small angular velocity when draining water, the direction of rotation of a bathtub vortex is usually accidental. It is determined mainly
by residual motion caused by the method of filling the tub. If, however, care is
taken to reduce residual motions, then the direction of vortex rotation will consistently be counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
274
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Vortexes will form in process vessels for bottom, side, and top outlets as
illustrated in Figure 6.2. The development of a vortex starts with a dimple on the
liquid surface. Below the dimple rotational flow of the liquid reaches to the outlet.
As the dimple deepens, a surface vortex develops that resembles an inverted cone
penetrating into the liquid. In a fully developed vortex, the cone funnel extends to
the vessel outlet. As long as the liquid level is above a minimum value, a vortex
will not form. As discussed by Patterson [16], the minimum liquid level depends
on the following factors: vessel outlet size and position, tangential velocity components in the liquid induced by the inlet flow, whether the vessel is draining or
the level is constant, outlet liquid velocity, and viscosity. For a draining tank,
with no inflow of liquid, the outlet velocity only affects the minimum level up to a
velocity of 2.6 ft/s [16]. When designing a vessel, considering the above factors
may reduce the minimum level at which a vortex forms. Tangential velocity components will induce a vortex so that a tangential entrance pipe should be avoided.
When the outlet line is at the top of the vessel, locate the line
Figure 6.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Vortex formation in vessels. From Ref. 16 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
275zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
close to the side of the vessel as recommended by Patterson [16]. A vortex will
occur at a higher liquid level when a tank is draining with no inflow of liquid than
when a tank has both equal inflow and outflow. Finally, to minimize the formation of a vortex at low liquid levels, a vortex breaker is installed at a vessel outlet.
Vortex breakers may be flat plates, crosses, radial vanes or gratings. Although
Patterson [16] gives dimensions for a flat-plate design he recommends radial
vanes, as shown in Figure 6.4, or a grating. Another design, recommended by
Frank [75], is four vanes at right angles with a flat circular plate welded at the top.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
ACCUMULATORS
Accumulators are not separators. In one application, an accumulator placed after a
total condenser provides reflux to a fractionator and prevents column fluctuations
in flow rate from affecting downstream equipment. In this application the accumulator is called a reflux drum. A reflux drum is shown in Figure 6.3. Liquid from a
condenser accumulates in the drum before being split into reflux and product
streams. At the top of the drum is a vent to exhaust noncondensable gases that
may enter the distillation column. The liquid flows out of the drum into a pump.
To prevent gases from entering the pump, the drum is designed with a vortex
breaker at the exit line.
The total volume of an accumulator is calculated using a residence time,
also called surge time, which is obtained from experience, according to the type
and degree of the process control required. After examining 18 accumulators in
service, Younger [11] recommended a residence time of 5 to 10 min. Once a residence time is selected, size the accumulator for half-full operation to accommodate either an increase or decrease in liquid level. Thus, the accumulator volume
is calculated from Equation 6.5.1 in Table 6.5, where equations for sizing an accumulator are listed. The volumetric liquid flow rate, VL, is obtained from a mass
balance on the system. After calculating the total accumulator volume, calculate
the accumulator diameter and length by solving Equations 6.5.3 and 6.5.4. Equation 6.5.4 is a rule-of-thumb for L/D. According to Younger [11], for an L/D ratio
of 2.5 to 6 the cost varies by only 2%. After surveying several accumulators in
use, Younger [11] found that fifteen were horizontally placed and three were vertically placed.
Table 6.6 outlines a calculation procedure for sizing an accumulator. According to Gerunda [4], the calculated diameter for a vessel is rounded off in sixinch increments, starting with a 30 in (0.762 m) diameter vessel. Six-inch increments are required to match standard-diameter heads for the ends of a vessel (Aerstin, 6.5). The maximum vessel diameter is limited to about 13.5 ft (4.11 m), because of shipping limitations by rail or truck. If a larger diameter than 13.5 ft
(4.11 m) is required, then the process engineer must consider either specifying two
or more vessels in parallel or fabricating a larger diameter vessel at the construction site. If a vessel is less than 30 in (0.762 m) in diameter, use standard pipe.
After calculating the vessel length, round it off in three-inch increments.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
276zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Vent
-Vortex Breaker
Figure 6.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
An accumulator.
Table 6.5 Summary of Equations for Sizing Accumulators
Subscripts: L = liquid — HV = vessel head
V = 2V L 't s
(6.5.1)
ts = 5 to 10 min
(6.5.2)
7tD 2 L
V=-
(6.5.3)
L/D = 2.5 tozyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
6
(6.5.4)
fm = 0.1309 — for a 2:1 ellipsoidal head, or
fnv = 0.0778 — for a torispherical head
Unknowns
ts, D, L, P, V, fnv
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.5.5)
Separator Design
277
Table 6.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Accumulators_________
1. Select a residence or surge time, ts, from Equation 6.5.2.
2. Calculate the accumulator volume, V, from Equation 6.5.1
3. Select a vessel head. If the internal pressure is 150 psig (10.3 barg) or less,
select a torispherical head. If the internal pressure is above 150 psig (10.3 barg),
select a 2:1 ellipsoidal head.
4. Select the geometrical factor for the volume of the head, fnv, from Equation
6.5.5.
5. Substitute Equation 6.5.4 into Equation 6.5.3 and solve for the vessel diameter,
D.
6. Round off D in 6 in (.152 m) increments, starting with 30 in (0.762 m). If the diameter is less than 30 in (0.762 m), use standard pipe.
7. Calculate the length, L, of the accumulator using Equation 6.5.4.
8. Round off L in 3 in (7.62 cm) increments, for example, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 ft, etc.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Example 6.1 Sizing a Reflux Dr um_________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
A fractionator separates dimethylformamide from water and acetic acid. The distillate contains a trace amount of acetic acid. Assuming that the fractionator uses a
total condenser, estimate the diameter, length, and wall thickness of the reflux
drum. Because the mixture contains acetic acid, use stainless steel (SS 316) for the
drum.
Data
Distillate flow rate
Acetic acid
Temperature
Pressure
Density
16,000 Ib/h (7,260 kg/h}
20 ppm
212°F(100°C)
14.7 psia(l 1.013 bar)
62.38 lb/ft3 (9993 kg/m3}
Follow the calculation procedure outlined in Table 6.6. First, calculate the
reflux-drum volume from Equations 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 in Table 6.5. From Equation
6.5.2, take the average of the surge times.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
278
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
16000 Ib 7.5 min
1 ft3 1 h
V= 2 ————— ———— ————— ———— =64.12 ft3 (1.816m3)
1 h
1
62.38 Ib 60 min
From Equation 6.5.4, select an average L/D ratio.
L/D = 4.25
Substitute this ratio into Equation 6.5.3, and solve for D3 to obtain
V
1.06371 + 2 fuv
Calculate the design pressure from Equation 6.3.1. Because the pressure is
atmospheric, the gage pressure P = 0, and therefore the design pressure is 25 psig
(1.72 barg) According to step 3 in Table 6.6, select a torispherical head because
the design pressure is less than 150 psig (10.3 barg). Thus, from Equation 6.5.5,
f~Hv = 0.0778. From the above equation for D3, we obtain.
0
64.12
D3 = ——————————————— = 18.34 ft3 (0.5194 m3)
1.063 (3.142)+ 2 (0.0778)
D = 2.637 ft (31.64 in, 0.803 m)
Because the drum diameter is greater than 30 in (0.762 m) but less than 36 in
(0.914 m), round off D to the highest 6 in increment, which is 36 in (0.914 m).
From Equation 6.5.4, L = 4.25 (3.0) = 12.75 ft (3.89 m). This length requires no
rounding.
Now, calculate the head thickness following the procedure outlined in Table
6.4. From Table 6.1, with no X-ray inspection, the weld efficiency for the weld
joining the head to the shell is 0.80. Because of the acetic acid present in the distillate, we select SS 316, which has an allowable stress of 15,200 psi (1.04xl0
kPa). For the moment, neglect the corrosion allowance. From Equations 6.3.1 and
6.3.3 for a torispherical head, the head thickness
5
1.104 (25) (36)
tH = ——————————————— = 0.04086 in (1.04 mm)
2 (0.80) (15200) - 0.2 (25)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
279zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Next, calculate the shell thickness from Equations 6.3.2 and 6.3.4. From Table 6.1, with no x-ray inspection of the longtudinal weld,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
s = 0.7. Again, if we
neglect the corrosion allowance,
25 (36)
ts = —————————————— = 0.04235 in(1.08 mm)
2 (0.7) (15200) -1.2 (25)
Thus, the shell wall thickness is essentially the same as the head thickness.
According to Table 6.2, the minimum wall thickness is 3/32 in (2.38 mm) for
high-alloy steels. The application of this rule-of-thumb more than doubles the wall
thickness, which should be an adequate corrosion allowance. The selection of a
corrosion allowance in the final design must be based on past experience or from
laboratory and pilot plant tests.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
PHASE SEPARATORS
Gas-Liquid Separators
As stated by Holmes and Chen [12], the reasons for using gas-liquid or vaporliquid separators are to recover valuable products, improve product purity, reduce
emissions, and protect downstream equipment. Gas-liquid separators are used after
flashing a hot liquid across a valve. In this case the separator is called a flash
drum.
A vertical gas-liquid separator is shown in Figure 6.4. The gas-liquid mixture is separated by gravity and impaction. The mixture enters the separator about
midway where a splash plate deflects the stream downward. Most of the liquid
flows downward, and the vapor, containing liquid drops, flow upward. As the
vapor rises, large drops settle to the bottom of the separator by gravity. According
to Watkins [14], 95 % separation of liquid from vapor is normal. If greater than 95
% liquid separation is required, then use a wire-mesh mist eliminator, installed
near the vapor outlet. Very small drops are separated by impaction using a wiremesh pad located at the top of the separator. The mesh usually consists of 0.011 in
(0.279 mm) diameter wires interlocked by a knitting machine to form a pad from 4
to 6 in (0.102 to 0.152 m) thick [12]. Entrained liquid drops in the vapor impact on
the wires and coalesce until the drops become heavy enough to break away from
the wire and fall to the bottom of the separator. Because of the large free volume
of the pad - 97 to 99 % - the pressure drop across the pad is usually less than 1.0
in of water [13]. The separation efficiency of a pad is about 99.9%
or greater.
The major objective in sizing a gas-liquid separator is to lower the gas velocity sufficiently to reduce the number of liquid droplets from being entrained in
the gas. Thus, the separator diameter must be determined. The separator is also
designed as an accumulator for the liquid portion of the stream. Thus, the liquid
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
280
Mist Eliminalor
Figure 6.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A vertical gas-liquid separator.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
height is calculated by allowing sufficient surge time to dampen flow-rate variations of the liquid stream, as was discussed earlier for accumulators. Presumably,
this liquid height will also be sufficient to allow vapor bubbles to rise to the top of
the liquid before being trapped in the outlet stream at the bottom of the vessel.
This can be achieved by reducing the outlet liquid velocity by increasing the diameter of the outlet nozzle.
In a separator, there is not a single drop size but a distribution of drop sizes.
To prevent all drops from being carried out by the gas stream would require an
uneconomically large separator. Thus, a maximum gas velocity is specified so
that all but the very small drops are recovered. An empirical expression for the
maximum gas velocity is derived by considering the forces acting on a small drop
suspended in a gas stream. These forces are gravity acting downward and the
buoyant and drag forces acting upward. Thus,
FG = FB + FD
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.9)
281zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Separator Design
From Newton's law for the gravitation force, Archimedes principle for the
buoyant force, and the definition of the drag force, the force balance on a drop
becomes
Pv
PL vv
mLg = mL — g + C D A L ——
PL
(6.10)
2g
where:zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
m^ is the mass of a drop, g the acceleration of gravity, p the density of either liquid or vapor, CD the drag coefficient, AL the projected area of a drop, and
vv, the maximum vapor velocity.
Solving for the maximum vapor velocity, we find that
vv = l —————
I CDALpL )
I —————
\. pv )
(6.11)
Equation 6.11 does not accurately describe the physical situation. In practice, what is done is to set the coefficient of Equation 6.11 equal to ky so that
vv = kv I ————— I
I Pv
>/
(6.12)
where k is an empirical constant that depends on the properties of the fluids, the
design of the separator, the size of the drops, the vapor velocity, and the degree of
separation required.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
v
Knock-Out Drums
Knock-out drums, used when the liquid content of the incoming stream is low, is a
special case of a gas-liquid separator. The drum is placed before a compressor
inlet to prevent liquid drops from entering and damaging the compressor. In this
case, allowing a sufficient residence time for the liquid is not a consideration.
To determine the length and diameter of knock-out drums, Younger [11]
recommends using a value of kv of 0.2 ft/s (0.01 m/s) without a mist eliminator or
35 ft/s (0.107 m/s) with a mist eliminator, and an L/D ratio of 2. A calculation
procedure for solving the equations listed in Table 6.7, is given in Table 6.8. The
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Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
282
volume of the dished heads is not considered in the procedure. Knock-out drums
are mostly installed in a vertical position. Younger [11] found that out of eleven
drums installed in several plants, nine were vertical.
Table 6.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Knock-Out Drums_______
Subscripts: L = liquid — V = vapor
fp L '-pv'Y /2
vv = kv I————— I
I Pv'
>/
(6.7.1)
kv = 0.2 ft/s (0.061 m/s) — with no mist eliminator
kv = 0.35 ft/s (0.107 m/s) — with a mist eliminator
(6.7.2)
V v '=v v A
(6.7.3)
A = ?t D2/4
(6.7.4)
L/D = 2
(6.7.5)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Variables
Vy-ky-A-D-L
Table 6.8 Calculation Procedure for Sizing Knock-Out Drums_______
1. Select a value of kv from Equation 6.7.2.
2. Calculate a maximum gas velocity, vv, from Equations 6.7.1.
3. Calculate the cross-sectional area of the separator, A, from Equation 6.7.3.
4. Calculate the diameter, D, of the separator from Equation 6.7.4.
5. Round off D in 6 in (0.152 m) increments, starting at 30 in (0.762 m). If D is
less then 30 in (0.762 m), use standard pipe.
6. Calculate the length of the separator from Equation 6.7.5. Round off L in 3 in
(76.2
mm) increments, for example, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 ft, etc.
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Separator Design
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Example 6.2 Sizing a Compressor Knock-Out Dr um______________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
A gas stream having the composition given in Table 6.2.1 flows into a compressor
suction. Size the knockout drum to prevent liquid from entering the compressor.
The gas enters the drum at 105 °F (40.6 °C) and 150 psig (10.3 bar).
Table 6.2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Gas Composition_________________________
Gas
H2
CH4
C2H6
C3H8
i-Butane
a)
Flow
Rate3
Ibmol/h
2312.8
277.5
246.7
185.0
61.7
To covert to kgmol/h multiply by 0.4536.
Follow the calculation procedure outlined in Table 6.8. Assume that the
drum will have a mist eliminator. From Equation 6.7.2, kv = 0.35 ft/s (0.107 m/s).
The effect of the mist eliminator is to increase the maximum allowable velocity
and therefore to reduce the drum diameter. The densities obtained from ASPEN
[57] are: pv = 0.2493 lb/ft3 (3.99 kg/m3) and pL = 33.19 lb/ft3 (532 kg/m3). The
volumetric flow rate, also obtained from ASPEN, is 1.134xl05 ft3/h (3210 m3/h).
From Equation 6.7.1, the maximum-allowable gas velocity,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
( 33.19-0.2493 Y/2
vv = 0.35 I ————————— I = 4.023 ft/s (1.23 m/s)
I
0.2493
J
From Equation 6.7.3, the cross-sectional area,
1.134xl05ft3/h
1
1
= 7.830 ft2
1
3600 s/h 4.023 fl/s
The drum diameter from Equation 6.7.4 is
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
284
Chapter 6
r 7.83zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(4) Y/2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
D
= | ————— | = 3.157 ft (0.9677 m)
I 3.142zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
According to step five in Table 6.8, round off the diameter to 3.5 ft (1.07 m).
Finally, from Equation 6.7.5, the length of the drum is
L = 2 (3.5) = 7.0 ft (2.13m)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Vertical Gas-Liquid Separators
There are several design procedures reported in the literature - not all of them are
in agreement. A schematic diagram of a vertical gas-liquid separator is shown in
Figure 6.4. Gas-liquid separators may be designed for horizontal or vertical operation, but Younger [11] found that for seven separators in use, with L/D varying
from 1.7 to 3.6, all were installed vertically. This is consistent with the rule given
by Branan [49] that if L/D > 5, a horizontal separator should be used. Equations
for sizing vertical gas-liquid separators are summarized in Table 6.9, and a calculation procedure is outlined in Table 6.10. The volume of the dished heads is not
included in the calculation procedure. As for sizing knockout drums, first calculate
the drum diameter by solving Equations 6.9.1 to 6.9.4.
Next calculate the droplet settling length. This is the length from the center
line of the inlet nozzle to the bottom of the mist eliminator. Scheiman [72] recommends that the settling length should be to 0.75 D or a minimum of 12 in
(0.305 m) whereas Gerunda [4] specifies a length equal to the diameter or a minimum of 3 ft (0.914 m). Gerunda's recommendation is used in Figure 6.4.
Also, to prevent flooding the inlet nozzle, Scheiman allows a minimum of 6
in (0.152 m) from the bottom of the nozzle to the liquid surface or a minimum of
12 in (0.305 m) from the center line of the nozzle to the liquid surface. Branan
[49] recommends using 12 in (0.305 m) plus % of the inlet nozzle outside diameter
or 18 in (0.4570 m) minimum. Gerunda specifies a length equal to 0.5 D or 2 ft
(0.610 m) minimum, which is used in Figure 6.4.
Now calculate the liquid height. The separator is also sized as an accumulator to dampen variations in the liquid flow rate by allowing sufficient liquid residence time or surge time in the separator. Scheiman [72] recommends a surge time
in the range of 2 to 5 min, whereas Younger [11] recommends 3 to 5 min. In Table 6.9, 3 to 5 min is selected. There is a minimum liquid height required to prevent a vortex from forming. The design of the separator will have to include a vortex breaker. The minimum liquid level should cover the vortex breaker plus an
additional liquid height. Experiments conducted by Patterson [16] showed that the
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Separator Design
285
Table 6.9zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Vertical Gas-Liquid Separators______________________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcba
Subscripts: L = liquid — V = vapor
V v '=v v A
(6.9.1)
(6.9.2)
kv = 0. 1 ft/s (0.03045 m/s) — with no mist eliminator
kv = 0.35 ft/s (0.0107 m/s) — with a mist eliminator
(6.9.3)
A = TI D2/4
(6.9.4)
LL A = VL' ts — where the minimum value of LL is 2 ft (0.610 m)
3 < ts < 5 min
(6.9.5)
(6.9.6)
L = L L + 1 . 5 D + 1 . 5 f t or
(6.9.7)
L = 8.5 ft (2.59 m) — whichever is largerzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Variables
vv - A - kv - D - L - LL - ts
lower liquid level varies slightly with the liquid velocity in the outlet nozzle. For a
velocity of 7 ft/s (2.13 m/s) in the outlet piping of a tank, with no vortex breaker,
a vortex forms at a liquid level of about 5 in (0.127 m). The flow should be turbulent to break up any vortex. Thus, Gerunda's recommendation, allowing a 2 ft
(0.610 m) minimum liquid level, should suffice.
To complete calculating the length of the separator, specify the thickness of
the mist eliminator, which must be thick enough to trap most of the liquid droplets
rising with the vapor. The thickness of the eliminator is usually 6 in (0.152 m).
Finally, an additional 12 in (0.305 m) above the eliminator is added to obtain uniform flow distribution across the eliminator. If the eliminator is too close to the
outlet nozzle, a large part of the flow will be directed to the center of the eliminator, reducing its efficiency. The total length of the separator can now be calculated
by summing up the dimensions given in Figure 6.4. According to Branan [49], if
L/D is greater than 5, use a horizontal separator. Also, Branan states that if L/D < 3,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
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Chapter 6
Table 6.10zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Vertical Gas-Liquid Separators______________________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
1. Select kv from Equation 6.9.3.
2. Calculate the maximum gas velocity, vy, from Equations 6.9.2.
3. Calculate the cross-sectional area, A, from Equation 6.9.1.
4. Calculate D from Equation 6.9.4.
5. Round off D in 6 in (0.152 m) increments, starting at 30 in (0.762 m). If D is
less than 30 in (0.762 m), use standard pipe.
6. Select a liquid-phase surge time, ts, from Equation 6.9.6.
7. Calculate the liquid-level height from Equation 6.9.5.
8. Calculate the total separator height from Equation 6.9.7. Round off L in 3 in
(0.0762 m) increments, for example, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 ft etc.
9. If L/D < 3.0, then recalculate L so that L/D > 3.0 by letting L/D = 3.2. If L/DzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
>
5 use a horizontal separator.
increase L in order that L/D > 3, even if the liquid surge volume is increased. Increasing the surge volume is in the right direction.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
Horizontal Gas-Liquid Separators
Like vertical gas-liquid separators, there are several design procedures reported in
the literature - not all of them are in agreement. A schematic diagram of a horizontal gas-liquid separator is shown in Figure 6.5. For horizontal separators, the
calculation procedure for sizing is essentially the same as vertical separators except increase kv by 25 % [49]. Also, the minimum value of the cross-sectional
area for gas flow should be at least 20 % of the total cross-sectional area of the
separator [49]. Use a 6 in (0.152 m) mist eliminator and a distance of 12 in
(0.3048m) above the eliminator. According to Gerunda [4], the distance from the
bottom of the mist eliminator to the liquid level should be at least 2 ft (0.610 m)
and should not be below the center of the separator. Scheinman [72] recommends
6 in (0.152 m). Use an average of 1.25 ft. The main consideration is to prevent
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
287zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
1.0ft
Figure 6.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A horizontal gas-liquid separator.
Table 6.11 Summary of Equations - Sizing Horizontal Gas-Liquid
Separators__________________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
Subscripts: L = liquid — V = vapor
Vv' = 0.5v v A
(6.11.1)
fp L '-Pv'Y / 2
vv = 1.25 kv I ————— I
(6.11.2)
I Pv'zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
kv = 0.10 ft/s (0.0305 m/s) — with no mist eliminator
kv = 0.35 ft/s (0.107 m/s) — with a mist eliminator
(6.11.3)
A = 7iD2/4 — minimumD = 5.5 ft(1.67m)
(6.11.4)
0.5LA = V L 't s
(6.11.5)
7.5 < t s < lOmin
(6.11.6)
Var iables
Vy - A - ky - D - L - t s____________________________________________________
the mist eliminator from flooding because of a rising liquid level. We will design
for a liquid level at the center of the separator. These rules result in a minimum
diameter of 5.5 ft if the liquid level is at the center of the separator, as shown in
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
288
Figure 6.5. This diameter might result in a short separator length if the liquid flow
rate is small. If this occurs it may be necessary to increase the separator length, or
employ other designs for reducing the diameter as given by Sigales [73]. The
equations are listed in Table 6.11, and the calculation procedure for calculating L
and D is given in Table 6.12. As was the case for vertical gas-liquid separators, if
L/D < 3, increase L so that L/D > 3, even if the liquid surge volume is increased.
Similarly, if L/D > 5 increase D so that L/D < 5. Increasing D will reduce the gas
velocity and increase the liquid surge volume, which is in the right direction. The
volume of the dished heads is not included in the design procedure. Example 6.3
illustrates the calculation procedure for sizing horizontal gas-liquid separators.
Table 6.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Horizontal Gas-Liquid
Separators__________________________________
1. Select kv from Equation 6.11.3.
2. Calculate the maximum vapor velocity, vv, from Equation 6.11.2.
3. Calculate the cross-sectional area, A, from Equation 6.11.1.
4. Calculate D using Equation 6.11.4. Round off D in 6 in (0.152 m) intervals,
starting at 30 in (0.762 m). If D is less then 30 in (0.762), use standard pipe.
5. Select a liquid phase surge time, ts, from Equation 6.11.6.
6. Calculate the separator length from Equation 6.11.5. Round off L in 3 in
(0.0762 m) intervals (for example, in feet, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 etc.)
7. If L/D < 3.0, then recalculate L so that L/D > 3.0 by setting L/D = 3.2. If L/D >
5.0, then recalculate D so that L/D < 5.0 by setting L/D = 4.8.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
Example 6.3 Sizing a Gas-Liquid Separ ator ___________________
Calculate the length and diameter of a gas-liquid separator to separate 200.7
ft3/min (5.68 m3/min) of vapor from 5.0 gal/min (0.0189 m3/min) of a liquid.
Data
vapor density
liquid density
design pressure
design temperature
material
1.372 Ib/ft3 (21.98 kg/m3)
31.15 Ib/ft3 (499.0 kg/m3)
50 psig (3.45 barg)
200 °F (93.3 °C)
carbon steel
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289zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design
noncorrosive service
Follow the procedure outlined in Table 6.10. Assume that a vertical separator
with a mist eliminator will be used. From Equation 6.9.3, k = 0.35 ft/s (0.107
m/s).
From Equation 6.9.2, the maximum vapor velocity,
v
(31.15-1.372 Y/2
vv = 0.35 ———————— I = 1.63zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
1 ft/s (0.497 m/s)
I
1.372 )
From Equation 6.9.1, the cross-sectional area of the separator,
A = 200.7 / 60 (1.631) = 2.051 ft2 (0.191 m2)
From Equation 6.9.4, the separator diameter,
D = [ (4 / 3.142) (2.051) ]1/2 = 1.616 ft (0.493 m)
Because the separator diameter is below 30 in (0.762 m), select standard pipe.
From the chemical engineering handbook (6.66), the closest pipe size is 20 in
(0.508 m), Schedule 10 pipe, which has an inside diameter of 19.50 in (1.625 ft,
0.495 m), an inside cross-sectional area of 2.074 ft2 (0.193 m2), and a wall thickness of 0.25 in (6.35 mm). From piping tables, the allowable pressure for carbon
steel at 200 °F (93.3 °C) is 186 psig (12.8 barg), which is above the design pressure of 50 psig (3.45 barg).
Now, calculate the length of the separator. First, calculate the height of the
liquid from Equation 6.9.5. Use an average of the residence times given by Equation 6.9.6.
5.0 gal/min 4 min
1
LL = ——————— ——— ———— = 1.289 ft (0.393 m)
7.481 gal/ft3
1 2.074ft 2
The minimum liquid level is 2.0 ft (0.610 m).
From Equation 6.9.7,
L = 2.0+1.5 (1.625) +1.5 = 5.938 ft (1.81m)
Round off the length in three-inch intervals. Therefore, L = 6.0 ft (1.83 m), but
according to Figure 6.4, the minimum length is 8.5 ft (1.83 m).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
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290
L/D = 8.5 / (1.625) = 5.23. Because L/D is greater than 5.0, size a horizontal separator. We could stop here, however, because five is not a precise number
and 5.23 is close to 5.0.
Now, size a horizontal separator using the procedure outlined in Table 6.12
and the equations listed in Table 6.11.
Select a mist eliminator. From Equation 6.11.3, k = 0.35 ffs (0.0107 m/s).
From Equation 6.11.2, the maximum vapor velocity,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
v
( 31.15-1.372 Y/2
vv = 1.25 (0.35) I ————————— I = 2.038 fl/s (0.621 m/s)
I
1.372
)
From Equation 6.11.1,
A = 200.7 / 60 (0.5) (2.038) = 3.283 ft2 (0.0283 m2)
From Equation 6.11.4, the separator diameter,
D = [ (4 / 3.142) (3.283) ]1/2 = 2.044 ft (0.623 m)
From Figure 6.5, the minimum vapor-phase height is 2.75 ft (0.838 m). Because
the liquid level is at the middle of the separator, the minimum D = 5.5 ft (1.68 m).
From Equation 6.11.,
A = (3.142 / 4) (5.5)2 = 23.76 ft2 (2.21 m2)
Now, from Equation 6.11.5 for a separator that is half filled with liquid,
5.0
7.481
gal/min 8.75 min
gal/ft3
1
1
— =0.4923 ft (0.150m)
0.5 (23.76) ft2
which, clearly, is not satisfactory.
The L/D ratio should be in the range of 3.0 < L/D < 5.0. If we select 3.2,
then,
L = 3.2 (5.5) = 17.60 ft (5.36 m)
Round off the length to 17.75 ft (5.41 m). This separator is larger than the vertical
separator.
Let us try to reduce the size of the horizontal separator. If we move the mist
eliminator to outside of the separator shell, as shown in Figure 6.3.1, the diameter
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291zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
,1,
Figure 6.3.1 A horizontal gas-liquid separator with an external mist eliminator.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
will be reduced. From the calculation of separator diameter given above, D =2.044
ft (24.53 in, 0.623 m). Because D < 30 in (0.762 m), we can use pipe. From the
chemical engineering hand book [66], select a 30 in (0.762 m) Schedule ST pipe,
which has an inside diameter of 29.25 in (2.438 ft, 0.743 m), an inside crosssectional area of 4.666 ft2 (0.4335 m2), and a wall thickness of 0.375 in (9.53
mm). The allowable pressure for carbon steel at 200 °F (93.3 °C) is 266 psig (18.3
barg), which is above the design pressure of 50 psig (3.45 barg).
5.0 gal/min 8.75 min
1
=
———————
—————
———————
= 2.507 ft (0.764m)
L
7.481 gal/ft3
1
0.5 (4.707) ft2
Round off the length to 2.5 ft (0.762 m).
Check the L/D ratio.
L/D = 2.5 72.438 = 1.03
which is not within the limits of 3.0 < L/D < 5.0.
If we select L/D = 3.2,
L = 3.2 (2.448) = 6.541 ft (1.994 m)
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292zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Round off the length to 6.75 ft (2.06 m). The effect of increasing the separator
length is to increase the surge time above the original 8.75 min.
The vertical separator is 1.625 ft (0.494 m) in diameter and 8.5 ft (2.59 m)
long. At this point, it appears that the vertical separator is the best choice because
of its smaller diameter and wall thickness. Also, locating the mist eliminator outside of the separator shell will add to the cost of the horizontal separator.
Liquid-Liquid Separators
Liquid-liquid separators are also called decanters or settlers. The flow to the settler consists of a dispersed phase and a continuous phase, and the function of a
settler is to coalesce and separate the dispersed phase from the continuous phase.
The separator volume must be sufficiently large to allow sufficient time for the
dispersed-phase drops to reach the liquid-liquid interface and coalescence. Thus,
the residence time has two components. These are: the time required for the droplets to reach the interface and the time required for the droplets to coalesce.
Figure 6.6 shows a design for a decanter. After the two-phase mixture enters the decanter at the feed nozzle, the liquid jet must be diffused to prevent mixing of the two phases and promote settling of the dispersed phase. One way to
accomplish this is to insert two closely spaced, perforated parallel plates across the
jet, as shown in Figure 6.6. The first plate drops the pressure of the jet, and the
second plate decreases its velocity. Jacobs and Penny [17] recommend that the
flow area of the first plate be 3 to 10% of the decanter flow area, and the second
plate 20 to 50% of the decanter flow area. Another way to disperse the entering
liquid jet, and at the same time enhance coalescence of the dispersed phase, is to
use a wire-mesh pad in front of the feed nozzle.
After flowing past the plates, the liquid-liquid mixture flows down the
length of the decanter. Either the light or heavy phase could be dispersed, depending on the properties of both phases. The dispersed-phase drops will either
————————————————————
1
___
.
/
Sight Glass _W
1-4— Perforated Plates
J
^
J
..
__^
Valves to
Remove Emulsions
———————————————————— . .——--
Figure 6.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A liquid-liquid separator
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
293zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
move downward or upward toward the interface, depending on the specific gravity
of the two liquids. Then, at the interface, drops will accumulate before coalescing
with one of the phases.
To prevent entraining either the light or heavy phase in the outlet streams,
the liquid velocity in both outlet nozzles should be low. According to Jacobs and
Penny [17], the liquid velocity in each outlet nozzle should not be any more than
10 times the average velocity of each phase in the decanter. This rule allows sizing the outlet nozzles.
If either a surface-active agent or a dispersion of fine solids is present, a
stable emulsion could form, which is analagous to foam in a gas-liquid system.
The emulsion or "rag" accumulates and will eventually have to be removed from
the decanter using valves located at the end of the vessel. After removal, the
emulsion can be de-emulsified by filtration, heating, adding chemical deemulsifying agents, or reversing the phase that is dispersed.
There appears to be no satisfactory sizing procedure for decanters. Drown
and Thomson [18] compared three sizing procedures and found that all were unsatisfactory. We will develop a simple method here to illustrate some of the factors involved and to obtain a preliminary estimate of the decanter size. Accurate
sizing must be supplemented by testing. Even though settling and coalescing of
drops occur simultaneously, it will be assumed that first the drops flow to the interface, and then the drops coalesce with the appropriate phase. This simple model
is illustrated in Figure 6.7.
The first step in developing a sizing procedure is to determine which phase
is dispersed. Selker and Sleicher [19] found that the value of the parameter 6,
defined by Equation 6.15.1 in Table 6.15, could be used as a guide to determine
the dispersed phase. After calculating 0, then use Table 6.13 to identify the dispersed phase.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
J
i o°° ° ° o° t ° o
'
O
O
o
! oo o ° o o
o° o°0
O O o
o °oo00°
4
T
°o o o „ o O
O
oo oo o
o° o o»°00o000 » V ° 0 0 0 °
0
".•.•.V.'S"
t
Figure 6.7 An idealized liquid-liquid-separator model.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
H.D
r~ Hi>
Chapter 6
294zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Table 6.13zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Dispersed-Phase Parameter in Liquid-Liquid SeparationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR
9
Result
<0.3
0.3 - 0.5
0.5 - 2.0
light phase always dispersed
light phase probably dispersed
phase inversion probable,
design for worst case
heavy phase probably dispersed
heavy phase always dispersed
2.0-3.3
>3.3
Source: Ref. 19.
Table 6.14 Effect of Turbulence on Liquid-Liquid Separation
Reynolds Number
Effect
<5000
5000 - 20,000
20,000 - 50,000
>50,000
little problem
some hindrance
major problem may exist
expect poor separation
Source Ref. 21.
Liquid-liquid separation is hindered by turbulence. Bailes et al. [21] determined the effect of turbulence on the separation, which is given in Table 6.14. The
separator diameter is calculated to minimize turbulence. Increasing the separator
diameter reduces the Reynolds number and therefore turbulence. Thus, use Table
6.14 as a guide in calculating the diameter. Because there are two phases, calculate
the Reynolds numbers for both the light and heavy phases. Because the flow area
for both phases is not circular, the diameter in the Reynolds number must be re-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
295zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design
placed by an equivalent diameter for the noncircular flow area. The equivalent
diameter is equal to four times the hydraulic radius, which is defined as the crosssectional area of the stream (flow area) divided by the wetted perimeter. The definition of hydraulic radius is only valid for turbulent flow, as discussed by Bird et
al. [68]. For a liquid-liquid interface located at the center of the decanter, the flow
area is equal tozyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A the cross-sectional area of the separator, and the wetted perimeter is equal to the separator diameter plus 1A its circumference.
1
Table 6.15zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Liquid-Liquid Separators
Subscripts: L = light phase - H = heavy phase
D = dispersed phase - C = continuous phasezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
Transport Relations
v L 'fpL'UH'V- 30
e = — I —— I
(6.15.1)
VD = VL' or VD =VH' — from Table 6.13 — VD, light or heavy phase (6.15.2)
VD VLorvD = VH — from Table 6.13 — VD, light or heavy phase
=
PC PL' or PC PH' — from Table 6.13 — p, light or heavy phase
=
=
c
PD = PL' or pD = pH' — from Table 6.13 — pD, light or heavy phase
(6.15.3)
(6.15.4)
(6.15.5)
LLC = |iL' or uc = UN' — from Table 6.13 — Uc, light or heavy phase
(6.15.6)
g(d') 2 (p D '- Pc ')
vd = —————————
18 nc
(6.15.7)
tD = D / 2 v d
(6.15.8)
Ls = v D t D
(6.15.9)
HD = 0.1D
(6.15.10)
(1/2) HD A,
t R '= ——————
(6.15.11)
VD
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Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
296
Table 6.1 5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A,=LDD
(6.15.12)
L = LS + LD
(6.15.13)
AL = 7iD L 2 /8
(6.15.14)
AH = 7iD H 2 /8
(6.15.15)
vL = V L '/A L
(6.15.16)
VH = VH'/A H
(6.15.17)
4 Rh L PL' VL
ReL = ———————
(6.15.18)
4 Rh H PH' VH
———————
(6.15.19)
7iD L /4
RhL = ————
(6.15.20)
2 + 71
7iD H /4
R hH = ————
(6.15.21)
Re L < 10,000
(6.15.22)
Re H < 10,000
(6.15.23)
D = D L orD = DH — whichever is greater
(6.15.24)
Variables
vd - VD - VL - VH - VD - pD - pc - ^ - RCL - R£H - Rim - RhL - D - DL - DH - L - Ls LD - AL - AH - A] - HD - tD - 9
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
297zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Therefore, the flow area,
1 Ji D2
AF= — ——
2 4
(6.13)
and the wetted perimeter,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
T lD
(6.14)
2
For both phases, the hydraulic radius,
AF
7i D/4
Rh = — = ———
P
(6.15)
2 + 71
provided the interface is in the center of the decanter.
In a horizontal decanter, dispersed phase drops are being carried along the
decanter by the flow of the continuous phase. If the velocity of the two separated
layers is more than a few centimeters per second, the shape of the dispersion zone
will be distorted by drag, and there will be entrainment of drops [21]. Therefore,
the Reynolds number for both phases must be limited. The effect of Reynolds
number on liquid-liquid separation is shown in Table 6.14. This limitation on the
Reynolds number will also be used for the dispersed phase to determine the decanter diameter. The minimum diameter is 10.0 cm (0.328 ft) because of wall
effects [19].
Stokes' Law is usually used to estimate the settling time of liquid drops in
decanters, and hence the length of the settling zone, even though the assumptions
used to derive Stokes' Law are not strictly met. These assumptions are:
1. the continuous phase is a quiescent fluid.
2. the drop is a sphere with no internal circulation.
3. the drop moves in laminar flow.
4. the drop is large enough to ignore Brownian motion.
5. the drop movement is not hindered by other droplets or by the wall of the separator.
Stokes' Law, which gives the terminal velocity of a drop in a stationary, continuous-phase liquid is given by
g d2 (pH - PL)
vd = ————————
18 ^
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.16)
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
298
where the subscripts refer to heavy (H), light (L), and continuous phase (C).
The drop diameter, d, for use in Equation 6.16 is difficult to determine.
There is not a single drop size but a distribution of drop sizes. Jacobs and Penny
[17] recommend a drop diameter of 150 micrometers, which is conservative and
compensates somewhat for the other assumptions in Equation 6.16.
Once the drop terminal velocity is found, the time taken for the dispersed
phase to reach the interface is given by Equation 6.15.8 in Table 6.15, and the
decanter length required for the droplets to settle is given by Equation 6.15.9. The
maximum distance that the disperse phase droplets have to travel to reach the interface, which is located at the center of the separator, is D/2. The distance varies
from zero to D/2. Also, the path of the droplets is not straight down or up but will
curve because of the motion of the phases.
The length of the coalescing zone of the decanter is determined by the time
required for the dispersed phase to coalesce. Coalescence could occur by drop to
drop coalescence and drop to interface coalescence. There is no relationship that
can predict the time required for coalescence, which according to Drown and
Thomson [18] could vary from seconds to many hours. Coalescence is enhanced
when the continuous phase viscosity is small, the density difference between
phases large, the interfacial tension large, and the temperature high. Because of the
time it takes for coalescence, the dispersed phase drops accumulate near the interface to form a dispersion zone. Jacobs and Penny [17] recommend that the dispersion zone thickness be kept to less than or equal to 10% of the decanter diameter
as given by Equation 6.15.10. Also, the drops occupy about half of the volume of
the dispersion zone volume. Neglecting the curvature of the separator, the dispersion zone volume is equal to H A], where H is the thickness of the dispersion
zone, and AI is the area of the interface. Therefore, the residence time, IR, of the
drops in the dispersion zone is given by Equation 6.15.11. The residence time is
specified by experience, and the interfacial area required for coalescence is calculated. If it is assumed that the interface will be located at the center of the decanter, then the length of the coalescing zone, LD, is calculated from Equation
6.15.12. The total length of the decanter is the sum of the lengths required for settling and coalescence. The procedure for calculating the dimensions of a decanter
is given in Table 6.16, and Example 6.4 illustrates the procedure.
D
D
Table 6.16zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Liquid-Liquid Separators
1. Calculate 6 to determine the dispersed phase from Equation 6.15.1 using Table
6.13.
2. Solve Equations 6.15.14, 6.15.16, 6.15.18, 6.15.20 and 6.15.22 for DL, the inside diameter of the decanter, assuming that the light phase determines the diameter.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
299zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
3. Also, solve Equations 6.15.15, 6.15.17, 6.15.19, 6.15.21, and 6.15.23 for DH,
the inside diameter of the decanter, assuming that the heavy phase flow determines
the diameter.
4. The decanter diameter is the larger of the diameters calculated in Steps 2 and 3.
5. Round off D in six-inch (0.152 m) increments starting with 30 in (0.762 m).
Below 30 in (0.762 m) use standard pipe.
6. CalculatezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
vd, the droplet velocity, from Equations 6.15.7 and 6.15.4 to 6.15.6
7. Calculate to, the dispersed-phase settling time, from Equation 6.15.8.
8. Calculate L$, the decanter length required for settling of the dispersed phase
from Equation 6.15.9.
9. Calculate HD, the dispersion-zone height, from Equation 6.15.10.
10. Calculate Aj, the interfacial area required for coalescing the dispersed phase
from Equation 6.15.11.
12. Calculate L , the decanter length required for coalescing the dispersed phase
from Equation 6.15.12.
D
13. Calculate L, the total length of the decanter, from Equation 6.15.13. Round off
L in 3 in (0.0762 m) increments, for example, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 ft, etc.
Example 6.4 Sizing a Liquid-Liquid Separ ator __________________
An oil-water mixture is separated in a decanter. The properties of oil and water
from an example by Hooper and Jacobs [22] are summarized in Table 6.4.1. If the
residence time required for coalescence is 5.0 min, obtained from experiments,
find the dimensions of the decanter.
The volumetric flow rates of both phases are
mL 1.26 kg 1 m3
VL = —— = ———— ———— = 1.405xlO~3 m3/s (0.0356 ft3/s)
pL
1 s 897 kg
and
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Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
300
5.04 kg 1 m3
VH = ———— ————— = 5.040xlO~3 m3/s (0.178 ft3/s)
1 s 1000 kg
Table 6.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Properties of Water-Oil Mixtures
Property
Oil
Water
P (kg/m3
897
0.01
1.26
ISOxlO"6
300
1000
7.0x1 0"4
5.04
n(Pa-s)
m (kg/s)
d(m)
tR(s)
Follow the procedure given in Table 6.16. Step 1, requires determining the
dispersed phase. From Equation 6.15.1,
1.405xlO~
e=-
897 7X10"
5.040xlO~3 UOOO
, 0.3
= 0.1215
0.01zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
)
Therefore, according to Table 6.13 the light phase or oil is dispersed, and the
heavy phase or water is continuous. Therefore, from Equations 6.15.2 to 6.15.6,
VD = VL, VD = VL, pD = pL, pc = pH, and Uc = HH-
Now, calculate the decanter diameter. After substituting A from Equation
6.15.14 into Equation 6.15.16, the superficial velocity for the light phase,
L
v L = 8V L /7iD 2
Next, substitute this equation and Equation 6.15.20 into Equation 6.15.18.
Thus, the Reynolds number for light phase,
8pLVL
ReL = —————
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Separator Design
301zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Similarly, for the heavy phase substitute Equation 6.15.15 into Equation
6.15.17. Thus, the superficial velocity for the heavy phase,
VH = 8 VH / 7i D2
Substituting this equation and Equation 6.15.21 into Equation 6.15.19, the Reynolds number for the heavy phase,
8p H V H
ReH = ——————zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(it + 2) UH DH
From Equation 6.15.22 and the Reynolds number for the light phase given
above, the decanter diameter,
8p L V L
8
897kg 1 m-s 1.405xlO~3m3 1
DL = ——————— = —————— (7t + 2)u L Re L (3.142 + 2) 1 m3 0.01 kg
1
s IxlO 4
= 0.01961m (0.06434 ft)
From Equation 6.15.23 and the Reynolds number for the heavy phase given
above, the decanter diameter,
8p H V H
8
1000kg
1
m-s 5.04xlO~3m3 1
________
______
_____
__
__
=
DH =
——————— —————————— ————
3
4
1
s IxlO 4
(7t + 2)u H Re H (3.124 + 2) 1 m 7.0X10" kg
= 1.124m (3.688ft)
Therefore, the decanter diameter is 3.688 ft (1.124 m), which is rounded off
to 4.0 ft (1.219 m). For the same conditions, but with the interface located above
the center of the decanter, Hooper and Jacobs [22] obtained a diameter of 3.0 ft
(0.914 m). Hooper and Jacobs located the interface above the center of the decanter, which lowers the heavy-phase velocity and hence the diameter.
The next step is to calculate the length of the decanter. The length is equal to
the sum of the length required for the oil drops to reach the interface and the
length required for the oil drops to coalesce with the oil phase at the interface.
From Equations 6.15.4 to 6.15.6, PC = PH, PD = PL, and LIC = HH- The drop diameter used by Hooper and Jacobs [22] is 150 mm. According to Walas [6], 150
mm is a common drop diameter for the design of decanters. Then, from Equation
6.15.7, the settling velocity of a drop of oil,
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Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
302
1 m-s
1 9.807m (ISOxKT6)2!!!2 (897-1000) kg
vd = — ————— ———————— ————————— ————
1
1 m 3 7X10"4 k g
18
1 s2
= - 1.804xlO~3 m/s (-5.91x10 ~3 ft/s)
The negative sign means that the oil drops move upward instead of downward.
From Equation 6.15.24, D = D . Substituting into the equation for V , given
above,
H
L
v L = 8V L /7iD H 2
but from Equation 6.15.2, VD = V and from Equation 6.15.3, V = V . Therefore,
L
D
L
1
8 (1.405x10"3) m3 1
VD = —————————— ——— —————— = 2.421xlO~3 m/s (7.94xlO~3 ft/s)
1
s 3.124 (1.219)2m2
From Equations 6.15.8 and 6.15.9, the settling length,
vDD 2.421xlO~3m 1.219m
1
s
Ls = —— = ———————— ———— ———————— = 0.8180m (2.68 ft/s)
2vd
2
si
1.804xlO~3 m
From Equation 6.15.10, the dispersion layer thickness is
HD = 0.1 D = 0.1 (1.219) = 0.1219 m (0.400 ft)
From Equations 6.15.11, the interfacial area required for coalescence,
2V D t R
HD
The residence time for the oil drops in the dispersion layer is 5 min and from
Equation 6.15.2 VD =VL. Therefore, the interfacial area is
2 (1.405x10~3) m3 300s
A,= —————————— ————— = 6.916m2 (0.642 ft2)
1
s 0.1219m
and from Equation 6.15.12, the dispersion length is
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
303zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Aj 6.916m2
LD = — = ————— = 5.674 m (18.5 ft)
D
1.219m
Thus, the total decanter length is
L = Ls + LD = 0.8180 + 5.624 = 6.442 m (21.14 ft)
Rounding the length off in 3 in increments, L = 21.25 ft (6.447 m). We should
increase the decanter length to account for the diffuser plates at the entrance of the
decanter. There appears to be no rule on the needed length except that the plates
are closely spaced. We will assume six inches will be needed. Thus, L = 21.75 ft
(6.63 m).
The length to diameter ratio is
L 6.63
— = ——— = 5.44
D 1.219
The ratio recommended by Barton [20] is five for settlers without considering the
coalescence time for the droplets.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Solid-Liquid Separators
An example of a solid-liquid phase separation - often referred to as a mechanical
separation - is filtration. Filters are also used in gas-solid separation. Filtration
may be used to recover liquid or solid or both. Also, it can be used in wastetreatment processes. Walas [6] describes many solid-liquid separators, but we will
only consider the rotary-drum filter. Reliable sizing of rotary-drum filters requires
bench and pilot-scale testing with the slurry. Nevertheless, a model of the filtering
process will show some of the physical factors that influence filtration and will
give a preliminary estimate of the filter size in those cases where data are available.
Rotary-Drum Filters
As shown in Figure 6.8, a rotary-drum filter consists of three parts: a drum with
an automatic filter valve, a filter tank with a slurry agitator, and a scraper for removing the cake. The drum rotates from 0.1 to 2 rpm about its horizontal axis
[23]. Other characteristics are: drum diameters from 4 to 14 ft (1.22 to 4.27 m),
drum length from 1.5 to 18 ft (0.427 to 5.49 m), and drum surface area from 18 to
783 ft2 (1.67 to 72.7 m2) [24]. A filter cloth is wrapped around the drum, which
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6
304
Caulking Grooves —.
,—-—— Drum Surface
Filter Ctolh --.
- Drainage Wire
Duplicate Piping-
Figure 6.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A rotary-drum filter. From Ref. 24 with permission.
Dewateri^
x
W,sh Distributors
"-- Discharged
Filler Cake
Figure 6.9 Filtration cycle for a rotary-drum filter. From Ref. 28 with
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
305zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
is usually divided into 12 to 24 longitudinal compartments [25], depending on the
drum diameter. Each compartment contains channels for collecting liquid that
flows into filtrate piping, which leads to the filter valve at one end of the drum. A
vacuum can be applied separately to each compartment. The drum is partially
submerged in a slurry tank, which contains an agitator to prevent solids from settling. Usually, the slurry tank is designed to submerge about 40% of the drum
area, but the maximum effective submerged filter area that can be subjected to
vacuum is about 37.5%. As the drum rotates, each compartment is connected to
an external system by the filter valve to apply vacuum, to collect filtrate, to collect
wash water, or to apply air pressure to assist in removing solids from the drum.
The operation of a rotary-drum filter can be followed by examining Figure
6.9. In the cake-forming zone, slurry is drawn from the slurry tank onto the drum
by a vacuum, depositing solids on the drum. After leaving this zone, the cake is
dewatered, washed, if it is necessary, and then dewatered again before being discharged. In one method of cake removal, compressed air pushes the filter cloth
against a knife that scrapes the cake from the cloth. The cake could also be removed by a roll, string or belt, depending on the cake thickness.
A simple rotary-filter system consists of a rotary filter and auxiliary equipment such as a compressor, a filtrate receiver, a filtrate pump, a vacuum pump,
and a separator-silencer, as shown in Figure 6.10. Auxiliary equipment usually
runs 25 to 40% of the filter cost [25]. When solids deposit on the drum, air and
filtrate are drawn into the filtrate receiver, which is a gas-liquid separator. After
Knock-Out Drum
Air
Compressor
^r Water
Slurry
FiltratezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJ
Pump
Figure 6.10 A rotary-drum filtration system.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
306
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
separating the air and filtrate, the filtrate is pumped out for further processing, and
the air is removed by the vacuum pump. The air then flows into the separatorsilencer. The separator-silencer is another gas-liquid separator or knock-out drum.
These drums are for small amounts of liquid entrained in the entering gas. In addition, the silencer attenuates the noise produced by the vacuum pump. An air compressor provides air to push the filter cloth against the scraper for cake removal.
After the compressor is a knock-out drum for removing water drops produced by
cooling of the compressed air. Other auxiliary equipment may be added to the
filtration system, depending on the composition of the slurry. For example, if the
liquid is an organic solvent, a component separator, such as an absorber, will be
necessary to remove the solvent from the exhaust air. Also, if it is necessary to
keep the filtrate and wash water separate, two receivers are used.
To obtain a formula for sizing a rotary-drum filter, the mechanism of liquid
flow through a porous medium must be considered. As the filter drum rotates
through the slurry tank, a porous solid deposits on the surface of the drum, increasing the resistance to liquid flow. The surface of the filter cake is at atmospheric
pressure. If it is assumed that the pressure downstream of the filter medium is
constant (created by a vacuum pump), then the pressure drop across the filter cake
and medium is constant. As the filter cake thickens, the liquid flow rate decreases
because of the increasing resistance to flow.
The starting point for deriving a formula to calculate the filtration area is the
Kozeny-Carmen equation for flow through porous media. The flow, which is
laminar, follows a tortuous path through the cake. The Kozeny-Carmen equation,
for a differential cake thickness, is
dP 4.17s 2 uv s (l-s) 2
—— = ———————————
dx
E2
(6.17)
In Equation 6.17, P is the pressure at any point in the cake shown schematically in Figure 6.11, s, the specific surface (surface area per unit volume of particle), u, the liquid viscosity, vs, the superficial liquid velocity, and s, the porosity of
the cake. The Kozeny-Carmen equation is derived in a number of texts. See, for
example, Bird et al. [26], who have called the equation the Blake-Kozeny equation.
Replace 4.17 in Equation 6.17 with k, because the coefficient varies with the
type of material. In most cases, k is assigned a value of 5.0 for an isentropic cake
having a porosity of 0.3 < s < 0.6 [67].
The differential mass of dry cake, dm, shown in Figure 6.11, is given by
dm = (l- e)p s A F dx
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.18)
307zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Separator Design
Vacuum, Pv
/
/
S
/
/
/
/
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
/
/
S
tzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
FtterCake
WMerFlow
Figure 6.11 Section of a filter cake.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
where dm is the differential amount of dry cake in a layer of thicknesszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
dx and the
volume fraction of solids in the wet cake is (1 - e).
After substituting Equation 6.18 into Equation 6.17 to eliminate da, we obtain
dP
ks 2 |av s (l-s)
dm
p s s AF
(6.19)
Define a specific resistance, a.
ks2(l-s)
(6.20)
The specific resistance, which has units of m/kg, depends on the characteristics of
the cake. As the pressure across the cake increases, the porosity of the cake decreases because the cake becomes compressed. Consequently, the specific resistance increases. The specific resistance at any point in a compressible cake can
be expressed as
a = a0Psn
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.21)
Chapter 6
308
Table 6.17zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Filter-Cake Specific-Resistance Parameters (Source Ref. 27).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
Substance
Asbestos
Calcium carbonate
Celite
Crushed limestone
Gairome clay
Ignition plug clay
Kaolin
Kaolin, Hong Kong pink
Solkofloc
Talc
Titanium dioxide
Zinc sulfide
General range
a)
a0(1010)m/kga
Exponent, n
—
—
—
282
—
—
101
0.0024
8.66
32
14
Ixl0 8 tolxl0 3
0.19
0.14
——
0.60
0.56
—
0.33
1.01
0.51
0.32
0.69
0 to 1.2
To convert to ft/lb multiply bv 1.488.
where P = P - P is equal to the pressure drop across the cake at any point. The
exponent, n, usually varies from 0.2 to 0.8. If n = 0, the cake is incompressible.
Values of the specific resistance and n are given in Table 6.17.
After substituting Equation 6.20, 6.21, and dPs = - dP into Equation 6.19,
and after separating variables, we obtain,
s
dPs
0
a0 u vs dm
(6.22)
PS"
AF
The limits of integration for Equation 6.22 are: at Xi = 0, PS = 0, m = 0 and at x =
x2, PS = P0 - Pi, and m = iris, where P, is the pressure at the interface of the cake
and the filter medium, as shown in Figure 6.11. Thus, after integrating Equation
6.22 across the cake, we obtain
(Po-Pi)0"0
(6.23)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
309zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design
In many cases, the pressure drop across the filter medium is low, and P is
approximately equal to the pressure at the downstream side of the filter medium. If
the pressure, Pv, is produced by the vacuum pump, then P; » Pv, and
;
a = a 0 (P 0 -P v ) n
(6.24)
After substituting Equation 6.24 into Equation 6.23, we obtain
(P0 - Pv) ct u vs ms
————— = —————
(1-n)
AF
(6.25)
The superficial velocity,
(6.26)
vs = (dV/dt)/A F
The dry solids, ms = Ci)2 V]; where the first subscript (1) in the solids concentration refers to the incoming stream and the second subscript (2) to the solids. The
filtrate volume, V, is the total volume of filtrate collected up to time t. Now, substitute Equation 6.26 and the expression for the mass of dry solids into Equation
6.25.
(Po-Pv)
« H c u V dV
AF2
(1-n)
(6.27)
dt
Assume that the filtration is conducted at constant pressure. Then, after separating variables and integrating from 0 to tp and 0 and VF, we obtain
(P 0 -Pv)
auc,,2VF2
(6.28)
2A F 2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Next, solve for AF2 .
2
i c 1<2 V'
————
2tF(P0-Pv)
(6.29)
The total drum area, A, is greater than the filtering area because of the need
to wash, dewater, and dry the cake. Thus,
T
AT = A F /f
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.30)
310
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
The equations for sizing rotary-drum filters are summarized in Table 6.18.
Equation 6.18.1 is the liquid mass balance. In this procedure, y is a mass fraction.
Because the cake is wet, the liquid entering the filter will be less then the liquid
leaving. Equation 6.18.2 is the solids mass balance, assuming that all the solids in
the slurry are removed. Solve Equation 6.18.2 for the cake formation rate, me.
Then, solve Equation 6.18.1 for the filtrate volumetric flow rate, V2. Next, calculate the filtration area from Equation 6.18.5 and the drum area from Equation
7.18.6. Finally, select a standard rotary filter from Table 6.20. The calculation
procedure for sizing a rotary filter is outlined in Table 6.19.
Example 6.5 illustrates the sizing procedure.
Operating data for filtering slurries could also be used to estimate rotaryfilter areas. Some filtration rates are given by Walas [6]. Thus, by dividing the
feed rate of solids onto the filter by the filtration rate, expressed as kg of solids/h
m2, the filter area can be estimated.
Table 6.18zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Rotary-Drum Filters____
First Subscript: Entering Stream =1 — Leaving Stream = 2
Second Subscript: Liquid =1 — Solids = 2 — c = wet cakezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
Mass Balance
Yu Piv i'= Ye/me + p z 'V 2
(6.18.1)
Y i / P i V^yc^mc
(6.18.2)
yu+yi,2' = l
(6.18.3)
yc/ + yc,2=i
(6.18.4)
Rate Equation
(l-n')an'cuVF2
2
2
AF = ———————————
2 V (P0' - Pv')
AF = f ' A T
(6.18.5)
(6.18.6)
System Pr oper ties
Pi=yuPu' + yu'Pu'
(6.18.7)
c 1 ,2=yi, 2 'pi
a = ao'0V - Pv')°
Var iables
yi.i - yc,2 - ms - pi - V2 - c,,2 - a - AF - AT
(6.18.8)
(6.18.9)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
311
Table 6.19zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Rotary-Drum Filters_____zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
1. Calculate the mass fraction of liquid in the entering stream, yu, from EquationszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
6.18.3
2. Calculate the density of the entering stream, pb from Equation 6.18.7.
3. Calculate the mass fraction of solids in the cake, y^, from Equation 6.18.4.
4. Calculate the concentration of solids in the entering stream, C1>2, from Equation 6.18.8.
5. Calculate the rate of wet cake formation, me, from Equation 6.18.2.
6. Calculate the volumetric flow rate of liquid in the exit stream, V2, from Equation 6.18.1.
7. Calculate the specific cake resistance, a, from Equations 6.18.9.
8. Calculate the filter area, AF, from Equation 6.18.5.
9. Calculate the drum area, AT, from Equation 6.18.6.
10. Select a standard rotary-drum filter from Table 6.20.
Table 6.20 Standard Rotary-Drum Filters_________________
37 /2 % Drum Submergence
Filter Size
Diameter"
ft
8
10
10
10
11.5
11.5
11.5
11.5
12
Nominal
Length3
ft
6
61/3
8
10
10
12
14
16
20
Drum
Areab
ft2
150
200
250
300
360
430
500
575
750
Drum
Drive"
hp
1
1 '/2
1/2
l!/2
1/2
1/2
2
2
5
a) To convert to meters multiply by 0.3048.
b) To convert to square meters multiply by 10.76.
c) To convert to kilowatts multiply by 0.7457.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Agitator
Drive0
hp
1 /2
3
3
3
3
3
5
5
5
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
312
Example 6.5 Sizing a Rotary-Drum Filter ____________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcba
A rotary-drum filter filters 20 m/h (706 ft /h) of a calcium carbonate slurry at
20 °C (68 °F). The pressure drop across the cake is 0.658 bar (9.541 psi). If the
slurry contains 0.15 mass fraction of calcium carbonate, and the filter cake contains 0.40 mass fraction of water, estimate the surface area of the rotary-drum filter.
3
Data
water density
water viscosity (20 °C)
CaCO3 density
3
998.3 kg/m3 (62.3 Ib/ft3)
0.001 Pa-s (1 cp)
2709 kg/m3 (169 Ib/ft3)
From Equation 6.18.3, y = 0.85, and from Equation 6.18.7 the average
density of the slurry,
u
P! = 0.85 (998.3) + 0.15 (2709) = 1255 kg/m3 (78.35 Ib/ft3)
Equation 6.18.4 gives y C2 = 0.60. The formation rate of wet cake, me, can
now be calculated from Equation 6.18.2. Thus,
0.15 1255 kg 20m 3
me = —— ————— —— = 6.275xl03 kg/h (1.3xl04 Ib/h)
1 m3 1 h
0.60
The volumetric flow rate of the filtrate, V2, obtained from Equation 6.18.1, is
yi,i Pi Vj - yc,i me
V, = ———————————
P2.1
0.85 1255 kg 20m 3
Y u P i V , =—— ———— ——— =2.134x10* kg/h (4.71xl04lb/h)
1
1 m3 1 h
yc,i me = 0.40 (6275 kg/h) = 2.510xl03 kg/h (5.535xl03 Ib/h)
21340-2510
V2 = ——————— =18.86 m3/h (666 ftVh)
998.3
Table 6.17 does not contain oc for calcium carbonate. According to Walas
[6], the specific cake resistance for filtering CaCO3, given by Equation 6.18.9, is
0
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
313zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Separator Design
10 /n
T> -vO.2664
a = 1.604x10'" (P 0 -P0
where P0 - Pj is in bars and a in m/kg. The pressure at the interface of the filter
cake and filter medium, Pj, is assumed to be equal to the pressure downstream of
the filter medium, Pv. Therefore, P0 - Pv = 0.658 bar or 6.58xl04 Pa according to
Walas [6.6] for filtering a CaCO3 slurry. Therefore,
a = 1.604xl010 (0.658)0'2664 = 1.435xl010 m/kg (2.14xl010 Mb)
McCabe and Smith [23] state that the cycle time for filtering CaCO3 is 5
min. According to Table 6.20, 37.5 % of the drum is submerged during filtration.
Because the drum is only partially submerged, the filtering time,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJ
tf= 0.375 (5) (60)= 112.5s
The volume of filtrate collected,
VF = V2 tF = [(18.86 / 3600)] (112.5) = 0.5894 m3 (20.8 ft3)
From Equation 6.18.8, the concentration of solids in the entering stream,
cu = 0.15 (1255) = 188.3 kg/m3 (11.76 lb/ft3)
Finally, the filter area can now be calculated from Equation 6.18.5.
(1-0.2664) 1.435xl010m
0.001 Pa-s 188.3kg (0.5894)2 m6
2_
2 (115.5) s
1
kg 6.58xl04 Pa
1m3
1
AF = 6.731m2 (72.4 ft2)
According to Equation 6.18.6, the drum area,
AT = 6.731 / 0.375 = 17.95 m2 ( 193 ft2)
From Table 6.20, a standard filter has 250 ft (23.2 m) of surface area. This
choice will result in a safety factor of 29.5%. The final decision on the filter size,
will require laboratory or pilot plant tests. In most cases, the filter manufacturer
will provide this service.
2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
2
Chapter 6
314
COMPONENT SEPARATORSzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The most frequently used component separators are absorbers, strippers, fractonators, and extractors. According to Humphrey [74], fractionators are used in 90 to
95% of the separations in the US. The principles of component separators are covered extensively in several texts such as Treybal [29], King [30] and Henley and
Seader [31, 65]. We will only consider short cut sizing methods. These methods
are useful for preliminary design estimates and for first guesses for more exact
calculations, requiring iterative calculation procedures.
A fractionator or absorber consists of a cylindrical shell containing internals,
either trays or packing, as shown in Figures 6.12. By creating surface area trays
and packing promote mass transfer between liquid and gas. A liquid film forms on
the packing and vapor bubbles through the liquids on the trays. Packed separators
are usually used for diameters less than 2.5 ft (0.762 m). In both separator types,
the liquid enters at the top of the column and at the feed tray for fractionators and
flows downward by gravity. Gas enters the separator at the bottom and then flows
upward countercurrent to the liquid flow.
Sieve TrayzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Dcyuncomer
Weir
Sieve Tray Column
Source: Reference 6.37
Packed Column
Source: Reference 6.77
Figure 6.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A fractionator or absorber design, with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
315
Tray ColumnszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The purpose of a tray is to provide thorough contact between gas and liquid, facilitating mass transfer between the two phases on each tray. Gas bubbles through
liquid flowing across the tray. The most common designs are the sieve, valve, and
bubble-cap trays shown in Figure 6.13. According to Harrison and France [32], the
sieve and valve tray have mostly displaced the bubble-cap tray because they are
less expensive and have a higher capacity. The sieve tray is the most widely used
and should be considered first because of its lower installed cost, well known design procedures, low fouling tendency, large capacity, and high efficiency [33].
When comparing tray designs the turndown ratio is important because it is a
measure of the flexibility of a column in dealing with a change in flow rate. The
turndown ratio is defined as the ratio of the maximum to minimum operating flow
rate. For bubble cap and valve trays, the turndown ratio is about ten whereas for
sieve trays it is only about three.
Engineers realize that all equipment have a maximum operating capacity,
and because of uncertainty in system property data, the equipment will be overdesigned to insure that adequate capacity will be available. Overdesigning, however, - besides being costly - can cause operating difficulties because all equipment have a turndown ratio. Below the minimum or above the maximum capacity, equipment may become inoperable or very inefficient. This is illustrated in
Figure 6.15 which shows that the tray efficiency, expressed as a percentage of the
flooding gas velocity, is relatively constant over a range of gas velocities. Close
to the flooding point the gas velocity is high so that an excessive amount of liquid
drops are carried to the tray above. This form of backmixing causes the tray efficiency to decrease. On the other hand, at low gas velocities, mixing of gas with
Vapor Flow
Vapor Flow
Bubble Cap
Figure 6.13
SievezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Valve
Bubble cap, sieve, and valve trays.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
316
Raschig Ring
Pall Ring
Structured zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR
Source: Reference 78zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
Figure 6.14zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Examples of random and structure packings.
liquid is poor, reducing the mass-transfer rate. Also, at low gas velocity, liquid
will leak - called weeping - through the openings in the tray to the tray below,
reducing the column efficiency. Both of these effects cause the efficiency to drop
sharply.
Packed Columns
In packed columns, liquid spreads over the packing and flows downward. The gas
flows upward through the void space in the packing countercurrent to the liquid
flow. Like trays, the purpose of the packing is to provide surface area to enhance
mass transfer between gas and liquid. There are two broad classes of packing,
random and structured packing. Random packing is loaded into the separator by
first filling the separator with water. Then, the packing is gradually loaded into the
separator. After settling the packing will assume random positions within the column. Also, the water prevents breaking fragile packing. For structured packing,
the position of the packing is definite. Three types of random packing are shown
in Figure 6.14, the oldest being the Raschig ring, which is a hollow cylinder. Later,
more efficient packings were developed, like the Pall ring, which is the most
widely used packing [6]. An example of structure packing is given in Figure 6.14.
Because of low liquid holdup and pressure drop, structured packing is suitable for
vacuum separations. There are numerous packing types on the market. For example, see Walas [6].
Similar to tray columns, packed columns operated at high gas velocities
causes backmixing, and low gas velocities reduce the mass transfer rate. If the gas
velocity is too high, the column will flood. In addition, at low liquid flow rates the
packing will not wet completely, resulting in a reduction in mass-transfer. Another
problem is the tendency for the liquid to channel. To minimize this effect, redistributors have to be installed every 5 to 10 m (16.4 to 30.5 ft) [23] to even out the
liquid flow.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
317zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
90
^ 80
I™
^j 60
I 50
40
Normal operating range
High weeping and
poor mixing
High attainment zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
I
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100
Flowrate, % of Rending
Figure 6.15 The effect of vapor flow rate on tray efficiency. From Ref. 33
with permission.
Absorber and Stripper Sizing
Assuming dilute solutions, Table 6.21 lists the equations for sizing absorbers and
strippers in terms of a key component and Table 6.22 outlines the calculation procedure. In numbering the relationships in Table 6.21, A, S, P, and T means absorption, stripping, packed columns and tray columns, respectively. Processing dilute
solutions implies that heat effects will be small, and therefore, the separation is
essentially isothermal. If the column is both isothermal and isobaric, the equilibrium value will be constant. Also, dilute solution means that the gas and liquid
flow rates will essentially be constant. In absorption, the gas flow rate is fixed and
the liquid flow rate must be estimated, whereas in stripping the liquid flow rate is
fixed and the gas flow rate must be estimated.
The first step in the sizing procedure is to determine the minimum liquid
flow rate for an absorber or the minimum gas flow rate for a stripper. For gas absorption, the entering liquid and gas concentrations are known, which is shown in
Figure 6.16. The subscript 1 refers to the top of the separator, and the subscript 2
to the bottom of the separator, as shown in Figure 6.16. The fractional absorption
and therefore the exit gas concentration is also known, fixing point 1 - at the top
of the column. The exit liquid concentration is not known. Therefore, point 2 - at
the bottom of the column - is not fixed. The minimum liquid flow rate occurs
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
318
when the liquid leaving the absorber is in equilibrium with the entering gas. This
occurs when the operating line intersects the equilibrium curve, as shown by the
dashed line in Figure 6.16. The intersection is given by Equation 6.21.1 A, which
is derived by the simultaneous solution of a component balance and an equilibrium relation.
Table 6.21zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
SUMMARY OF EQUATIONS FOR SIZING ISOTHERMAL
ABSORBERS AND STRIPPERS - COLUMN HEIGHT
Subscripts: L = liquid — V = vapor
1 = top of column — 2 = bottom of column — see Figure 6.16
m = minimum — k = key componentzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Minimum Flow Rates
Absorbers
m Lm
Y2k'-yik
(6.21.1 A)
(6.21.2A)
—— = ————————
mi/
KkXi k '-y 2 k'
(6.21.1S)
x2k = (l-£')xik'
(6.21.2S)
Optimum Flow Rates
Absorbers
(6.21.3 A)
m v =1.5m v m
Number of Equilibr ium Stages
AA = m L /K k m v
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.21.3 S)
(6.21.4)
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
319zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
y 2k '-K k x lk 'zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
\ \
(6.21.5 A)
x l k '-y 2 k '/K k
(l/AA)Ne =———————— (1-A A )+A A
x 2k - yak'/K k
(6.21.5S)
Tray Columns
Packed Columns
Column Diameter
D > 2.5 ft
D < 2.5 ft
Use Equations 6.23.1
to 6.23.6 in Table 6.23
6.21.6T)
Use Equations 6.23.1 to 6.23.3
and Equations 6.23.7 to 6.23.9 in
Table 6.23
(6.21.6P)
Column Height
Z = Ne (HETS) + 3 ft + 0.25 D + LS
Ls = VL ts/A — ts = 5 min
or Ls = 0.06 NA + 2.0 — all terms in or Ls = 0.06 NA + 2.0 — all terms in
6.21.71) meters
meters
6.21.7P)
Z = N A Z T + 3ft + 0.25D + Ls
LS = VL ts/A — ts = 5 min
NA = Ne/E0
(6.21.8T)
ZT = f (P) — Table 6.25
(6.21.9T)
System Properties
E0 = f (u.L,
—
Figure 6.17 K k =f(T',P')
(6.21.10T)
Kk = f(T',P')
(6.21.1 IT)
a=10Kk
(6.21.12T)
HL=f(T')
(6.21.13T)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.21.8P)
HETS = 0.5 m — for D < 0.5 m
orHETS =
for D > 0.5 m
(6.21.9P)
320
Chapter 6
Table 6.2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
Variables zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Absorbers
Tray Columns — mL- mLm- yi k - Kk - AA - NE - NA - E0 - Z - ZT - a - UL - D
Packed Columns — mL - mLm - y,k - Kk - AA - NE - Z - D - HETS
Strippers
Tray Columns — mv - mLm - x2k - Kk - AA - NE - NA - E 0 - Z - Z T - a - | . i L - D
Packed Columns — my - mi.m - x2k - Kk - AA - NE - HETS
TABLE 6.22 Calculation Procedure for Sizing Isothermal Absorbers
or Strippers-Column Height_________________________
1. For absorbers, calculate the minimum liquid flow rate, mLm,, from Equations
6.21.1 A, 6.21.2A, and 6.21.1 IT. For strippers, calculate the minimum gas flow
rate, mVm,, from Equations 6.21. IS, 6.21.2S and 6.21.8P.
2. For absorbers, calculate the actual liquid flow rate, m^, from Equation 6.21.3A.
For strippers, calculate the actual gas flow rate, mv, from Equation 6.21.38.
3. Calculate the column diameter, D, for tray columns, from Equation 1.21.6T and
for packed columns from Equation 6.21.6P.
4. Calculate the absorption factor, AA, from Equation 6.21.4.
5. Calculate the number of equilibrium stages, N, from Equation 6.21.5A for absorbers or Equation 6.21.5S for strippers.
e
6. Calculate the actual number of stages, N ,
6.21.10T to 6.21.13T.
A
from Equations 6.21.8T and
7. Calculate the tray spacing, ZT, from Equation 6.21.9T
8. Calculate the column height, Z, from Equation 6.21.7T for tray columns. For
packed columns calculate Z from Equations 6.21.7P and 6.21.9P.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
321zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
For stripping, the entering liquid and gas concentrations are known. The
fraction stripped and therefore the exit liquid concentration is also known, but the
exit gas concentration is unknown. Therefore point 2 - at the bottom of the column is fixed, but point 1 - at the top of the column - is not fixed. The maximum
exit and minimum gas flow rate gas concentration is obtained when the operating
line intersects the equilibrium curve, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6.16.
The intersection is given by Equation 6.21.1S, which is also obtained by the simultaneous solution of a component balance and an equilibrium relation.
After finding the minimum flow rate, the optimum or operating flow rate
can be calculated by using the rules-of-thumb from Treybal [29], which are given
by Equations 6.21.3A or 6.21.3S. The 1.5 given in the equations is within the
range of 1.2 to 2.0 for both absorbers and strippers given by McNulty [36].
To minimize channeling of liquid in packed absorbers and strippers require
that the packing be sufficiently small when compared to the column diameter.
Small packing, however, will result in a high pressure drop.Treybal [29] specifies
that the ratio of separator diameter to the packing diameter should be 15/1.
The recovery of the key component is specified to calculate the exit composition of the gas stream for absorbers or the exit composition of the liquid stream
for strippers from Equation 6.21.2A or 6.21.2S. For both cases, it is assumed that
the operating line intersects the equilibrium curve at one end and not at some intermediate point between the ends of the operating line. This is the case for dilute
solutions when both the operating and equilibrium lines are linear. Separation of
dilute solutions occurs frequently when purifying waste streams. Because both the
equilibrium and operating curves are linear for dilute solutions, the equation derived by Kremser [59] can be used to calculate the number of equilibrium stages.
Next calculate the number of actual stages. For tray columns the efficiency,
E0, is obtained from Equation 6.21.10T. For packed columns the HETS (height
equivalent to a theoretical stage) is given by Equation 6.21.9P, as recommended
by Ulrich [50]. The column height is the sum of the height occupied by packing or
trays, a section above the top tray, room for manholes and handholes, and an additional section below the bottom tray. The manholes and handholes are required
for inspection and maintenance. The top section de-entrains liquid from gas (phase
separation). For a packed column, Vatavuk and Neveril [60] recommended adding 2 ft (0.610 m) to 3 ft (0.914 m) plus 25% of the column diameter to allow for
gas-liquid separation, handholes, and manholes. Ulrich [50]. Both Henley and
Seader [31] and Valle-Riestra [53] recommend 4 ft (1.22 m) above the top tray.
Valle-Riestra's recommendation is based on a two-foot diameter column. He recommends adjusting the number for a larger or smaller diameter column, but he did
not give any recommendations for making the adjustment. In Reference 76, 2.0 m
(6.56 ft) is recommended for an ethane column.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
322
TopizyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
Bottom 2
Strippins
Figure 6.16: zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Schematic diagram of an absorber, stripper, or extractor.
The height of the bottom section of the column is required for liquid surge
capacity and reboiler return for fractionators and a gas inlet nozzle for absorbers
and strippers. Henley and Seader [31] recommend 10 ft (3.05 m) section below the
bottom tray and Valle-Riestra 6 ft (1.83 m) section for a two-foot diameter column. Again, Valle-Riestra recommends adjusting the number for other diameter
columns. Another way is to calculate the height assuming a five-minute surge
time. In Reference 76 for an ethane separation column, the height of the lower
section is given by: Ls = 0.06 NA + 2.0 (all terms in meters). The number of actual
stages is N . All these recommendations should result in a reasonable estimate for
the height of the bottom section of the column. In Table 6.21, the height is estimated by using both the 5-min surge time and the above formula.
If one of the components is heat sensitive, the volume of liquid and hence
the contact time at the bottom of the column should be a minimum to minimize
degradation. Sufficient liquid height, however, is necessary for level control. Then,
the bottom section should be designed for adequate control using the minimum
liquid height. The height of a tray column is calculated from Equation 6.21.7T and
A
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
323zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Separator Design
the height of a packed column from Equation 6.21.7P.
The calculation procedure in Table 6.22 could also be used for a multicomponent mixture. After calculating the number of stages for separating the key
component from the mixture, then the composition of all other components in the
exit stream can be calculated using the Kremser equation, Equation 6.21.5A for
absorbers or 6.21.5S for strippers.
The tray spacing, ZT, calculated from Equation 6.21.9T, depends on the pressure [75]. To obtain HETS from Equation 6.21.9P requires the column diameter.
To obtain the column diameter, calculate the maximum allowable gas velocity to
prevent entrainment of liquid. First, find the maximum value of the parameter k,
from Equation 6.23.4 in Table 6.23, which occurs when the column is about to
flood. The column is then designed to operate below the flood point. The maximum value of k is found in Figure 6.18 for trays. Fair [52] recommends that the
flooding parameter, obtained from Figure 6.18 for tray columns, be multiplied by
0.9 for nonfoaming liquids. Treybal [29] recommends 0.75 for foaming liquids. In
Figure 6.18, the flooding parameter requires correcting for surface tension and tray
geometry using corrections given by Fair [52]. Figure 6.18 was developed by Fair
[52] for fractionators. Henley and Seader [65] used an earlier version of Figure
6.18 for absorbers and strippers. Fair [52] lists restrictions on Equation 6.23.5 for
tray columns. He also corrects k for tray geometry, but for preliminary estimates
we want to avoid designing trays.
If the column diameter > 2.5 ft (0.762 m), use a tray column. Because of
maintenance, a tray column has to be internally accessible [75, 31]. The minimum
diameter column that is accessible is 2.5 ft. For packed columns, Figure 6.19 only
gives factors for a limited number of packings. For other packings use the flooding
ratios in Table 6.26. To obtain k for a packing listed in Table 6.26 multiply the
flooding ratio by the flooding factor for 50 mm (2 in) Pall rings obtained from
Figure 6.19. For packed columns use 0.7 for nonfoaming liquids, a commonly
accepted value, and 0.4 for foaming liquids [6]. After obtaining kv, the column
diameter is then calculated from equations listed in Table 6.23.
Table 6.23zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Absorbers, Strippers, or
Fractionators - Column Diameter______________________
Subscripts: L = liquid — V = vaporzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Column Diameter
A = VV'/V V
(6.23.1)
A = 7iD2/4
(6.23.2)
vv = kv [ (PL' - Pv') / Pv' l"2 " vs = 0.9 vv
(6.23.3)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
324
Chapter 6
Table 6.23zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Tray Columns for D > 2.5 ft
rm L 'M L ' rpv'V- 5 i
k=f I ————
—— I, ZT I — Figure 6.18
(6.23.4)
L mv' Mv' ^ PL'zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
J
k v = 0.9k(a/20) 02 ,d (dyne/cm) — for non-foaming liquids
(6.23.5)
or k = 0.75 k (a/20) , CT (dyne/cm) — for foaming liquids
02
v
ZT = f(D) —Table 6.25
(6.23.6)
Packed Columns for D < 2.5 ft
[ m L 'M L ' ( pv' "l 05
1
k = f —————I —— I, d, packing type'I — Figure 6.19, Table 6.26
L my' Mv' I PL' J
J
(6.23.7)
kv = 0.7k (a/20)02, a (dyne/cm) — for non-foaming liquids
ork v = 0.4k (cr/20)02, a (dyne/cm) — for foaming liquids
(6.23.8)
D=15d
(6.23.9)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSR
Var iables
Tray Columns
A - D - ZT -vs vv - k - kv
Packed Columns
A-D-d-vv-k-kv
Table 6.24 Calculation Procedure for Sizing Absorbers, Strippers, and
Fractionators - Column Diameter______________________
1. Calculate a preliminary column diameter from Equations 6.23.1 and 6.23.2 by
assuming a superficial velocity of 2 ft/s. If D < 2.5 ft, select a packed column.
Otherwise, select a tray column.
2. Calculate the actual diameter from Equations 6.23.1 to 6.23.6 for tray fractionators or Equations 6.23.1 to 6.23.3 and Equations 6.23.7 to 6.23.9 for packed columns.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
325
Table 6.25zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Tray Spacing for Absorbers, Strippers, and Fractionators.
(Source Ref. 75)._______________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
Pressure
Vacuum
Atmospheric
High Pressure
Tray Spacing, ff
2.0 to 2.5
1.5
1.0
a) To obtain the tray spacing in meters multiply by 0.3048.
Table 6.26 Relative Flooding Factors for Column Packings (Source
Adapted from Ref. 52 with permission).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pall Rings— Metal
50 mm
1.00*
38
0.91
25
0.70
12
0.65
Intalox Saddles— Ceramic
50
0.89
38
0.75
25
0.60
12
0.40
Raschig Rings—Metal
Berl Saddles— Ceramic
50
0.84
50
38
25
12
0.79
0.71
0.66
0.55
38
25
12
0.70
0.54
0.37
Koch 5u/zer fix
BX
Koch Flexipac
No. 1
0.69
No. 2
1.08
No. 3
1.0
Intalox Saddles— Metal
Nor-Pak Plastic
50
38
25
12
No. 25
No. 40
No. 50
No. 70
No. 25
No. 35
0.88
0.98
1.10
1 .24
*The tabulated values are the ratio of k for a packing type and size to k
for 50 mm (2 in) Pall rings.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
1.35
Tellerettes
Raschig Rings—Ceramic
0.78
0.65
0.50
0.37
1.00
1.0
1.20
Chapter 6
326zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
100
80
3lal
I ITIJ
I
I
! I I Illl
I
I
I I I I ILL
I I I I III
^s
*
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
*
o
•
X
+
a
DMIIatlon of hydrocarbons
Distillation of water solution!
Abforption of hydrocarbons
Distillation data of William etal' 2
Distillation data of FBI for valve trayi4
I
I
0.1
.2
.4
.6 .8 1.0
2.
4.
6. 8. 10.
20.
40. 60.180.100.
200.
I I 1 ILJ
500.
1,000.
Viscosity-Volatility Product, cp
For ftactionators the relative volatility and viscosity of the key components are taken at the average of the the top
and bottom tray temperature and at the feed composition. For absorbers, separating hydrocarbons, the volatility is
taken as ten times K for the key componentt
6.17 Column efficiency for fractitionators, absorbers, and strippers.
From Ref. 31 with permission.
Flow Parameter, (mL ML / mv Mv) (pv / p01/2.
Figure 6.18 Flooding factor for sieve, bubble cap, and valve trays. From
Ref. 52 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
327zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design
0.3
2 In. Metal Pall rings
11/2 In. Metal Pall rings
1 in. Metal Pall rings
0.2
Ceramic Raschig rings
0.05
O.I
0.2
0.5
1.0
w
Flow Parameter, (rn, ML / mv My) (PL / Pv) ,
Figure 6.19zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Flooding factor for packed columns. From Ref. 52 with permission.
ExamplezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
6.6 Stripping Methylene Chloride fr om Wastewater _________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcba
A wastewater stream contains 100 ppm of methylene chloride. One million gallons a day of water will be stripped of the methylene chloride using air. If 99% of
the methylene chloride is removed, what will be the size of the separator?
Data
MWofair
wastewater temperature
water viscosity
water density
air temperature
air density (100 °F and 1 arm)
surface tension of water
2.9
1 00 °F (37.78 °C)
0.703 cP (7.03x10"" Pa-s) (1.47 x 10" Ib/ft-s)
62.00 lb/ft3 (993 kg/m3)
100 °F and saturated with water
0.07395 lb/ft3 (1.1 8 kg/m3)
69 dynes/cm (0.069 N/m)
Either steam or air could be used to remove methylene chloride from the
wastewater stream. Air will be used in this design. To simplify the problem, assume that the air is saturated with water. If the air is dry, the temperature in the
column will vary because water will evaporate into the air, cooling the water.
Follow the procedures outlined in Tables 6.22 and 6.24 for calculating the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
328
height and diameter of the stripper. First, calculate the air rate. This calculation
requires calculating the minimum air rate, which is determined by the intersection
of the operating line and the equilibrium curve as shown in Figure 6.16. Because
the concentration of methylene chloride is low, Henry's law applies. Shukla and
Hicks [68] have compiled Henry 's-law-constant relationships for many organic
compounds found in wastewater. For methylene chloride, Henry's law constant,
H, is given by
log H (mm Hg) = 9.58 - 1 139/(t °C + 231) = 5.342
H = 2.200 xlO 5 mm Hg
y = (H/P) x = (2.2 x 105/ 760) x = 289.5 x
Thus, the equilibrium value Kk = 289.5. This calculation satisfies Equation
6.21. 11T or Equation 6.21. 8P. We have yet to determine if the column will contain trays or packing.
Convert the mass fraction of methylene chloride in the entering wastewater
stream to mole fraction.
xlk = IxlO"4 (18 / 84.94) = 2.119xlO~5
From Equation 6.21.2S, the exit water concentration,
*2k = (1-0.99) 2.1 19xlO~5 = 2.1 19xlO~7
Next, convert the wastewater flow rate from gal/day to Ibmol/h.
Ixl0 6 gal
1
1 day
day 24 h
1 ft3 62.00 Ib 1 Ibmol
7.481 gal
1 ft3 18
Ib
mL = 1.919xl04 Ibmol/h (8.707 xlO4 kgmol/h)
From Equation 6.21. IS, the minimum air flow rate,
2.119xlO~5- 2.119xlO~7
mvm = ————————————— 1.919xl04 = 65.59 Ibmol/h (29.7 kgmol/h)
289.5 (2.1 19x10 ~ 5 ) - 0
According to Equation 6.21.3S, the actual air flow rate,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
329zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Separator Design
mv = 1.5 (65.59) = 98.39 Ibmol/h (44.6 kgmol/h)
Now, calculate the number of equilibrium stages, N, from Equation 6.21.5S,
and then divide the result by the column efficiency to obtain the actual number of
trays, NA.
e
From Equation 6.21.4, the absorption factor,
AA = 1.919xl04 / 289.5 (98.39) = 0.6734
From Equation 6.21.5S, we obtain.
2.119xl(T5-0
(l/AA) = ———————— (1 - 0.6734) + 0.6734 = 33.33
2.119xlO~ 7 -0
Ne
log 33.33
Ne = ———————— = 8.868
log (I/0.6734)
The column height, given by Equation 6.21.7T for tray columns or by Equation 6.21.7P for packed columns, depends on the column diameter, which we will
now calculate. From the ideal gas law, the volumetric air flow rate,
98.39 Ibmol 0.7302 atm-ft3 560 °R
Vv = —————— ————————— ———— =4.023xl04ft3/h(1.14xl03m3/h)
1
h
1 lbmol-°F 1 arm
Assume a superficial velocity of 2 ft/s (0.61 m/s). Calculate a preliminary
column cross-sectional area.
4.023x104 1
A = ————— — = 5.588 ft2 (0.5191 m2)
3600
2
and from Equation 6.23.3 the column diameter,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(4 (5.588) V5
D= ————— I =2.667 ft (0.7981m)
I
71
)
Because D > 2.5 ft (0.7620 m), select a tray column.
Next, determine an actual superficial velocity, using Figure 6.18. The flow
paramater is out of the range of Figure 6.18. Select 2.0, which means the air flow
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
330
will be larger than calculated above. The number of equilibrium stages is now
3.727.
1.919xl04(18)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( 0.07395 V'5
———————— ———— | =4.181
98.39(84.94) I 62.00 )
From Equation 6.23.6, the tray spacing is 1.5 ft (0.467 m), and from Equation 6.23.4, k, equals 0.018 m/s (0.05906 ft/s). Because there is no information on
foaming for this system, select the lower value of kv for a foaming liquid. This
choice results in a larger column diameter than for a nonfoaming liquid. From
Equation 6.23.5,
kv = 0.75 (0.018) (69/20)0'2 = 0.01729 m/s (0.05673 ft/s)
Thus, from Equation 6.23.3, the maximum air velocity,
vv = 0.01729 [ (62.0 - 0.07395) / 0.07395 ] °'5 = 0.5003 m/s (1.641 ft/s)
vs= 0.9(1.641)= 1.477ft/s (0.4502m)
From Equation 6.23.1, the revised cross-sectional area for the column,
4.023xl04 1
A = ————— ——— = 7.566 ft2 (0.7029 m2)
3600
1.477
From Equation 6.23.2, the revised column diameter,
( 4 (7.566) V-5
D= —————
=3.321ft (0.9484m)
I n
)
Allowing for a safety factor of 15%, obtained from Table 6.30, the column
diameter is 3.579 ft (1.091 m). Next, round the column diameter off to the nearest
six inches, which is 3.0 ft (1.219 m). Because the diameter is greater than 2.5 ft
(0.762 m), select a tray column.
Now, complete the calculation for the column height. The column height is
determined by the number of actual trays and the tray spacing plus the height of a
section above the top tray and an additional section below the bottom tray. The
actual number of trays equals the number of equilibrium stages divided by the
column efficiency. The column efficiency is given by Equation 6.21.10T. There is
no data for stripping a water solution in Figure 6.17. Bravo [58] states that tray
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
331zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Separator Design
efficiency for steam stripping varies from 25 to 40%. We expect that the efficiency
for air stripping is about the same. If we use the average of 25 and 40, according
to Equation 6.21.8T, the number of actual stages, NA = 3.727 / 0.325 = 11.47. If
we use the same safety factor of 20 % as given in Table 6.30 for fractionators, the
number of trays are 14.
From Equation 6.21.7T, the liquid height at the bottom of the column,
Ixl0 6 gal
1 day 1 h
1 day 24 h 60 min
5 min
1
1
ft3
4
7.481 galzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
n (4.0)2 ft2
= 36.93 ft (11.26m)
which is unreasonable.
If we use the second equation for Ls,
Ls = 0.06 (14) + 2.0 = 2.840 m (9.318 ft)
which is somewhat on the high side when compared to the other rules of thumb.
From Table 6.25, the tray spacing is 1.5 ft (0.4572 m). Thus, from Equation
6.21.7T, the column height,
Z =14 (1.5) + 3.0 + 0.25 (4) + 9.318 = 34.31 ft (10.58 m)
After rounding off, the column height is 34.5 ft (10.5 m). Because of the uncertainty of the column efficiency and other properties, estimates of column diameter and height are usually complemented with testing.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
Fr actionator Sizing
Occasionally separating multicomponent solutions requires designing a sequence
of fractionators. Henley and Seader [31] discuss some aspects of this problem.
Once the sequence has been established, then estimate the size of each fractionator. Table 6.27 lists the equations for a short cut method for calculating the height
and diameter of fractionators and Table 6.28 outlines the calculation procedure.
Like rotary drum filtration, absorbers, and strippers, discussed earlier, the final
design may require testing to support the calculations.
As for absorbers and strippers, the height of a fractionator is the sum of the
height occupied by trays or packing plus the heights of the top and bottom sections
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
332
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
of the fractionator. To determine the height of a fractionator, the first step is to
identify and specify the recoveries of the heavy and light key components. The
light key component will be recovered to a significant extent in the top product,
whereas the heavy key component will be recovered to a significant extent in the
bottom product. After specifying recoveries of the key components, the next step
is to calculate the recoveries of all other components. The component recoveries
are estimated using the Geddes equation [34], Equation 6.27.1 in Table 6.27.
Yaws et al. [35] compared the percent recovery of each component, calculated
from Equation 6.27.1, with the percent recovery calculated using an exact method
and found that the maximum percent deviation was only 0.23% for any one component.
For the equations listed in Table 6.27, it is assumed that the relative volatility is constant, but short cut methods are frequently used when the relative volatility varies. In this case, an average relative volatility is used. King [30] shows that
the most appropriate average is the geometric average, defined by Equations
6.27.19. The equations listed in Table 6.27 are restricted to solutions that contain
similar compounds, such as alaphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons.
In the short cut method, the number of equilibrium stages needed for a given
separation are correlated in terms of the minimum number of stages and the minimum reflux ratio. Fenske [38] derived an expression for the minimum number of
actual stages, Equation 6.27.2, by a stage to stage analysis, assuming that the relative volatility is constant. This equation is applicable to multicomponent as well
as binary solutions, and is derived in a number of texts, such as by King [30].
Underwood [39] derived Equations 6.27.3 and 6.27.4 for estimating the
minimum reflux ratio for a specified separation of two key components. These
equations assume constant molar overflow and relative volatility. Underwood
showed that at minimum reflux the value of 0 in Equations 6.27.3 and 6.27.4 must
lie between the relative volatility of the heavy and light key components. If the
key components are not adjacent, there will be more than one value of 0. This
case is illustrated in an example by Walas [6]. Here, we will assume that the key
components are adjacent. As has been pointed out by Walas [6], the minimum
reflux ratio calculated by the Underwood equations could turn out to be negative,
which means that the equations do not apply for the given separation.
Table 6.27zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Fractionators
Subscripts: i = the i component
F = feed — D = distillate — B = bottom product
LK = light key component — HK = heavy key componentzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPON
Component Distr ibution
log (n;D /n;B) = Ac + Bc log (a i)avg
niF = niD + n i B
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.27.1 A)
(6.27. IB)
333zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Separator Design
Minimum Number of StageszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
log (XLK / XHK)D (XHK/ XLK)B
NM = ————————————————
(6.27.2)
log (aLK)avg
Minimum Reflux
(Cti)avg X i F
I _ q —zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2^ j ——
(p.z I ,j)
-0
(a i)avg x iD
RM + 1 = Z i —————— — where (aLK)avg > 6 > (ocmOavg
(6.27.4)
- 9
Optimum Reflux Ratio
Ro (1.6 -YO)
—— = ————— (Xo - 7.5) + 1.6
RM
6.5
Y0 = —————————————
1.0614 (aLK)avg- 0.4175
X0 = log (XLK/XHK)D (XHK/XLK)B (xLK/x^p0'55 ("LK)av8
(6.27.5)
(6.27.6)
(6.27.7)
Number of Equilibrium Stages
Y e =l-Xe Be
(6.27.8)
Ye = (N e -N M )/(N e +l)
(6.27.9)
"V" _ /"T>
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
\ / /T? 4- 1 "\
I' fi T7 1 (\\
y^e
— \K>Q ~ DK-M
) ' \*^ Q *)
(D.ZI.L\J)
Be = 0.105 log Xe +0.44
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(6.27.11)
334
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Table 6.27zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
Feed Plate Location
Nu / NL = [ (XHK/XLK)F (xLK,B/xHK,D)2 (B / D) f206
(6.27.12)
Ne = Nu + NL
(6.27.13)
Column Height
Tray Columns
NA = N e /E 0
Z = NA x Tray Spacing + Ls + 4.0 ft
Tray Spacing — from Table 6.25
Ls = 4 VB ts' / 7i (D')2 — D is calculated using Tables 6.23 and 6.24
(6.27.14)
(6.27.15)
(6.27.16)
Packed Columns
Z = Ne x (HETS) + Ls + 4.0 ft
(6.27.17)
Column Diameter
Follow the procedure outlined in Table 6.23
System Properties
OC^KJ/KHK
(6.27.18)
(ai)avg = (oCi F a i D a i B ) 1 / 3
(6.27.19)
aF = I; Xj F' a;F — a i F calculated at (TT + TB)/2
(6.27.20)
E0 = f(u F OCF) — Figure 6.17
(6.27.21)
K i = yi /Xi
(6.27.22)
K ; = f(T',P')
(6.27.23)
u-F = I i X i F ' H i F
(6.27.24)
uiF = f[(TT + TB)/2]
(6.27.25)
HETS = D' — for D < 0.5m
or HETS = (D')°3 — for D > 0.5m
(6.27.26)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
335zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
After calculating the minimum reflux ratio and the minimum number of stages,
calculate the optimum or actual reflux ratio. According to Henley and Seader [31]
for a fractionator containing a large number of stages, RQ / RM ~ 1-10, but for a
small number of stages RQ/ RM « 1.50. In between, use a reflux ratio of RQ / RM
= 1.30. Rather than use a rule-of-thumb, we will use the graphical correlation
developed by Van Winkle and Todd [40] from computer calculations. Alternatively, calculate the optimum reflux ratio from Equation 6.27.5, which was developed by Olujic [41] by curve fitting Van Winkle and Todd's correlation.
Gilliland [42] correlated the number of equilibrium stages with the minimum number of stages, calculated from the Fenske Equation. Gilliland plotted Ye,
defined by Equation 6.27.9, against X,,, defined by Equation 6.27.10. Gilliland's
correlation has been curve fitted by several equations but the simplest of these
equations is McCormick's [43] equation, given by Equation 6.27.8. Oliver [44]
pointed out that Gilliland's correlation leads to large errors when the number of
stages in the stripping section is much larger than the number of stages in the enriching section. Gilliland's correlation requires that the feed be introduced at the
optimum stage, calculated from Equation 6.27.12, an empirical equation developed by Kirkbride [45].
The actual number of stages is equal to the number of equilibrium stages
divided by the fractionator efficiency(overall column efficiency). Although the
tray efficiency will vary, we will use the fractionator efficiency. The fractionator
efficiency is obtained from the O'Connel correlation given in Figure 6.17. Vital et
al. [46] have reviewed and tabulated fractionator and absorber efficiencies for
many systems. These data may help to arrive at a reasonable fractionator efficiency.
Table 6.28zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Fractionators_________
1. Calculate the feed-bubble-point temperature, and then calculate the K-values for all components at the bubble point. Next calculate the relative volatility of each component relative
to the heavy key component.
2. Calculate the constants Ac and Bc in the Geddes equation, Equation 6.27.1, using a specified recovery and relative volatility for the light and heavy key components. There should
be one equation for the light key component and another equation for the heavy key component. Then, solve the two equations for AC and Bc.
3. Using these values of Ac and Bc in Equation 6.27.1, calculate the recovery of the remaining components and hence the composition of the distillate and bottom products.
4. From the composition of the bottom product, calculate the bubble-point temperature.
5. Assume a total condenser. The composition of the vapor from the top tray is equal to the
composition of the distillate. Calculate the dew-point temperature of the vapor, which is the
temperature at the top tray.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
336
Chapter 6
Table 6.28zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
6.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculate the relative volatility, af, of the light and heavy key components at the top tray
and at the bottom of the column, from Equations 6.27.18 and 6.27.22 (i = LK and i = HK).
7. Calculate the column geometric-average relative volatility, (a()avg, (feed, distillate, and
bottom product) of the light and heavy key components from Equation 6.27.19 (i = LK and
i = HK).
8. Calculate the minimum reflux ratio, RM_ from the Underwood equations (Equations
6.27.3 and 6.27.4).
9. Calculate the optimum reflux ratio, RQ, from the Van Winkle and Todd correlation,
(Equations 6.27.5 to 6.27.7).
10. Calculate the minimum number of equilibrium stages, NM, from the Fenske equation,
Equation 6.27.2.
11. Calculate the number of equilibrium stages, Nc, from the Gilliland correlation, (Equations 6.27.8 to 6.27.11).
12. Locate the feed point from the Kirkbride equation, Equations (6.27.12 and 6.27.13).
13. Calculate the column diameter, D, using the procedure outlined in Table 6.24.
14. Calculate the mole-fraction average of the relative volatility, ttj, and feed viscosity, Uj,
at the average of the top tray and bottom temperature. Use Equations 6.27.20, 6.27.24, and
6.27.25.
15. Calculate the column overall efficiency, Eo, from Equation 6.27.21.
16. Calculate the length, Ls, at the bottom of the column required for surge capacity from
Equation 6.27.16.
17. Calculate the column height, Z, from Equation 6.26.15 for a tray column or from Equation 6.27.17 and 6.27.26 for a packed column.
The height of a tray fractionator is equal to the number of trays times the
tray spacing plus additional height above the top tray and below the bottom tray.
These additional sections are needed for removal of liquid entrained in the vapor
from the top tray and to provide surge capacity for the bottom product. Table 6.25
lists the tray spacing as a function of pressure. Because tray spacing influences the
height of a column, it should be kept as small as possible. Tray spacing may be
influenced by maintenance considerations. There should be sufficient space between the trays to facilitate inspection and repairs, but occasionally, other consid-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
337zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
erations affect the spacing. For example, when separating oxygen and nitrogen
from liquid air, heat transferred to the fractionator from the surroundings must be
minimized, and thus, the fractionator surface area must be a minimum. This consideration results in a tray spacing of as low as 6.0 in (0.152 m) [48].
The height of a packed fractionator is equal to the number of equilibrium
stages times the height equivalent to a theoretical stage (HETS). Although this
method is not rigorous, Ulrich [50] remarked that it is disquieting to find that the
HETS does not vary much in commercial columns after having spend hours learning to calculate combined mass transfer coefficients. For fractionator diameters
less than 0.5 m (1.64 ft), Frank [33] recommends the rule of thumb that D =
HETS, and for column diameters greater than 0.5 m (1.64 ft), the HETS is given
by Equation 6.27.26 [50].
Besides the height occupied by trays or packing, additional height is needed
at the top and bottom of the fractionator. Henley and Seader [31] recommend
adding 4.0 ft ( 1.22 m) to the top of the fractionator to minimize entrainment and
10.0 ft (3.05 m) to the bottom for surge capacity. For fractionators or absorbers of
about three feet in diameter, Walas [51] recommends that 4.0 ft (1.22 m) be added
to the top and 6.0 ft (1.83 m) to the bottom of the column. Ulrich [50] recommends that the volume below the bottom tray be sufficient for 5 to 10 min surge
time which results in 1.0 to 4.0 m (3.28 to 13.1 ft) of additional height. Thus, as
an approximation add 4.0 ft (1.22 m) to the top of the column and a surge height,
Ls, to the bottom of the column. The surge height is calculated from Equation
6.27.16. The diameter of a fractionator or absorber is usually limited to 13.0 ft
(3.96 m) and the length to about 200 ft (60.9 m) because of shipping limitations.
If lengths larger than 200 ft (60.9 m) are necessary, then two vessels in series
could be used. Exceptions to rules-of-thumb sometimes occur. One of the largest
fractionators - made in Europe - is 356 ft (109 m) high and 21.0 ft (6.40 m) in
diameter [47]. Another large ethylene fractionator built in Deer Park, TX, is 328 ft
(100 m) high by 18 ft (5.49 m) in diameter [9]. This column was fabricated in
sections and assembled at the site.
For the relationships listed in Table 6.27, assume that the fractionator pressure is constant. If needed, the pressure drop across the column can be estimated
by the rules-of-thumb given in Table 6.29.
Safety factors are needed in fractionator design because of uncertainty in
system property data, unsuspected trace components in the feed, difference between plant and design conditions - particularly in feed composition and flow rate
- and variable operating conditions caused by controllers and by plant upsets [54].
Besides, the reasons for safety factors stated above by Drew [54], the factors
should also depend on the uncertainties of the calculation procedure. Different
safety factors are required for large and small fractionators as shown in Table 6.30.
This occurs because engineering costs for small fractionators are comparable to
equipment costs, whereas for larger fractionators equipment costs dominate.
Therefore, for large fractionators a more thorough design is justified to save 5 to
10 % of equipment costs, which results in a smaller safety factor.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6
338
Table 6.29zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Approximate Tray Pressure Drops for FractionatorszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
Tray Fractionators3
psi/trayc
Pressure
arm
Pressure Drop
<1.0
>1.0
0.1
0.05
Packed Fractionatorsb
psi/ftd
0.1-0.2
vacuum
moderate to high
0.4 - 0.75
a) Source: Reference 6.31
b) Source: Reference 6.33
c) To convert to kPa/tray multiply by 6.848.
d) To convert to kPa/m multiply by 22.47.
Table 6.30: Safety Factors for Fractionator Sizing (Source: Reference 55)
Item
Safety Factors, %
Small Column
<4ftD
Large Column
>4ftD
20.0
15.0
0-15.0
10.0
0
Packed Height
Trays
Diameter
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
339zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Example 6.7 Estimating the Number of Equilibr ium Stages___________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
This problem is adapted from a problem given by Fair and Bolles [56] for a deethanizer column. A solution of hydrocarbons at its bubble point is pumped into
the column at an average pressure of 400 psia (27.6 bar). The composition of the
liquid feed is given in Table 6.7.1. Calculate the number of equilibrium stages if
the recovery of ethane in the top product iszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
99%, and the recovery of propylene in
the bottom product is also 99%. Also, determine the location of the feed point.
Follow the calculation procedure outlined in Table 6.28 using Equations
listed in Table 6.27. The light key (LK) is ethane and the heavy key (FIK) is propylene. First, calculate the composition of the top and bottom products. Then, determine the optimum reflux ratio. Next, calculate the number of equilibrium
stages. Finally, calculate the location of the feed tray.
To obtain the composition of the top and bottom products, first calculate the
relative volatility of each component using the conditions of the feed as a first
guess. The relative volatility depends on temperature and pressure. The bubble
point of the feed at 400 psia (27.6 bar) and at the feed composition, calculated
using ASPEN [57], is 86.5 °F (130 °C). The K-values of the feed are listed in Table 6.7.1. Bubble and dew points could also be calculated using K-values from the
DePriester charts [31] and by using the calculation procedures given in Chapter 3.
Next, calculate the relative volatility of the feed stream, defined by Equation
6.27.18, for each component relative to the heavy key component.
The relative volatility for each of the feed components in Table 6.7.1, will
now be used to calculate the composition at the top tray and the bottom product.
First calculate the constants AC and Bc in Equation 6.27.1. Selecting one mole of
feed as the basis of calculation, the moles of ethane and propylene in the distillate
and bottom products, using the specified recoveries, are calculated as follows:
n;B = 0.99 (0.15) = 0.1485, moles of propylene in the bottom product
n; D = 0.01 (0.15) = 0.0015, moles of propylene in the top product
niB = 0.01 (0.35) = 0.0035, moles of ethane in the bottom product
niD = 0.99 (0.35) = 0. 3465, moles of ethane in the top product
Substituting into Equation 6.27.1 for propylene,
log (0.0015 / 0.1485) = AC + Bc log 1.0
and for ethane,
log (0.3465 / 0.0035) = Ac + Bc log 2.238
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6
340
Table 6.7.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Preliminary Composition of the Top and Bottom Products for
a De-ethanizerzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Component
Feed
Moles
K Fi
Distillate"
Moles
«Fi
Fraction
Recovered in
Distillate
Relative
Volatility
Bottoma
Product
Moles
CH4
0.05
4.965
7.958
-1.0
-0.05
-0
C2H6(LK)
0.35
1.396
2.238
0.99
0.3465
3.5xlO~3
C3H6(HK)
0.15
0.6239
1.0
0.01
0.0015
0.1485
C3H8
0.20
0.5488
0.8796
2.332xlO"3
4.664x10""
0.1995
0.4267
7
6.092xlO~8
-0.10
8
8
-0.15
i-Butane
n-Butane
0.10
0.15
0.2662
0.2213
0.3547
6.092xlO"
7.397xlO~
1.110xlO~
a) Basis: one mole of feed
Solving these equations simultaneously for Ac and Bc, we find that Ac = 1.996 and Bc = 11.41. Using these values of Ac and Bc in Equation 6.27.1 and the
component mole balance, n; F = n; D +zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
uiB, we can now calculate the moles of
methane, propane, n-butane, and i-butane in the distillate and bottom products.
The results are given in Table 6.7.1.
After calculating the temperature of the top and bottom products, obtain a
new estimate of the column relative volatility for each component. Find the relative volatility of each component in the bottom and top product. Assuming that we
have a total condenser, the composition of the vapor rising above the top tray is
equal to the composition of the top product. The calculation for the dew-point
temperature will give the composition of the liquid on the top tray as well as the
temperature. The temperature and liquid composition at the bottom tray is obtained from a bubble point calculation. Next, calculate the relative volatility of
each component at the top and bottom tray. Using these values of the relative volatility and the values for the feed, calculate the geometric average volatility, (ocj)avg,
of each component from Equation 6.26.19. This calculation is summarized in Table 6.7.2
We can now recalculate the composition at the top and bottom trays using
the improved values for the relative volatility for each component. The procedure
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
341
Table 6.7.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of the Calculation for the Geometric-Average Relative VolatilityzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Component
KFi
GC Fi
KTi
«Ti
KBi
«Bi
(«i)avg
CH4
4.965
7.958
3.388
8.225
4.409
3.519
6.130
C2H6(LK)
1.396
2.238
0.9150
2.221
2.058
1.642
2.013
C3H6(H)
0.6239
1.0
4.119
1.0
1.253
1.0
1.0
C3H8
0.5488
0.8796
0.3429
0.8324
1.167
0.9314
0.8802
i-C^jo
0.2662
0.4267
0.3797
0.1564
0.7515
0.5998
0.4598
n-C4H10
0.2213
0.3547
0.1364
0.3311
0.6680
0.5331
0.3971
Table 6.7.3 Final Composition of the Top and Bottom Products for a Deethanizer
Component
Feed
Moles
Relative
Volatility
Fraction
Recovered
in
Distillate
Distillate
Moles
Bottom
Product
Moles
Distillate
Mole
Bottoms
Mole
Fraction
XiD
Fraction
xiD
(aOavg
CH4
0.05
6.130
~ 1.0
-0.05
~0
0.1255
-0
C 2 H 6 (LK)
0.35
2.013
0.99
0.3465
3.500xlO~3
0.8695
5.819xlO~ 3
C3H6(HK)
0.15
1.0
0.01
0.0015
0.1485
0.003764
0.2469
C3H8
0.20
0.8802
2.350xlO~3
4.700xlO~ 4
0.1995
0.001179
0.3317
i-Butane
0.10
0.4598
1.428X10'6
1.429xlO~7
-0.10
3.583xlO'7
0.1663
n-Butane
0.15
0.3970
2.682xlO~7
4.023xlO~8
-0.15
l.OlOxlO' 7
0.2494
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
342
is the same as the calculation given above using only the feed volatility. Table
6.7.3 summarizes the results. The new compositions could be used to generate a
new geometric-mean relative volatility for each component and the calculation can
be repeated. Further iteration is not warranted, however, considering the approximate nature of the calculation.
The next step in the procedure is to calculate the optimum or operating reflux
ratio. First, calculate the minimum reflux ratio using the Underwood equations,
Equations 6.27.3 andzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2.21 A. For the calculation use the geometric average volatility of each component listed in Table 6.27.3. Because the feed is at its bubble
point, q = 1. Thus, Equations 6.27.3 and 6.27.4 becomes
ViF
(ccDavg-9
6.130(0.05)
2.013(0.35)
6.130-6
2.013-6
1.0(0.15) 0.8802(0.20)
1.0-6
0.8802-9
0.4598(0.10) 0.3970(0.15)
——————— + ——————— = o
0.4598-9
0.3970-6
(oOavgXio 6.130(0.1255) 2.013(0.8695) 1.0(0.003764)
RM + 1 = ————— = ———————— + ———————— + ————————
(aOavg-6
6.130-6
2.013-6
1.0-6
0.8802 (0.001179)
0.4598 (3.583xlO~7)
0.8802-6
0.3971 (LOlOxlO"7)
0.4598-6
0.3971-9
Solving the first of these equations using Polymath, we find that 6=1.297.
Substitute this value of 6 into the second equation and solve for RM to obtain
1.589.
Now, calculate the optimum reflux ratio using Equations 6.27.5 to 6.27.7.
From Equation 6.27.6,
2.013
Y0 = ————————————— =1.171
1.0614 (2.013)-0.4175
and from Equation 6.27.7,
T ( 0.3465 ^ ( 0.1485 ^( 0.35 ^ ] °-55 (2-°«>
L (. 0.0015 ) I 0.0035 ) I 0.15 )\
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
343zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design
Substituting X and Y into Equation 6.27.5 we obtain
RO
(1.6-1.171)
——— = ——————— (4.399 - 7.5) + 1.6
1.589
6.5
Solving, for RQ, we find that RQ = 2.217.
To obtain the number of actual stages for the separation, first calculate the
minimum number of equilibrium stages from Equation 6.27.2.
log ( 0.3465 / 0.0015) (0.1485 / 0.0035)
NM = ————————————————————— = 13.14
log 2.013
Next, solve Equations 6.27.8 to 6.27. 1 1 to obtain the number of equilibrium
stages. From Equation 6.27.10,
2.217-1.589
Xe = ———————— = 0.1952
2.217+1
and from Equation 6.27. 1 1 ,
Be = 0.105 log 0.1952 + 0.44 = 0.3655
Next, calculate the value of Y from Equation 6.27.8.
Ye= 1-0. 1952° 3655 = 0.4496
Finally, from Equation 6.27.9,
Ne- 13.14
—————— = 0.4496
Ne+l
The number of equilibrium stages, N, equals 24.68. Rounding off N to the next
highest stage, Ne = 25.
The feed point location is calculated from the Kirkbride equation, Equation
6.27.12.
e
Nn |~ f 0.15 "1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( 5.819xlO"3 V ( 0.6015
°206
NL L I 0.35 ) U.764xlO~3 J ( 0.3984 J J
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
e
344
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Solving these equations simultaneously, NU = 11.93 and NL = 13.07 - founding
off, NU =12 trays above the feed point and NL = 13 trays below the feed point.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Liquid-Liquid Extractors
Several liquid-liquid extractors have been reviewed by Lo [61]. Extractors are
divided into two classes: unagitated, and agitated. Among the unagitated extractors there are the packed and sieve plate designs, which are similar to fractionators
and absorbers. Examples of agitated extractors, shown in Figure 6.20, are the
rotating disc and Oldshue-Rushton extractor. Another agitated extractor is the Karr
reciprocating-plate extractor. For all these extractors, backmixing, which reduces
the column efficiency, is a problem. Agitation is needed to increase mass transfer
by dispersing one of the phases and increasing turbulence in the continuous phase.
In the rotating-disc extractor, the disc is the agitator, in the Oldshue-Rushton column it is flat blade turbine impellers, and in the reciprocating-plate extractor, it is
the up-and-down motion of the plate stack. Horizontal stator rings above and below each disc or impeller, shown in Figure 6.20, reduces backmixing.
Extractor Sizing
As for absorbers and strippers, the height of the extractors can be calculated simply by calculating the number of equilibrium stages and multiplying by HETS.
Additional height is needed at the top and bottom of the extractor for phase separation. Figure 6.21 shows that the Karr reciprocating-plate extractor is one of the
more efficient based on both HETS and throughput. Karr and Lo [62] developed a
procedure for scaling reciprocating-plate extractors from small-scale tests. The
Karr extractor will be used to illustrate a procedure for sizing extractors.
In Table 6.31, Lo [61] has tabulated the minimum HETS for the methylisobutylketone (MIBK), acetic-acid, water system and the o-xylene, acetic acid water
system. The minimum HETS is measured by fixing the geometry of the extractor,
holding the throughput constant, and then varying the reciprocating-plate frequency. At low frequencies, the dispersed phase drop size is large and therefore
the mass-transfer rate is small, resulting in a large HETS. As the frequency increases, the drop size decreases, and the mass-transfer rate increases decreasing HETS. As shown in Figure 6.22, HETS decreases until flooding occurs. The
operating frequency must be less than the mininium frequency to avoid flooding.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
345zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Separator Design
Shaft Light
Phase
Ll9ht
' Phase
Heavy
Phase '
Heavy
Phase
D- -d_
D- -D_
Rotating Disk
Impeller •
•p- -O
D- -D
Stator-.
D- -0
D- -D
Light .
Light
Phase
Phase '
Heavy
' Phase
Heavy
Phase
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
Rotating Disc
OIshue-Riuhton
Figure 6.20 Examples of agitated liquid-liquid extractors.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
20
10
g
6
s.
1
0. 6
0. 4
0. 2
4
6
10
ZO
40
60
100
Combi ne d f l ow, m3/ m2h
System: Acetone in Water Extracted with Toluene - Toluene Dispersed
Code: AC (Agitated Cell) - PPC (Pulsed Packed Column) - PST (Pulsed Sieve Tray) - RDC (Rotating-Disc
Contactor - PC (Packed Column) - MS (Mixer Settler) - ST (Sieve Tray)
Figure 6.21 Comparison of liquid-liquid extractors. (Source Ref. 63 with permission).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6
346
Table 6.31zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Minimum NETS and Volumetric Efficiency for the Karr, Reciprocating-Plate Extractor (Source: Ref. 61 with permission).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
Agitator
Plate speed,
Min
Dispersed
Column Amplitude, spacing, strokes/
HETS
in
min Extractant phase
diam, in
in
I. System: MIBK-Acetic Acid- Water
1
1
3
12
(with
haHIr)
1
i
>t
1
1
1
•2
I
1
360
MIBK
Water
3.1
2.8
278 Water
1
MIBK
4.2
KzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
152
8.1
1
'•/,
33(1 MIBK
Water
4.9
V,
245
S.3
1
7.5
K
2
355
1
320 Water
Water
4.3
S
1
230
6.7
f,
367
Water
Waler
5.0
K
2
241)
7.75
]
430 Water
MIBK
5.8
K
285
5.7
244 MIBK
MIBK
!4
1
4.4
5.6
170
MIBK
1
Water
7.2
X
250
7.2
225
150
14.0
1
225 Water
Water
7.0
K
200
9.5
150
11.05
Water
y,
1
275
MIBK
9.5
1
•200 MIBK
MIBK
7.8
x
150
6.2
K
401
Volumetric
efficiencies
Throughput.
gal/(h)(ft-)
VI/HETS.
572
913
459
1030
600
1193
1837
548
1168
1172
1707
547
1167
599
1193
602
1200
1821
555
1170
1694
1179
595
1202
2»6
523
175
204
196
304
3B3
205
280
376
353
151
328
218
342
134
268
208
127
197
246
199
123
311
424
424
424
804
425
442
75
S3
88
142
29'
3K*
h-'
11. System: Xylene-Acetic Acid-Water
3
3
3
3
36
36
K
1
1
1
267
537
995
340
168
168
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Xylene
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
9.1
8.2
7.7
B.I
23.3
20.0
Separator Design
347zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
The HETS will then be higher then at the minimum point. To estimate the design
HETS, select an HETS that is 20% higher than the minimum value. Also, given in
Table 6.3 1 is the maximum volumetric efficiency, defined by Equation 6.31.
Vc+V D
T!V = ————
HETS
(6.31)
Karr and Lo [63] have developed simple scaling rules for the Karr extractor.
To scale HETS from one column size to another, requires that the plate spacing, amplitude, and total volumetric flow rate per unit area be kept the same for
each extractor. They found for a high interfacial-tension system such as the oxylene, acetic-acid, water system, that
(HETS)2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( D2y38
————— = 1 —— I
(6.32)
For a low interfacial-tension system such as MIBK, acetic acid, water, the exponent is 0.36, only slightly different.
To scale the reciprocating frequency, they also developed the following relation.
0)2 f D , V-16
— = 1 —— I
co, I D2 )
(6.33)
Equations 6.31 to 6.33 have been successfully used to scale many Karr extractors
from pilot plant experiments to commercial scale extractors up to 1 .53 m (5.02 ft)
in diameter [61].
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
348
0.45
-
0.4
-zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
Water Disposed
MCBK Extractant
Plate Spacing
Stroke Length
0.35
-
0.3
~
Temperature
40
6O
80
100
120
Reciprocating Speed, strokes/mm
Figure 6.22zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Effect of reciprocating-plate frequency on HETS for the Karr
column. (Source Ref. 64).
Table 6.32 Summary of Equations for Sizing the Karr, Reciprocating-Plate
Extractor
y = mass fraction of the key component in the solvent stream
x = mass fraction of the key component in the process stream
Subcripts: F = feed — S = solvent — M = minimum — k = key component
Refer to Figure 6.16 for meaning of the numerical subcripts.
k = key component
Minimum Solvent Flow Rate
K k x lk '-y 2k
(6.32.1)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
349zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Mass BalancezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Yik = Y2k' + (nip' / ms) (xlk' - x2k)
x2k = (l- e')x, k '
(6.3 1 .2)
(6.32.3)
Operating Solvent Flow Rate
ny/ms = C' (mF'/mSM)
(6.32.4)
Number of Equilibr ium Stages
(l/AE)Ne = ———————— (1 - AE) + AE
(6.32.5)
Extractor Height
ZE = Ne (HETS) + D
(6.32.6)
Extractor Diameter
A = [ (mF' / pF ') + (rag / ps') ] / JT
(6.32.7)
A = nD2/4
(6.32.8)
(HETS)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( D V'38
———— =1 —— I
(6.32.9)
System Properties
K k =f(T')
(6.32.10)
J T = f(co', extractor geometry) — Table 6.31
(6.32.11)
HETS / D17 3, f (interfacial tension') — Figure 6.23
(6.32.12)
AE = (m F '/m s )/K k
(6.32.13)
Variables
mSM - Kk - y2k - x2k - mSM - ms - Z - Ne - HETS - D - JT - A - AE
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
350
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Table 6.32 lists the equations for sizing a Karr extractor, which is only a
rough approximation for a preliminary process design. Table 6.33 outlines the
calculating procedure. Tests using the actual solution, solvent, and equipment are
necessary to arrive at an accurate extractor size. Again, it is assumed that the solutions are dilute so that the operating and equilibrium curves are linear. Thus, the
Kremser equation, Equation 6.32.5, can be used to calculate the number of equilibrium stages. The subscript V refers to the light phase and the subscript L to the
heavy phase. In Table 6.32, Equations 6.32.1 to 6.31.5 are for mass transfer from
the heavy phase to the light phase. Before using the Kremser equation, the operating solvent flow rate is required, which can be calculated from Equations 6.32.1
and 6.31.4. After specifying the recovery of the key component, the exit composition of the solvent stream is calculated from Equation 6.32.2. After calculating the
column diameter from Equations 6.32.7 and 6.32.8, use Equation 6.32.6 to calculate the height of the extractor.
Although the size of the end sections of an extractor, where phase separation
occurs, could be calculated by a method similar to the one described in the section
on decanter sizing, a more approximate method will be used. Karr and Lo [62]
give the dimensions of the extractor used in their studies. The diameter of the end
section is 50 % greater than the column diameter, and its height is a little less than
the column diameter. For a pulsed-column extractor, Valle-Riestra '[53] used a
continuous-phase flux of 0.5 gal/min-ft2 (3.40 m/min) and a height/diameter ratio
of 1.0 to size the end sections of an extractor. The cross-sectional area of the extractor, and hence, the diameter is calculated by dividing by the total volumetric
flow rate (the sum of the volumetric flow rates for both phases) by the total volumetric flow rate per unit of extractor cross-sectional area, obtained from Table
6.31. Then, add the diameter to the product of Ne and HETS, as shown in Equation
6.32.6, to obtain the total column height.
The HETS for an extractor can be estimated by using the scaling rules developed by Karr and Lo [62] and experimental values of HETS summarized in
Table 6.31. First, determine if the extraction system is a low interfacial-tension
system or a high interfacial-tension system. Next, select a value of HETS from
Table 6.31 from the following systems:
low interfacial-tension - MIBK, acetic acid, water system
high interfacial-tension - o-xylene, acetic acid, water system
Then, scale this value of HETS for the extractor diameter using Equation 6.32.9. A
simpler procedure for obtaining HETS, however, is to use the correlation given by
Henley and Seader [31], shown in Figure 6.23. the correlation is acceptable for
both a low and high interfacial-tension system. The problem, however, is that interfacial-tension data may not be available.
To complete sizing the Karr column requires sizing the electric motor. The
size of the electric motor to disperse one of the phases is small. Walas [51] states
that al.5hp(1.12 kW) motor is sufficient to agitate a Karr extractor 30 in (0.762
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
351zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Separator Design
m) in diameter and 20 ft (6.70 m) high. These data can be use as a guide to estimate the motor power.
10zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
I
I
Sources of Experimental Dita
O Karr'*, RFC
A Karr and Lo25, RFC
a Reman and Olney17, RDC
sj:
R
6
4
Low-vucoilty systems
10
20
30
40
Intel-facial tension, dynes/cm
Figure 6.23 Effect of Intel-facial Tension on NETS for the RDC and RFC
Extractors (Source: Reference 6.31 with permission).
Table 6.33 Calculation Procedure for Sizing the Karr, Reciprocating-Plate
Extractor____________________________________
Refer to Figure 6.16 for meaning of the numerical subscripts.
1. Calculate mass fraction of the key component in the leaving heavy phase, x k,
from Equation 6.32.3.
2
2. Calculate the maximum slope of the operating line from Equation 6.32.1.
3. Calculate the ratio of the feed mass flow rate to the solvent mass flow rate,
mF/ms, from Equation 6.32.4, and the operating solvent flow rate, ms.
4. Calculate the mass fraction of the key component in the entering light phase,
yik, in the light phase from Equation 6.32.2.
5. Calculate the extraction factor, AE, from Equation 6.32.13.
6. Calculate the number of equilibrium stages, N, from Equation 6.32.5.
e
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
352
Chapter 6
TablezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
6.3.3 ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
7. Calculate the extractor cross-sectional area, A, and the diameter, D, from Equations 6.32.7, 6.32.8 and 6.32.11.
8. Find (HETS)! at D, from Equation 6.32.12.
9. Calculate (HETS) at D from Equation 6.32.9.
10. Calculate the extractor height, Z, using Equation 6.32.6.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJ
Example 6.8: Sizing a Karr Reciprocating-Plate Extr actor ___________
To illustrate the procedure for sizing a Karr extractor, we will use a process design
described by Drew [69]. The design requires separating a solution of methylene
chloride and methanol. The first step in the process is to contract.
Data
Feed Compostion:
Methylene Choride
2185 Ib/h (991 kg/h), 0.9851 mass fraction
Methanol
33 Ib/h (15.0 kg/h), 0.01488 mass fraction
Total flow rate
2218 Ib/h (1010 kg/h)
Methanol Recovery
8 = 95 % by weight
Methanol Distribution Coefficient (water/methylene chloride) = 2.0, estimated by
Drew (6.69)
Density in lb/ft3 (kg/m3)
Methylene Chloride
82.41 (1320)
Methanol
48.7 (780)
Water
62.43 (999)
C = 0.5 (in Equation 6.32.4)
To size the extractor, follow the procedure given in Table 6.33 using the
equations listed in Table 6.32. Because the methylene chloride solution is heavier
than water, it is introduced at the top and the water at the bottom of the extractor.
Refer to Figure 6.16 for the meaning of the numerical subscripts.
From EquationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
632.4,
x2K = (1 - 0.95) 0.01488 = 7.440xlO"4
From Equation 6.32.1,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
353zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Separator Design
mF
—————————
2.0 (0.0 1488) -0
—
_
——————————————————————
_______ = 7 1 0S
mSM 0.01488 - 7.44xlO~
^ ^ ^ yj j
4
where mSM is the minimum solvent flow rate.
From Equation 6.32.4, the operating feed to solvent ratio,
nip
rrip
— = 0.5 ——— = 0.5 (2.105) = 1 .053
ms
mSM
ms = mF / 1.053 = 2218 / 1.053 =2106 Ib/h (955 kg/h)
where ms is the operating solvent flow rate.
Substitute x2K = 7.440X10"4 and mF/ ms = 1.053 into Equation 6.32.2 for the
methanol balance. The methanol mass fraction in the exit water stream,
yi K = 0 + 1.053 (0.01488 -zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
IMQxW) = 0.01489
From Equation 6.32.13,
AE= 1.053 72 = 2.0.5265
Now, calculate the number of equilibrium stages from Equation 6.32.5.
0.1489-0
(17 0.52655)Ne = ——————— (1 - 0.5265) + 0.5265
7.44x10" - 0
Ne = 7.103
Rounding off Ne> we obtain 4 equilibrium stages.
To calculate the extraction height from Equation 6.32.6, first calculate
HETS. HETS is correlated with interfacial tension in Figure 6.23. The interfacial
tension does not appear to be available for this system. Twifik [70] correlated
HETS with dimensionless groups, but his correlation also requires the interfacial
tension. We will use the data given in Table 6.31 for MIBK. Table 6.31 gives data
for several extractor diameters. Select the 12 in (0.305 m) diameter extractor,
which is expected to be close to the calculated diameter. For the 12 in (0.3048 m)
extractor there are several values of HETS at varying agitator speeds and throughputs. Select the extractor that gives the maximum volumetric efficiency. The
minimum HETS is 5.6 in (0.142 m), and the total volumetric throughput is 1193
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
354
gal/h-ft (48.3 m/h). To calculate the column cross-sectional area from Equation
6.32.7, requires the volumetric flow rates of both the light and heavy phases.
2
mF 2185 33
_ = ——— + —— = 27.19 ft3/h (203.4 gal/h, 0.770 nrVh)
pF
82.41
48.7
ms / ps = (7.481) (2106 / 62.43) = 252.4 gal/h (0.995 m3/h)
From Equations 6.32.7 and 6.32.8,
203.4 + 252.4
A = ——————— = 0.3821 ft2 (0.0355 m2)
1193
D = (4 A / 7i)1/2 = [4 (0.3821) / 3.142]1'2 = 0.6975 ft (8.370 in, 0.213 m)
Next correct HETS for column diameter from Equation 6.32.9. Because D is
less than 30 in (0.762 m), select a standard pipe size. From piping tables [66],
select a Schedule 10S pipe, which has an inside diameter of 10.42 in (0.265 m).zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
(10.42 V'38
HETS = 5.6 I ——— I = 5.307 in (0.135 m)
I 12 )
Because 5.307 in. is a minimum value, increase it by 20% to avoid flooding.
Therefore, the design HETS is 6.368 in (0.162 m). From Equation 6.32.6, the extraction height,
ZE = 4 (6.368) = 25.47 in (0.6469 m)
Hounding the height to the nearest 3 in (0.0762 m), ZE = 27 in. (0.6858 m).
Because this is a short extractor and because of the assumptions made, increase the
extraction height to 6 ft (1.97 m). The extra cost would not be substantial.
Now, add top and bottom sections to separate the phases. The diameter of
both settlers is 50% greater than the extractor diameter, and the height of each
settler is equal to the settler diameter. Therefore, the height of both settlers,
Zs = 2 (1.5) (10.42) = 31.26 in (0.794 m)
To join the settlers to the extractor requires reducers, which are about a foot
long. The total height of the column,
Z = ZE + Zs + reducers= 27.0 + 31.26 + 24.0 = 82.26 in (6.86 ft, 2.09 m)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
355zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Round off Z to 7 ft (2.13 m).
Because of the assumptions and approximations made in this problem, the
final design of the column must be confirmed by testing in a pilot plant. Cusack
and Karr [71] discuss the need for pilot plant testing.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
NOMENCLATURE
A
area or projected area
AA
absorption factor
AE
extraction factor
AF
filter area or cross-sectional area for flow
At
interfacial area in a decanter
AT
total rotary drum area
B
bottoms flow rate
C
concentration, mass per unit volume
CD
drag coefficient
D
packing size or drop diameter
D
diameter or distillate flow rate
DM
average diameter
E0
column efficiency
F
fraction of drum area required for filtering
FB
buoyant force
FD
drag force
FG
gravitational force
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
356
g
acceleration of gravity
H
height
HD
dispersion zone thickness
HETS
height equivalent to a theoretical stage
JT
total volumetric flow rate per unit area
k
flooding factor
kv
entrainment factor
K
liquid-vapor or liquid-liquid equilibrium ratio
L
length
LD
the length of the dispersion layer
LS
length of the lower section of a column, or decanter length required
for the dispersed phase to settle
m
mass or molar flow rate
mD
mass of dry cake
mL
mass flow rate of liquid, molar flow rate, or mass of a liquid drop
ms
mass of dry filter cake
m
vapor mass flow rate or molar flow rate
ML
molecular weight of a liquid
Mv
molecular weight of a vapor
n; B
number of moles of component i in the bottoms
n iD
number of moles of component i in the distillate
NA
number of actual stages
Ne
number of equilibrium stages
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
357zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
NL
number of trays below the feed tray
NM
minimum number of trays
NU
number of trays above the feed tray
P
pressure or perimeter
P0
internal or operating pressure, or the pressure at the surface of a filter
cake
Ps
pressure drop across a filter cake
Pv
pressure produced by a vacuum pump
q
a measure of the thermal condition of the feed
R
radius or reflux ratio
Re
Reynolds Number
Rh
hydraulic radius
RM
minimum reflux ratio
RO
optimum reflux ratio
s
specific surface (the surface area per unit volume of particle)
S
stress
tc
corrosion allowance, thickness
tD
time for a drop to reach a liquid-liquid interfacezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
if
filtering time
ts
shell thickness or surge time
tH
head thickness
tR
residence time
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
358
T
temperature
v
velocity
vd
terminal velocity of a dispersed phase drop
vs
superficial velocity
vv
vapor velocity
V
volume
VB
volumetric flow rate of bottom-product
VD
volumetric flow rate of the dispersed phase
VL
volumetric flow rate of the liquid, or light phase
Vv
volumetric flow rate of vapor
x
mole fraction in the liquid phase or distance
XLK
mole fraction of the light key component in the liquid
XHK
mole fraction of the heavy key component liquid
y
mole faction in the gas or vapor phase
Z
column height
ZT
tray spacingzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Greek
a
relative volatility, or specific resistance
(aOavg
geometric mean
E
weld efficiency, fraction absorbed or stripped, void fraction (porosity)
eH
head weld efficiency
8s
shell weld efficiency
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
359zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
r|v
volumetric efficiency
|i
viscosity
He
viscosity of the continuous phase
6
dispersed phase parameter
p
density
ps
solid density
a
surface tension
co
reciprocating frequencyzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Subscripts
B
bottom of a fractionator
C
continuous phase
D
dispersed phase or distillate
F
fractionator
H
heavy phase
HK
heavy key component
i
interface or the i* component
k
key component
L
liquid or light phase
LK
light key component
m
minimum
s
solvent
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
360
T
temperature or top tray
V
vaporzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
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1.
Rase, H.F. Barrow, M.H., Project Engineering of Process Plants, John
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3. Wallace, A.E., Webb, W. P., Cut Costs with Realistic Corrosion Allowances, Chem. Eng., 88, 17, 123,1981.
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5. Aerstin, F., Street, G., Applied Chemical Process Design, Plenum Press,
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6. Walas, S. M., Chemical Process Equipment, Butterworth Publishers,
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Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
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33.
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361zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Selker, A.H., Sleicher, C. A., Factors Effecting which Phase will Disperse
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Barton, R.L., Sizing Liquid-Liquid Separators, Chem. Eng., 81, 13, 111,
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Bailes, P.J., Godfrey, J.C., Slater, M.J., Designing Liquid/Liquid Extraction Equipment, The Chem. Eng., No. 370, 331,1981.
Hooper, W. B., Jacobs, L. J., Decantation, Handbook of Separation Techniques for Chemical Engineers, P.A. Schwitzer, ed., McGraw-Hill, New
York, NY, 1979.
McCabe, L.W. Smith, J.C., Harriott, P., Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, 6th ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 2001.
Flood, I.E. Porter, H.F., Rennie, F.W., Filtration Practice Today, Chem.
Eng., 73,13,163,1966.
Chalmers, J.M., Elledge, L.R., Porter, H. F., Filters, Chem. Eng., 62, 6,
191,1955.
Bird, R.B., Stewart ,W.E., Lightfoot, E.N.,Transport Phenomena, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1960.
Tiller, P.M., Filtration Theory Today, Chem. Eng., 73,13, 151, 1966.
Svarovsky, L., Advanced in Solid Liquid Separations I, Chem. Eng., 86,
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Treybal, R.R., Mass-Transfer Operations, McGraw-Hill, 3rd ed., New
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King, C.J., Separation Processes, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1981.
Henley, E.J., Seader, J.D., Equilibrium-Stage Separation Operations in
Chemical Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1976.
Harrison, M.E., France, J.J., Troubleshooting Distillation Columns, Part 3:
Trayed Columns, Chem. Eng., 96, 5, 126, 1989.
Frank, O., Shortcuts for Distillation Design, Chem. Eng., 84, 6, 111, 1977.
Geddes, R.L., A General Index of Fractional Distillation Power for Hydrocarbon Mixtures, AIChE J., 4,4, 389,1958.
Yaws, C.L., Patel, P.M., Pitts, F.H., Fang, C.S., Estimate Multicomponent
Recovery, Hydrocarbon Proc., 58, 2,99, 1979.
McNulty, K.J., Effective Design for Absorption and Stripping, Chem.
Eng.. 101. 11.92. 1994.
Brochure, Buyer's Guide to Chemical Process Equipment from Pfaudler,
Bulletin 1138, The Pfaudler Co., Rochester, NY, No Date.
Fenske, M.R., Fractionation of Straight-Run Pennsylvania Gasoline, Ind.
Eng. Chem., 24, 5,482, 1932.
Underwood,E.R., Fractional Distillation of Multicomponent Distillation Calculation of Minimum Reflux Ratio, J. Inst. Petrol., 32, 274, 614,1946.
Van Winkle, M.C., Todd, W., Optimum Fractionation Design by Simple
Graphics Methods, Chem. Eng, 78, 21, 136,1971.
Olujic, Z, Optimum Reflux Ratio, Chem. Eng, 88, 21, 184, 1981.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
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42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
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48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
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63.
Gilliland, E.R., Multicompnent Rectification: Minimum Reflux Ratio, Ind.
Eng. Chem., 32, 9,1101, 1940.
McCormick, I.E., A Correlation for Distillation Stages and Reflux, Chem.
Eng., 59, 13,75,1988.
Oliver, E.D., Diffusional Separation Processes: Theory, Design & Evaluation, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1966.
Kirbride, G.G., Process Design Procedure for Multicomponent Fractionators, Petrol. Refiner, 23, 9, SP321, 1944.
Vital, T.J., Grossel, S.S, Olsen, P.I., Part 1, Estimating Separation Efficiency, Hydrocarbon Proc., 63, 10, 147,1984.
Anonymous, Update, Chem. Eng. Progr., 86,10, 14, 1990.
Smith, B.D., Design of Equilibrium Stage Processes, McGraw-Hill Book
Co., New York, NY, 1963.
Branan, C.R., Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engnineers, Gulf Publishing,
Houston, TX, 1994.
Ulrich, G.D., A Guide to Chemical Engineering Process Design and Economics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1984.
Walas, S.M., Rules of Thumb, Chem. Eng., 94,4, 75, 1987.
Fair, J.R., Distillation, Handbook of Separation Process Technology, R.W.
Rousseau, ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1987.
Valle-Riestra, J.F., Project Evaluation in the Chemical Process Industries,
McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1983.
Drew, J.W., Distillation Column Startup, Chem. Eng., 90, 23, 221, 1983.
Drew, J.W., Two-Tier Safety Factors, Letter to the Editor, Chem. Eng., 91,
4, 5,1984.
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Eng., 79,9, 156,1968.
Aspen Plus Steady State Simulation, Aspen Technology Inc., Cambridge,
MA, 2000.
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News, 22,21,42, 1930.
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Eng., 89,20,135,1982.
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Separation Techniques for Chemical Engineers, 2nd ed., P. A. Schneitzer,
ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1988.
Karr, A., Lo, T.C., Scaleup of Large Diameter Reciprocating-Plate Extraction Columns, Chem. Eng. Progr., 72, 11, 68,1976.
Stichlmair, J., Leistungs-und Kostenvergleich verschiedener Apparatebauarten fur die Flussig/Flussig-Extraktion, Chem. Ing. Tech., 52, 3,253,
1980.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Separator Design
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Choi, H.D., The Effect of Operating Variables on the Extraction Efficiency
of a Reciprocating-Plate Extractor, Masters Thesis, Stevens Institute of
Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 1979.
Henley, E.J., Seader, J.D., Separation Process Principles, John Wiley &
Sons, New York, NY, 1998.
Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, Perry, R. C., Green, D.W., eds.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1997.
Bennett, C.O., Myers, J. E., Momentum, Heat, and Mass Transfer, 2nd ed.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1974.
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NTIS PB84-232628, US Dept. of Commerce, Aug. 1984.
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1975.
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Eng., 98,4, 112, 1991.
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Parsippany, NY, 1996.
Brochure, Separation Columns for Distillation and Absorption, Sulzer
Brothers Lmt., Winterthur, Switzerland, 1988.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
There are numerous reactor types, but in this chapter the objective is to consider
only a few common types. These are: batch, continuous stirred tank, homogenous plug flow and fixed bed catalytic reactors. To size other reactor types and
for a more thorough treatment of reactor design than presented here, the reader
can consult books written on reactor design, such as Fogler [16], Smith [23], and
Forment and Bischoff [31].zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
REACTOR SELECTION
Because of the variety of reactors available, some engineers believe that reactor
classification is not possible. No matter how incomplete a classification may
be, however, the designer needs some guidance, even though there may be some
reactor types that do not fit into any classification. Accordingly, we will classify reactors using the following criteria:
1. form of energy supplied
2. phases in contact
3. catalytic or noncatalytic
4. batch or continuous
5. packed or suspended bed
In Chapter 1, reactions were classed according to the form of energy supplied to the reaction: thermochemical, biochemical, electrochemical, photochemi365
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
366
cal, plasma, and sonochemical. Table 7.1 gives an example of each reaction type.
Since thermochemical reactions are the most common, we will consider them in
detail in this chapter.
Mixtures of alkyl halides and chlorinated aromatic side chains are produced
industrially in photochemical reactors. For example, reacting methane with chlorine, using mercury arc lamps, produces a mixture of the four isomers of chloromethane [1].
Samdani and Gilges [2] list a number of commercial processes for electrochemically synthesizing organic compounds. An example is the conversion of
glucose to gluconic acid. Gluconic acid, sold as a 50% aqueous solution, is used
in metal pickling and as a protein coagulant in the production of tofu (soy bean
curd), as well as in many other applications [3].
A sonochemical reaction is an indirect way of conducting a thermochemical
reaction. Ultrasound causes cavitation in liquids, elevating the temperature in microscopic cavities in the liquid, which promotes chemical reaction. There appears
to be no commercial application of ultrasonic energy to conduct chemical reactions. Pandit and Moholkar [4] list several organic reactions conducted in the
laboratory. A possible future application is the destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons in wastewater or ground water [5].
A plant operated by Huls in Marl, Germany, uses an electric-arc plasma
reactor to produced acetylene [6]. A plasma is an electrically conductive but
electrically neutral gas. In this process, a hydrocarbon and hydrogen mixture
flows into a reaction chamber where the hydrocarbon is cracked into acetylene,
ethylene, hydrogen, and soot.
Table 7.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Energy Sources for Chemical Reaction
Energy Source
Product Example
Thermochemical
Biochemical
Electrochemical
Photochemical
Plasma
Sonochemical
Ammonia
Ethanol
Gluconic Acid
Chloromethanes
Acetylene
Fumaric Acid
(Laboratory Scale)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
367zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Reactor Design
The next consideration is classifying reactors according to the phases in contact. These are:
1. gas-liquid
2. liquid-liquid
3. gas-solid
4. liquid-solid
5. gas-liquid-solid
After specifying the energy form, the catalyst and the phases in contact, the
next task is to decide whether to conduct the reaction in a batch or continuous
mode. In the batch mode, the reactants are charged to a stirred-tank reactor (STR)
and allowed to react for a specified time. After completing the reaction, the reactor is emptied to obtain the products. This operating mode is unsteady state.
Other unsteady-state reactors are: (1) continuous addition of one or more of the
reactants with no product withdrawal, and (2) all the reactants added at the beginning with continuous withdrawal of product. At steady-state, reactants flow into
and products flow out continuously without a change in concentration and temperature in the reactor.
Table 7.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Reactor Types
Operating Mode
—»
Batch
Reactor Type -»
Tank
Tank
Flow type -»
Agitated
Agitated
Cocurrent
Countercurrent
Cocurrent
Countercurrent
Gaseous
R
C
C
N
C
N
Liquid
C
C
C
N
C
N
Gas-Liquid1"
C
C
R
C
R
C
Liquid-Liquid
C
C
C
C
R
C
Gas-Solid
C
C
R
C
R
C
Liquid-Solid
C
C
R
C
R
C
Gas-Liquid-Solid
C
C
R
C
C
CzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Continuous
Tubular
Tank Battery
Phases'
a) C indicates common reactor operation, R indicates rare, and N indicates never.
b) Gas bubbling through a liquid.
Source: Adapted from Ref. 7.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
368
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
To guide the reactor selection process, Walas [7] has classified reactions
according to the operating mode (batch or continuous), reactor type (tank, tank
battery, tubular), flow type (back mixed, multistage back mixed), and the phases in
contact. This reactor classification in Table 7.2 indicates if a particular reactor
arrangement is commonly used, rarely used, or not feasible.
Economics determines whether to use a continuous flow or a batch reactor.
Generally, if the residence time is large and the production rate small, select a
batch reactor. This relationship is shown in Figure 7.1, which can be used to obtain a preliminary selection of a reactor. When the application is located in overlapping areas or near a boundary, make a careful analysis to determine the most
economic choice.
There are two ideal models for developing reactor-sizing relationships: the
plug flow and the perfectly stirred-tank models. In the plug-flow model, the reactants flowing through the reactor are continuously converted into products. During reaction there is no radial variation of concentration, backmixing or forward
mixing. In a perfect STR, the reactants are thoroughly mixed so that the concentration of all species and temperature are uniform throughout the reactor and equal
to that leaving the reactor.
Figure 7.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Application areas for several reactor types. From Ref. 8.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
369zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
STIRRED-TANK REACTOR SELECTIONzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
The operating mode of a stirred-tank reactor may be either continuous or batch.
A STR consists of a vessel to contain the reactants, a heat exchanger, a mixer,
and baffles to prevent vortex formation and to increase turbulence, enhancing
mixing.
To evaluate and select a STR, consider the following factors:
1. mixing
2. heat transfer
3. jacket pressure drop
4. cleaning
Sufficient power must be supplied to the liquid to approach the ideal
model of a thoroughly-mixed reacting system. Inadequate mixing results in a
longer average residence time and thus a larger reactor volume than for the ideal
model. Designing a mixing system requires selecting and sizing the impeller,
baffles, and electric motor. For a preliminary design, all that is necessary is to
estimate the mixer power.
An important consideration when sizing a STR is heating or'cooling the
reactor contents. There are several heat exchangers, which are classified as either an internal or external heat exchanger. The internal heat exchangers are
immersed directly into the reacting liquid and consist of spiral coils, harp coils,
and hollow or plate baffles. We will only consider spiral coils when designing
an STR.
The external heat exchanger may either be a jacket or a she 11-and-tube heat
exchanger. For the latter, the reactor contents circulate through an external flow
loop containing the heat exchanger. The jacket types, as illustrated in Figure
7.2, consist of the simple jacket - with or without a spiral baffle or nozzles for
promoting turbulence - the partial pipe coil, and the dimple jacket. The simple
jacket consists of an outer cylinder enclosing part of the reactor. A heattransfer fluid flows in the annular area surrounding the reactor, as shown in Figure 7.2. If the heat-transfer rate is limited by the jacket heat-transfer coefficient,
then increase the turbulence in the jacket by using a spiral baffle or nozzles. The
spiral baffle is wound around and welded to the reactor. The baffle channels the
fluid from the jacket entrance to the jacket exit. Channeling the fluid increases
its velocity and turbulence, resulting in a higher heat transfer coefficient. The
partial pipe coil is formed by cutting a pipe along its longitudinal axis. Then,
the coil is wrapped around the reactor in a helix and welded onto the reactor
shell. The dimple jacket consists of hemispherical dimples pressed into a thin
plate, which is then wrapped around and welded onto the reactor. The jacket
area covers about 80% of the reactor surface, consisting of a bottom elliptical
head and a cylindrical shell.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7
370
-Shaft
One of Several Baffles
Heat-Transfer FluidzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
-Spiral Baffle
Heat-Transfer Fluid
Plain Jacket with Agftttion Nonta
Spiral-Baffle Jacket
Source: Adapted faun Reference 7.10
Source: Adapted from Reference 7.10
Coolant Outlet
Coolant Inlet
Baffle
Partlal-Plpe-Coil
Jacket
Helical Coil
Hot Fluid
DimplezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
Inlet
Partl>l-Pi|K-Ciin Jacket with an Internal Coil
Source: Reference 7.9
Dimple Jacket
Source: Raferences: 7.12,7.13zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Figure 7.2 Examples of stirred-tank reactors. With permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
371zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
The factors that influence the selection of a heat exchanger are:
1. heat-transfer coefficients
2. jacket pressure
3. reactor pressure
4. jacket pressure drop
5. cleanliness
6. cost
Figure 7.3 compares calculated overall heat-transfer coefficients for several
reactor heat exchangers, using water for both the jacket and reactor fluid. The
figure shows that the highest heat-transfer coefficient is obtained with internal
coils and the lowest with the simple jacket (called the conventional jacket in Figure 7.3) without a spiral baffle or agitation. It is assumed that the flow rate for the
internal coil is the coil flow rate and not the jacket flow rate, as plotted in Figure
7.3. Heat-transfer coefficients for the half-pipe coil, agitated, and baffled jackets
are comparable.
The jacket pressure and reactor pressure also influences jacket selection. If
the jacket pressure is large the reactor wall thickness becomes large, reducing
1,200
1,000
• Internal Coil
600
• Half-Pipe Jacket
• Agitated Conventional
• Baffled Conventional
400zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A Dimple Jacket
A Conventional
Z
200
SO
100
150
200
250
300
Jacket Fluid-Water—Reactor Fluid-Water
Figure 7.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Comparison of STR heat exchangers. From Ref. 20 with
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
372
heat transfer [12]. Markovitz [12] has given the following rules for selecting the
jacket type:
for < 500 gal (1.89 m3)
for > 500 gal (1.89 m3)
if the reactor pressure is greater
than twice the jacket pressure
for a jacket pressure < 300 psi (20.7 bar)
for a jacket pressure > 300 psi (20.7 bar)
but < 1000 psi (68.9 bar)
for steam the pressure is < 750 psi (51.7 bar)
use the simple jacket
use the dimple or half-pipe coil
use the simple jacket
use the dimple
use the half-pipe coil jacket
use the half-pipe coil jacket
use the half-pipe coil jacket
Besides heat transfer and structural considerations, pressure drop across the
jacket is also important because it affects both pump and power costs. For the
dimple and partial-pipe-coil jackets, the pressure drop will be higher than in the
simple jacket because of the increased turbulence. The pressure drop in the
dimpled jacket is approximately 10 to 12 times higher than in the simple jacket
[12]. For this reason, the liquid velocity in the dimpled jacket is limited to
about two feet per second. There is no limitation on the number of inlet and
outlet connections for the partial-pipe coil. Thus, to reduce the fluid velocity
and hence the pressure drop, the process engineer will split the heat-transfer
fluid into zones, as shown in Figure 7.2. The partial pipe-coil jacket is more
versatile - it can be used with both high and low temperature heat-transfer fluids. If the heat-transfer coefficient inside the reactor is small compared to the
jacket heat-transfer coefficient, then consider using the simple jacket. Because
it is difficult to clean dimple jackets, they should not be used with dirty fluids.
Also, do not use the dimple jacket for applications requiring high temperature
organic heat-transfer fluids, which may degrade to form solids. The solids will
deposit on the dimples, fouling the jacket.
The most frequently used internal heat exchanger is the spiral coil. Manufacturers fabricated internal coils by bending straight lengths of pipe. The number of coil banks that can be placed in a reactor depends on the minimum coil
radius, which is about 8 to 12 in (0.203 to 0.305 m). Below the minimum coil
radius, the pipe will crush during coiling. A common pipe diameter is 2 in.
(50.8 cm). The outer coils are less efficient in transferring heat than the inner
coils, which are close to the impeller, because the heat transfer coefficient decreases from the inner coil to the outer coil. Hicks and Gates [14] described the
design of polymerization reactors using three banks of coils.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJ
CONTINUOUS STIRRED-TANK REACTOR SIZING
Sizing continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) requires selecting a standard reactor, given in Table 3, from a manufacturer. Table 7.4 lists the relations for calculating the reaction volume, heat transfer area, and the mixer power for CSTRs.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
373zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Reactor Design
Table 7.5 gives the calculation procedure. Any reaction kinetics, indicated by
Equation 7.4.4, can be used in the procedure. For each reactor in the series, we
assume
1. perfect mixing
2. constant volume
3. constant temperature
4. constant density
5. constant heat capacities
6. equal mixer power for each reactor
Table 7.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Standard Stirred Tank Reactors (Source Ref. 13).
Rated
Actual
Capacitygal
Capacity
3
Jacket Areab
ft2
gal
500
750
1000
1200
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
5000
6000
8000
10,000
559
807
1075
1253
75
97
118
135
1554
2083
2756
155
191
230
3272
3827
4354
5388
6601
8765
10,775
256
283
Diameter0
in
Outside
Straight
Shellc
in
54
60
66
51
60
66
66
72
78
84
78
81
93
90
96
304
353
395
466
108
120
132
540
144
102
a) To convert gal to m3, multiply by 3.785x10
b) To convert ft2 to m3, multiply by 9.29xlO"2.
c) To convert in to m, multiply by 2.54xlO"2.
Table 7.4 Summary of Equations for Sizing CSTRs
First Subscript: entering stream or CSTR number — n
leaving stream — n + 1
Second Subscript: reactant A
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
105
108
111
111
123
120
132
135
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
374
Table 7.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Continued
Mole Balance
ran. A' = n^+1;A + (x n + l j A '-x n j A ')m n > A
(7.4.1)
Ener gy Equation
(Ahn)
nV + (AH°R) (xn + ,, A - xn,A') m,,, A = Qn+ (Ahn+1) m^i
(7.4.2)
Rate Equations
-r n , A V r = (x n+1 , A -x njA ') m,,, /
(7.4.3)
r n , A =f(c n + 1 , A )
(7.4.4)
c n +i,A = m n+1;A /V v '
(7.4.5)
VR = f(Vr)
(7.4.6)
— from Table 7.3
Qj = Uj Aj (Tj -TR')
(7.4.7)
TJ = (T J1 '+ TJ2')/2
(7.4.8)
Aj = f( Vr) — Table 7.3
(7.4.9)
If Qn < Qj — thenA R = Aj
(7.4.10)
> Qj — then calculate Qc
If QnzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Q c = U c Ac(Tc-T R ')
(7.4.11)
Tc = (TCi' +T C 2 ')/2
(7.4.12)
Ac = 4.6 Vr 2/3 — Ac (m2), Vr (m3)
(7.4.13)
If Qn < Qc — thenA R = Ac
If Qn > Qc and Qn < Qj + Qc — then AR = Aj + Ac
If Qn > Qj + Qc — then AR = AE'
(7.4.14)
Pn = pVr
(7.4.15)
p = ^application') — Table 7.7
(7.4.16)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
375zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Reactor Design
System Pr oper tieszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(Ahn) nV = Ii cpi' nv/ (TR' - T0')
(7.4.17)
(Ahn+1) nvi = Si cpi' nvi, i (TR' - T0')
AH°R =H°C' -(HV -HY)
(7.4.18)
(7.4.19)
k = A' exp (- E' / R' TR')
(7.4.20)
Uj = f(reaction solution', jacket fluid') — Table 7.6
(7.4.21)
Uc = ^reaction solution', coil fluid') — Table 7.6
(7.4.22)
Unknowns
nVi, A - xn+i,A - Ahn - Ahn +1 - AH°R - rn> A - Vr - cn + 1>A - VR - Qj - U, - Aj - T, Qn - Uc - Ac - Tc - AR - Qc - Pn - p - k
Table 7.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing CSTRs____________
1. Obtain the reaction volume, Vr , from Equations 7.4.1, 7.4.3 to 7.4. 5 and
7.4.20.
2. Select a standard reaction volume, V (rated capacity), from Equation 7.4.6.
R
3. Calculate the actual conversion, x , using the rated capacity, Equations 7.4.1
and 7.4.3 to 7.4.5.
n> A
4. Next calculate the heat-transfer rate in each reactor, Qn, from Equations 7.4.2
and 7.4.17 to 7.4.19.
5. Determine if the jacket area, Aj, is sufficient.
6. Calculate the jacket heat-transfer rate, QJ; from Equations 7.4.7 to 7.4.9 and
7.4.21.
7. Determine if Qj is sufficient from Equation 7.4.10.
8. If not, determine if the coil area, Ac, is sufficient.
9. Calculate the coil heat-transfer rate, Qc, from Equations 7.4.11 to 7.4.13 and
7.4.22.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7
376
Table 7.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
ContinuedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
10. Determine if Qc is sufficient from Equation 7.4.14.
11. If not, determine if the jacket + coil area is sufficient.
12. Calculate the jacket plus coil heat-transfer rate, Qj + Qc.
13. Determine if Qj + Qc is sufficient from Equation 7.4.14.
14. If not, then an external heat exchanger is necessary. The area may be estimated
from the approximate method outlined in Chapter 4.
15. Finally, calculate the mixer power, Pn, by from Equations 7.4.15 and 7.4.16.
Table 7.6 Approximate STR Overall Heat-Transfer Coefficients
Source Ref. 7.33a).
Coil Side
Steam
Steam
Steam
Hot Water
Hot Water
Cooling Water
Cooling Water
Brine
Brine
Organic Oil
Coil/Agitated Liquid
Agitated Liquid
Aqueous Solution
Organic Solution
Heavy Oil
Aqueous Solution
Organic Solution
Aqueous Solution
Organic Solution
Aqueous Solution
Organic Solution
Heavy Organic
Ub
Btu/h-°F-ft2
90 - 160
60 - 130
30-60
90-130
60 - 100
80 - 120
50-90
60 - 100
50-90
60-110
Jacket/Agitated Liquid
Steam
Steam
Cooling water
Cooling Water
Aqueous Solution
Organic Solution
Aqueous Solution
Organic Solution
Organic Oilc
Heavy Organic
a) For additional data see Reference 11.
b) To convert to W/m2-K multiply by 5.678.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
70-130
60-110
60-110
50-80
30-50
Reactor Design
377
Table 7.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Approximate Mixer Power for Stirred-Tank ReactorszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
Application
Power"
hp/lOOOgal
Blending"
Homogeneous Reaction3
Reaction with Heat Transfer3
Liquid-Liquid Mixtures"
Liquid-Gas Mixtures3
Slurries"
Fermentation15
Emulsion Polymerization11
Suspension Polymerizationb
Solution Polymerization11
0.2-0.5
0.5-1.5
1.5-5.0
5.0
5.0-10.0
10.0
3.0-10.0
6.0-7.0
3.0-10.0
15.0-40.0
a) Source: Reference 7
b) Source: Reference 15
c) To convert to W/m3 multiply by 197.0.
Constant density implies that the volumetric flow rate from reactor to reactor is constant. The relationships listed in Table 7.4 apply to any number of
CSTRs in series. The subscript, n, refers to the reactor number and also to the
number of the entering stream. The subscript, n + 1, refers to the number of the
leaving stream. Equations 7.4.1 to 7.4.3, are the mole balance for reactant A,
the energy equation, and the rate equation.
STRs are usually never completely filled unless top withdrawal of the liquid is required. At the top of the reactor, we will allow some empty volume,
called head space. Blaasel [15] recommends allowing 15% head space for reactors less than 1.9 m3 (500 gal) and 10% head space for reactors greater than 1.9
m3 (500 gal). After calculating the reaction volume, then add the headspace according to these rules to obtain the reactor volume. After calculating the reactor
volume, select a standard reactor from a manufacturer. A standard reactor is less
expensive than a reactor made-to-order. Table 7.3 lists standard-size reactors,
which will vary somewhat from manufacturer to manufacturer. In Table 7.3, the
rated capacity is the reaction volume, and the actual volume includes the headspace. Because the manufacturer has allowed for headspace in this case, we need
not allow headspace according to the above rules.
To transfer heat, size either a STR with a jacket or one with internal coils.
Try the jacketed reactor first because it is the least costly. The available heat-
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
378
transfer area consists of the cylindrical surface of the reactor and the dished
bottom. Only 80% of the total surface area of an STR is available for heat transfer. The upper head contains nozzles, a port for the mixer, lugs for support, and
usually a sight glass, as shown in Figure 7.2.
We will use a spiral coil to illustrate the calculation procedure. First, consider a jacketed STR. If the jacket heat-transfer area is insufficient, then consider an internal heat exchanger and finally a shell-and-tube external heat exchanger. For the latter case, the reacting solution is pumped out of the reactor
continuously, cooled in a heat exchanger, and then returned to the reactor. If the
jacketed reactor does not provide sufficient heat-transfer area, then try using
internal helical coils. If more than one coil is used, then the heat transfer coefficient must be reduced by 30% for each additional coil [14]. Thus, if the reaction
requires three coils, then the coil near the reactor wall will only have 40% of the
heat-transfer coefficient of the coil closest to the impeller. Frank [33] believes
that this reduction in the heat-transfer coefficient may be too pessimistic. Each
coil requires spacing between the reactor wall and other coils. To minimize interfering with liquid recirculation, the coils should not extend completely to the
surface of the liquid or the bottom of the tank. Hicks and Gates [14] recommend
locating the top of the coil at least one sixth of the diameter of the reactor below
the liquid surface. They also recommend locating the bottom coil' at one-sixth
the coil diameter above the bottom of the STR.
The jacket temperature, Tj, in Equation 7.4.8, equals the average of the
jacket inlet and outlet temperatures. For a coil also use the average of the inlet
and outlet temperatures. First, determine if there is sufficient heat-transfer area
by assuming a simple jacket. The area of the jacket is given in Table 7.3. The
area will be about the same for simple, pipe coil, and dimple jackets. If the
jacket area is insufficient, then determine if coils will provide the additional surface area. The reactor volume should be compensated for the volume occupied
by the coils.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 7.1 Sizing a CSTR for Synthesizing Pr opylene Glycol________
This problem is an adaptation of a problem taken from Fogler [16]. Propylene
glycol is produced by hydrating propylene oxide using a solution of 0.1 % sulfuric
acid in water as a catalyst. The reaction is
CH2 —— CH — CH3 + H2O -» CH2 — CH — CH3
I O__|
]_OH |_OH
An equi-volumetric solution of methanol and propylene oxide flows into a
CSTR. At the same time, a 0.1% sulfuric acid solution also flows into the CSTR at
a rate of 2.5 times the combined flow rate of propylene oxide and methanol. The
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
379zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
coolant is chilled water. Size the reactor, determine the heat exchanger type and
area, and calculate the mixer power.
Data
Methanol volumetric flow rate
Propylene oxide volumetric flow rate
Acid solution volumetric flow rate
Feed inlet temperature
Reaction temperature
Chilled water inlet temperature
Chilled water exit temperature
Required propylene oxide conversion
800ft 3 /h(22.7m 3 /h)
800 fWh (22.7 m3/h)
4000ft 3 /h(l 13 m3/h)
75°F(23.9°C)
100°F(37.8°C)
5°C(41°F)
15°C(59°F)
0.37
Thermodynamic properties are summarized in Table 7.1.1, and reaction
properties are given below. Fogler [16] estimated the heat capacity for propylene
glycol using a rale-of-thumb. The rule states that the majority of low-molecularweight, oxygen-containing organic liquids have a heat capacity of 0.6 cal/g °F
±15%(35Btu/lbmol-°F)
Reaction Properties
Pre-exponential factor, A
Activation energy, E
16.96 xlO 12 h'1
32,400 Btu/lbmol (75,330 kJ/kgmol)
Follow the calculation procedure outlined in Table 7.5. Using the equations
listed in Table 7.4, first calculate the reaction volume. Then select a standard reaction volume (rated capacity) from Table 7.3. The actual capacity (reactor volume)
Table 7.1.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Thermodynamic Properties for Proplyene Glycol Synthesis
Component
Molecular
Weight
Density3
g/cm3
Heat Capacity13
Btu/lbmol-°F
Standard
Enthalpy
of Reactionc>d
Btu/lbmol
Water
Propylene Glycol
58.08
18.02
76.11
Methanol
32.04
Propylene Oxide
0.859
0.9941
1.036
0.7914
35
18
46
19.5
a) To convert g/cm to kg/m multiply by 1000.
b) To convert Btu/lbmol-°F to kJ/kgmol-°K multiply by 4.187.
c) At 25 °C (77 °F)
d) To convert Btu/lbmol to kJ/kgmol multiply by 2.325.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
-66,600
-123,000
-226,000
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
380
of the reactor is greater than the rated capacity to allow for some headspace. If the
rated capacity from Table 7.3 is greater than the calculated reaction volume, calculate the actual conversion, x - The conversion will increase because of the increased reaction volume and therefore residence time.
The first step is to calculate limits for the reaction volume. One CSTR will
give the maximum volume and a plug-flow reactor will give the minimum volume. The total reaction volume for multiple CSTRs will lie somewhere between
these two limits. After calculating the reaction volume, calculate the required heat
transfer and the heat-transfer area. Then, either select a jacket, a coil, jacket plus a
coil, or an external heat exchanger.
First, calculate the reaction volume. Assuming that the density does not
change significantly during reaction, the total volumetric flow rate at the reactor
exit,
n>
A
Vv = 800 + 800 + 4000 = 5600 ft3 /h (159 m3/h)
In this case the subscript A in Table 7.4 refers to propylene oxide. The molar
flow rate of propylene oxide is
800
mi,A = —— 0.859 (62.43) = 738.7 Ibmol/h (335 kgmol/h)
58.08
After substituting the reaction parameters into Arhenius's equation, Equation
7.4.20, we obtain
T = 100 + 459.7 = 559.7 °R (311 K)
- 32400
1
k = 16.92 x 1012 exp ————— ——— = 3.766 h'1
1.987
559.7
For one CSTR, n = 1 in Equations 7.4.1 and 7.4.3 to 7.4.5.
niiA = m2A + (x2A - XIA) m1A
- r2A Vr = (x2A - x,A)
T2A = - k C2A
c2A = m 2A /V v
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381zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Reactor Design
Substitute x (A = 0, x2A = 0.37, Vv = 5600 ft3/h, m,A = 738.7 Ibmol/h and k =
3.766/h" into these equations. Then, solve the equations using POLYMATH [22].
The reaction volume is 873.3 ft3 (24.7 m3), which is the maximum reaction volume.
The minimum reaction volume will be for a plug flow reactor, which, for a
first order reaction is
1
Vv
1
5600
1
Vr = — In ——— = ——— hi ———— = 687.0 ft3 (19.5 m3)
k l-x 2 A 3.766 1-0.37
For two CSTRs, generate a set of equations for n = 1 and n = 2. For the first
CSTR, when n = 1, the equations are the same as written above. For the second
CSTR, n = 2 in Equations 7.4.1 and 7.4.3 to 7.4.5.
m2A = m3A + (x3A - x2A ) m2A
-r 3A V r = (x 3A -x 2A )m 2A
r3A = - k c3A
c 3A =m 3 A /V v
With x3A = 0.37, and using the same values of XIA , Vv , m1A, and k as for
one CSTR, the eight equations are solved simultaneously using POLYMATH
[22]. For two CSTRs, the total reaction volume is 772.9 ft3 (21.9 m3) , which is in
between the reaction volumes of a single CSTR (873.3 ft ) (24.7 m) and the plug
flow reactor (687.0 ft ) (19.5 m). The difference in reaction volume between one
and two CSTRs is only 1 1.5 %, which is not substantial. Select a single CSTR.
The next step is to select a standard CSTR. For the calculated reaction volume of 873.3 ft3 (6533 gal, 24.7 m3), select a standard reaction volume from Table
7.3 of 8000 gal (30.3 m). Also, from Table 7.3 the reactor volume is 8765 gal
(33.2 m3) to allow for headspace. Now, we have a number of options available.
One option is not to fill the standard reactor up to the rated volume but only up to
the calculated reaction volume of 6533 gal (24.7 m3) and maintain the volumetric
flow rate at 5600 ft3/h (21.2 m3/h). This means that the conversion will be 0.37 as
specified. CSTRs have a minimum operating reaction volume to avoid imperfect
mixing. Mixing depends on the properties of the reaction mixture, the impeller
design and speed, and the internal design of the CSTR. The minimum operating
reaction volume for good mixing should be determined by consulting with the
manufacturer of the CSTR. A second option is to fill the reactor up to 8000 gal
(30.3 m) and increase the volumetric flow rate to keep the residence time and
therefore the conversion constant. A third option is to again fill the reactor up to
3
3
3
3
3
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3
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
382
maximum capacity, and maintain the volumetric flow rate at 5600 ft3/h (21.2
m/h). In this case, the residence time increases because of the increased reaction
volume, increasing the conversion. Choosing the third option, substitute 1069 ft
(8000 gal, 30.3 m3) for the reaction volume and the same values for x1A, Vv, m1A,
and k into the equations above for n = 1, and solve for x2A. Using POLYMATH
[22], the conversion is now 0.4182. This design will give some flexibility. If the
demand for product increases, the feed rate can be increased, but the conversion
will decrease. The original required conversion is 0.37.
The mole balance can now be completed for one CSTR. The inlet molar flow
rate for propylene oxide is calculated above. The inlet molar flow rate of methanol,
3
3
800
m1M = ——— 0.7914 (62.43) = 1,234 Ibmol/h (560 kgmol/h)
32.04
and the inlet molar flow rate of water,
4000
m w = ——— 0.9941 (62.43) = 13,780 Ibmol/h (6240 kg/mol/h)
18.02
The inlet flow rates (stream 1) are entered into Table 7.1.2. For x = 0.4182, the
outlet flow rates are also entered into Table 7.1.2.
Next, select a heat exchanger and calculate the heat transfer area. First, calculate the required heat transfer, Q, from an energy balance. Obtain the enthalpy
of reaction from Equation 7.4.19 and the standard enthalpies of reaction listed in
2A
n
Table 7.1.1.
AH°R = - 222,600 - (- 123, 000 - 66,600)
AH°R = -33,000 Btu/lbmol (-76,760 kJ/kgmol)
The enthalpy flowing into and out of the reactor for each component is calculated relative to 25 °C (77 °F), using heat capacities from Table 7.1.1. The results are contained in Table 7.1.3.
Solve for the required heat transferred, Qn, using the energy equation, Equation 7.4.2 in Table 7.4. Substituting the enthalpy of reaction, the enthalpy into the
reactor, and the enthalpy out of the reactor, obtained from Table 7.1.3, we find that
Qn = - 2,085,000 - 33,000 (308.9) + 9,465,000)
Qn = -2.814xl06 Btu/h (-2.97xlOs kJ/h)
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Reactor Design
383zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Thus, heat must be transferred out of the reactor to maintain the reaction
temperature at 100 °F (37.8 °C).
Next, calculate the heat transfer for a jacket, Qj, for the 8000 gal (30.3 m3)
standard reactor from Equations 7.4.7 to 7.4.9. The average jacket temperature,
Tj = (5+15)/2 = 10°C(50°F)
Selecting an approximate overall heat-transfer coefficient is a problem because of insufficient data. Although there are correlations available for calculating
the individual heat-transfer coefficients and hence the overall heat-transfer coefficients, at the preliminary stage of the process design, we try to avoid detailed calculations. The best we can do is to select a coefficient that best matches the conditions in the CSTR. Because the jacket liquid is water, and the reactor liquid is a
dilute aqueous solution, we find that from Table 7.6, Uj varies from 60 to 110
Btu/h-ft2-°F (341 to 625 W/m2-°F) The average value is 85 Btu/h ft2 °F (483
W/m2-K). From Equation 7.4.9, we find that the standard 8000 gal (30.3 m3) reactor has a jacket area of 466 ft2 (43.3 m2). From Equation 7.4.7, the heat that can be
transferred to the jacket,
Qj= 85 (466) (100 - 50) = 1.981xl06 Btu/h (2.09xl06 kJ/h)
which is insufficient according to Equation 7.4.10 because we are required to remove 2.814xl06 Btu/h (2.97xl06 kJ/h), but the jacket is only capable of removing
1.981xl06 Btu/h (2.08xl06 kJ/h).
Next, determine if the heat-transfer rate for a coil, Qc, will be sufficient.
From Table 7.6, the closest match we can find for an overall heat-transfer coefficient is for an aqueous solution in a coil and water in the reactor. From Table 7.6,
Uc varies from 80 to 120 Btu/h-ft2-^ (454 to 681 W/m2-K), the average being 100
Btu/h-ft2-°F (568 W/m2-K). The heat-transfer area for a coil is given by Equation
7.4.13.
Ac = 4.6 [3.785xlO~3 (8000)]273 = 44.69 m2 (480.9 ft2)
From Equation 7.4.11, the heat transfer rate for a coil,
Qc = 100 (480.9) (100 - 50) = 2.405xl06 Btu/h (2.537xl06 kJ/h)
Clearly, a coil alone is also insufficient. Now, if we add the jacket and coil
heat transfer rates,
Qc + QJ = 1.981X106 + 2.405X106 = 4.386xl06 Btu/h (4.63xl06 kJ/h)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
384
which is sufficient. Therefore, the solution is to use both a coil and a jacket to remove the enthalpy of reaction.
The final step is to calculate the mixer power requirement. From Equation
7.4.16, the application that matches this design is reaction with heat transfer. From
Table 7.7, the required power varies from 1.5 to 5 hp/1000 gal. The average power
is 3.25 hp/1000 gal (640 W/m). Then, according to Equation 7.4.15 the mixer
power,
3
P = (3.25 hp/1000 gal) (8000 gal) = 26 hp (19.4 kW)
From Table 5.10, a standard-size electric motor is 30 hp (22.4 kW), which
results in a safety factor of 15.4%.
Table 7.1.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Mole Balance for a CSTR Producing Propylene Glycol____
Propylene oxide conversion = 0.4182
Stream No
1
2
a
Flow Ratesa (Ibmol/h)
Temperature
°F(°C)
75 (23.9)
100 (68.0)
C3H60
C3H6(OH)2
CH3OH'
H2O
738.7
429.8
0
308.9
1,234
1,234
13,780
13,470
To convert to kgmol/h divide by 2.205.
Table 7.1.3 Energy Balance for a CSTR Producing Propylene Glycol
Component
Enthalpy In", Btu/h
C3H60
C3H6(OH)2
CH3(OH)
H20
738.7 (35)(68- 75)= -181,000
0
1,234(19.5)(68 - 75)=- 168,400
1 3,780(1 8.0)(68 -75) =-1,736, 000
429.8 (35) (100 -68)=
481,400
308.9 (46) (1 00 - 68) =
454,700
1,234 (19.5) (100 -68)= 770,000
13,470 (18.0) (100 - 68) = 7,759,000
Total
-2,085,000
9,465,000
a) To convert to kJ/h multiply by 1.055.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Enthalpy Out', Btu/h
385zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Reactor Design
SIZING BATCH REACTORSzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The equipment for batch reactors is identical to that of CSTRs. Table 7.8 lists
the equations for sizing batch reactors, and Table 7.9 outlines the calculation
procedure. First, calculate the reaction volume, V, by using Equations 7.8.3 to
7.8.6. This calculation requires an estimate of the batch time, defined by Equation 7.8.5, which is the sum of the times for charging, heating, reacting, discharging, cooling, emptying, and cleaning. These times are given in Table 7.8
for a polymerization reaction. No other time data seems to be available. Next,
find the reactor volume, V , using Equation 7.8.7. The reactor volume is greater
than the reaction volume because of an allowance for headspace.
After calculating the reactor volume, the next step is to calculate the heattransfer area. The reactant concentration, and therefore the heat-transfer rate
decreases as the reaction proceeds. We have to calculate the heat-transfer area
when the heat-transfer rate is a maximum, which is at initial conditions. First,
calculate the initial rate of reaction, r , from Equation 7.8.4, and then calculate
the heat transferred using Equations 7.8.1, 7.8.2 and 7.8.18 to 7.8.21. Next,
determine the heat-exchanger type using Equations 7.8.11 and 7.8.15.
r
R
Ao
Table 7.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Batch Reactors_______
Energy Equation
QR = r Ao V R Ah R
(7.8.1)
AhR = Ah! + AH°R + Ah2
(7.8.2)
Rate Equations
tR = f(k',x/)
(7.8.3)
rAo = f(k',c Ao ')
(7.8.4)
tB = tF' + tH' + tR + V + tE'
(7.8.5)
Vr = m i ' t B / p '
(7.8.6)
VR = f(Vr) — Table 7.3
(7.8.7)
Qj = Uj Aj (Tj -TR')
(7.8.8)
T, = (T,1' + T, 2 ')/2
(7.8.9)
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386
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Aj =f(V R ) — Table 7.3
(7.8.10)
If Q R <Qj — thenAR = Aj
If QR > Qj — then calculate Qc
(7.8.11)
Qc=UcAc(Tc-TR')
(7.8.12)
Tc = (Tc,' + Tc2')/2
(7.8.13)
Ac = 4.6 VR 2/3 — Ac (m2), VR(m3)
(7.8.14)
If QRo > Qj and QRo < Qc — then AR = Ac
(7.8.15)
If QRo > Qj and QRo = (Qj + Qc), then AR = A, + Ac
If QRo > (Q, + Qc) — then AR = AE'
P=pVR
(7.8.16)
p = ^application') — Table 7.7
(7.8.17)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
System Properties
Ah^IiCpi'OY-To')
(7.8.18)
Ah2 = Z i C p i '(T R '-T 0 ')
(7.8.19)
AH°R = H°c' - (H°B' + H°A')
(7.8.20)
k = A'exp (-E'/ R'T R ')
(7.8.21)
Uj = f(reaction solution', jacket fluid') — Table 7.6
(7.8.22)
Uc = f(reaction solution', coil fluid') — Table 7.6
(7.8.23)
Unknowns
QRO - r A o -A R - VR - Ah R -t B - tR - Vr - VR - Qj -U, - A, - Tj - Qc - Uc - Ac - Tc P-p-Ah1-Ah2-Ah°R-k
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
387
Table 7.9zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Calculation Procedure for Sizing Batch Reactors_______zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
1. Calculate the reaction volume, Vr, from Equations 7.8.3,7.8.5,7.8.6, and 7.8.21.
2. Select a standard reactor size (rated capacity) from Equation 7.8.7
3. Calculate the initial heat-transfer rate, QRo, from Equations 7.8.1, 7.8.2, 7.8.4, 7.8.18 to
7.8.20.
4. Determine if the jacket area, Aj, is sufficient.
5. Calculate the jacket heat-transfer rate, Qj, from Equations 7.8.8 to 7.8.10 and Equation
7.8.22.
6. Determine if Qj is sufficient from Equation 7.8.11.
7. If not, determine if the coil area, AC, is sufficient.
8. Calculate coil heat-transfer rate, Qc, from Equations 7.8.12 to 7.8.14 and Equation 7.8.23.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
9. Determine if Qc is sufficient from Equation 7.8.15.
10. If not, determine if the jacket + a coil areas are sufficient.
11. Calculate the jacket + coil heat-transfer rate, Qj + Qc-
12. Determine if Qj + Qc is sufficient from Equations 7.8.15.
13. If not, then an external heat exchanger is necessary. The area may be estimated by using
the approximate method outlined in Chapter 4.
14. Calculate the mixer power required from Equations 7.8.16 and 7.8.17.
Table 7.10 Cycle Times for a Batch Polymerization Reactor. (Source
Ref. 16)._________________________________
Activity
Charge feed to the reactor
Heat to reaction temperature
Carry out reaction.
Empty and clean reactor
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Time, h
1.5-3.0
1.0-2.0
Varies
0.5-1.0
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
388
ExamplezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
7.2 Sizing a Batch Reactor for Producing Drying Oil_________
This problem is adapted from a problem given by Smith [23]. To illustrate the
method for sizing a batch reactor outlined in Table 7.8, consider the production of
drying oil from acetylated Castor oil. Drying oils are added to paints to aid the
formation of a protective coating when drying. Acetylated Castor oil (AO) decomposes according to the first order reaction,
(AO) (1) -> CH3COOH (g) + drying oil (1)
When heating castor oil, drying oil and acetic acid forms. During the reaction the
acid evaporates from the solution. Calculate the reactor volume, the type and area
of the heat exchanger, and the mixer power.
Data
Reaction temperature
Acetic acid equivalent in AO
Molecular weight of acetic acid
Heat capacity of reacting mixture
Heat of reaction
Conversion
Average feed rate
AO Density
300 °C (572 °F)
0.156 g of acetic acid/g of AO
60
0.60 Btu/lb-°F (2.5 kJ/kg-K)
15,000 cal/gmol (27,000 Btu/lbmol)
95%
10001b/h(453.6kg/h)
0.9 g/cm3 (56.2 lb/ft3, 900 kg/m3)
Reaction Properties
The reaction is a first order with respect to a pseudo concentration of acetic acid in
acetylated castor oil, i.e., moles of acetic acid per unit volume of castor oil.
rA = k CA
rA = moles of acid/unit volume-unit time
Activation energy
44,500 cal/gmol (80,100 Btu/lbmol)
1 .937xl015 min~ '
Pre-exponential factor
Follow the calculation procedure given in Table 7.9. First, calculate the reactor volume. Then, calculate the heat-transfer area and the mixer horsepower.
Because the reaction is first order, Equation 7.8.3 becomes TA = k CA. If the
change of volume during the reaction is small, the reaction time, Equation 7.8.4,
for a first order reaction is
From Equation 7.8.21, with A = 1.937xl015 mirf ' and E = 80,100 Btu/lbmol,
andat300°C(1032°R),
k = 1.937xl015 exp [- 80,100 / 1.987 (1032)] = 0.02102 mirf1
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
389zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Reactor Design
Then, for 95% conversion the reaction time,
tR = (1 / 0.02102) hi [1 / (1 - 0.95)] = 142.5 min (2.375 h)
From Equation 7.8.5, calculate the batch time,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
t&. Because we do not have
values for t, t, 1c, and t c for this reaction, we will have to make use of the times
given in Table 7.10 for polymerization reactions. Except for the charging time and
cooling times, select the worst case from Table 7.10. We will assume that it takes
the same time to cool the reactor as it does to heat the reactor. We have some control over the time it takes to charge the reactor. By adjusting a control valve, assume that we can charge the reactor in 1.5 hours. Thus, the batch time, from
Equation 7.8.5,
F
H
B
tB = 1.5 + 2.0 + 2.375 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 8.875 h
Now,
calculate the reaction volume from Equation 7.8.6.
Vr = 1000 (8.875) / 56.2 = 157.9 ft3 (1181 gal, 4.47 m3)
Next, select a standard (4.54 m) reactor size, from Equation 7.8.7. From
Table 7.3, we find that there is a 1200 gal standard reactor. To allow for some
flexibility select a 1500 gal (5.68 m) reactor. Even if the production rate requires
1181 gal, the reactor will be filled to 1500 gal, which increases the production rate.
Now, we have to decide on how to remove the enthalpy of reaction - using a
jacket, a coil, a coil and a jacket or an external heat exchanger. First, check if a
jacket will suffice. Because the reaction is an unsteady-state process, the heat
transfer will vary with time. Initially, the reaction rate will be a maximum because
the concentration of acetylated castor oil (AO) is at its maximum value. As the
reaction proceeds, the concentration of acetylated oil will decrease, as will the
heat-transfer rate. In this problem AhR is given. Thus, we do not need Equations
7.8.2 and 7.8.18 to 7.8.20. From Equation 7.8.4, calculate the initial rate of reaction.
3
3
1
min
Ib acid
Ib AO
Ib acid
rAo = kc Ao = 0.02102 —— 60 —— 0.156 ——— 56.20 ———=11.06 ———
min
h
IbAO
ft3
ft3-h
Now, from Equation 7.8.1 calculate QR. The reaction volume now equals
1500 gal.
450.0
Q
=
Btu
______________
1
Ibacid
11.06 Ibacid 1500 gal
_____________
1
ft3-h
___________
1
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
1
ft3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
________
7.481 gal
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
390
QR = 997,900 Btu/h (1.05xl06 kJ/h)
Next, select a heat-transfer fluid. If we select steam at 700 °F (371 °C) the
jacket pressure will be 3094 psia (213 bar), which is much too high. At this pressure, the jacket and reactor-wall will be very thick, resulting in a costly reactor.
Also, it is not good practice to use high-pressure steam for heating. If we select
Dowtherm A vapor, the jacket pressure will be 106.8 psia (7.37 bar) at 700 °F (343
°C) [24]. The maximum temperature allowed for Dowtherm A is 750 °F (399 °C)
[24].
Next, estimate the overall heat-transfer coefficient for the jacket, Uj. Assuming DO/D] « 1 and Do/DLM » 1, where DLM is the log-mean diameter. Then Uj is
approximately given by
1
1
1
1
1
hw
hfi
hfo
1
xwzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
_zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
= _ + _ _[, _ .f. _ -|. _ _|_ _
Uj
hj
ho
k
The heat transfer-coefficients and fouling factors are listed in Table 7.2.1.
Because of the acetic acid, select SS316 as the material of construction. The thermal conductivity, k, of SS316 and the wall thickness of the reactor, xw, are given
in Table 7.2.1.
1
1
1
1
0 . 5
—— = —— + —— + —— + 0.001 + ——
Uj 250 1700 360
113
Uj = 78.18 Btu/h-ft2-°F (444 W/m2-K)
Using Equations 7.8.8 to 7.8.12, the heat transfer rate for the 1500 gal reactor
containing 155 ft2 (14.4 m2) of jacket area is
Qj = 78.18 (155.0) (700.0 - 572.0) = 1.551xl06 Btu/h (1.64xl06 kJ/h)
which is acceptable because the heat absorbed by the reaction is 9.979x105 Btu/h
(1.05xl06kJ/h).
Finally, calculate the mixer power. Using Equation 7.8.17, we find that for a
reaction with heat transfer the power required varies from 1.5 to 5 hp/1000 gal.
The average is 3.25 hp/1000 gal (640 W/m ). Thus, from Equation 7.8.16,
3
P = (3.25 /1000) (1500) = 4.875 hp (364 kW)
From Table 5.10, the nearest standard size electric motor is 5 hp (373 kW).
The safety factor for this selection will only be 2.5 %. Therefore, select the next
larger-size motor, which is 7.5 hp (559 kW). The safety factor for this selection is
53.8 %.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
391
Table 7.2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Heat-Transfer Coefficients for a Batch ReactorzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
Heat-Transfer
Coefficient3
Source
Remarks
Reference 10
Reference 10
assuming the worst case
2
Btu/h -ft -°F
hi
hw
250
1,700
h fi
0
1/hfo
h0
kb
0.001
360
113
the inside surface is cleaned after
each batch
Reference 24
Reference 24
2
condensing Dowtherm A
forSS316
a) To convert to W/m -K multiply by 5.678.
b) Units of the thermal conductivity are Btu-in/ft2-h-°F.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
PACKED-BED CATALYTIC REACTORS
Catalysts change the reaction mechanism and therefore the rate of the reaction. If
the reaction rate increases, the reaction volume will decrease, reducing the cost of
the reactor. Many chemical syntheses are impractical without using a catalyst.
Catalytic Pellet Selection
If a pure catalyst is structurally weak and cannot be formed into a pellet or is too
expensive to use as a pellet, then the catalyst is deposited as a thin film on an
inert support. Because the reaction rate is proportional to the catalyst surface
area, the pellet must be porous to achieve a large surface area.
Besides chemical properties of the catalyst, the mechanical properties of
the support material must also be considered when selecting a catalyst. Support
materials are mostly alumina, silica, activated carbon or diatomaceous earth, but
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
392
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
alumina is more widely used than the other materials [18]. Pellets are usually
molded or extruded into spheres, cylinders, or rings. Extrusion is a lower cost
operation than molding[18]. The most common pellet diameters are 1/32, 1/16,
and 1/8 in (0.794, 1.59, and 3.18 mm). Pellets should have a high compressive
strength to resist crushing and abrasion and a low pressure drop to minimize
compressor and power costs. Because pellets are packed in a bed, the bulk
crushing strength of the pellets limits the bed height. Trambouze et al. [8] define bulk crushing strength as the stress that produces 0.5 % fines as determined
by compressing the pellets in a press. Pellet strengths vary from 1.0 to 1.3 MPa
(145 to 189 psi) for several pellets tabulated by Trambouze et al. [8].
Selecting a pellet size, shape, and porosity (void fraction in the pellet) is a
trade-off between achieving high reactivity, high crushing strength, and low
pressure drop. Promoting high reactivity requires a porous pellet with a large
internal surface area, which requires small pores. Small pores, however, lower
the diffusion rate, reducing the pellet activity. The rate of diffusion increases
with increasing pore size, but the increased pore size reduces surface area and
therefore reactivity. Consequently, there is an optimum pore size that maximizes
pellet reactivity. Reactor reactivity increases if the pellet diameter is reduced,
allowing more pellets to be packed into a reactor, but then the pressure drop is
increased. Low pressure drop is achieved using large pellets, but' then this reduces the catalyst surface area for a unit volume of reactor. Also, crushing
strength decreases with increasing porosity particularly when the porosity is
above 50% [17].zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Packed-Bed Reactor Selection
Catalyst pellets are contained in a reactor, as shown in Figure 7.4, in a single
bed, multiple beds in a single shell, several packed tubes in a single shell, or a
single bed with imbedded tubes. Deviation from the simple single bed may be
required because of the need to add or remove heat, to redistribute the flow to
avoid channeling, or to limit the bed height to avoid crushing the catalyst. In all
the reactors shown in Figure 7.4, the reacting gases flow downward through the
bed instead of upward to avoid fluidization and minimize entrainment of catalyst
in the exit gases.
The simplest packed-bed reactor is the adiabatic, single-bed reactor shown
in Figure 7.4a. According to Trambouze et al. [8], it is the most frequently used
reactor type. If the reactants must be cooled to limit catalyst fouling or deactivation, then select one of the other reactor types. In the reactor shown in Figure
7.4b, part of the feed stream is diverted and mixed with hot gases from the upper
bed before entering the lower bed. The methanol-synthesis reactor, discussed in
Chapter 3, uses this method of cooling. Adding an excess of one of the reactants
or an inert gas could also reduce the temperature rise of the reactants. These
gases are heat sinks, absorbing the enthalpy of reaction. In the reactor shown in
Figure 7.4c, the catalyst is packed in tubes, and a heat-transfer fluid flows in the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
393
FigurezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
7A zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Examples of packed-bed reactor arrangements. From Ref.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
7
with permission.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
shell to add or remove heat. If the heat-transfer fluid is water, then steam can be
generated for use in the process. Alternatively, the reacting gases could be
cooled with an external or internal intercooler as shown in FigureszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
7 Ad, 7Ae,
and lAf.
The reactors shown in Figures 7Aa, 7Ab, 7.Ad, and 7Ae are really a series of
adiabatic reactors. In another arrangement, feed gas cools the reacting gases as
illustrated in Figure 7Af. Here, feed gas is preheated in an external interchanger
by cooling the exit gas, and then the feed gas is further heated in the reactor by
flowing upward, countercurrent to the downward flow of the hot reactants.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
Approximate Reactor Sizing
After selecting a reactor type and catalyst configuration, the next step is to
calculate the reactor volume. Before undertaking a detailed calculation, we need
to estimate the reactor volume. A quick estimate is sometimes needed to check
an exact calculation or to prepare a budget for a proposal. For packed bed or
homogenous reactors, the space velocity is a way of rapidly sizing reactors.
Space velocity is defined as the ratio of the volumetric feed flow rate to the reaction volume or the ratio of mass feed flow rate to the catalyst mass. The voluCopyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
394
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
volume or the ratio of mass feed flow rate to the catalyst mass. The volumetric
feed-gas flow rate is calculated at a standard temperature and pressure. Thus,
the space velocity is defined by:
GHSV = hourly volumetric feed-gas flow rate/reaction volume
LHSV = hourly volumetric liquid-feed flow rate/reaction volume
WHSV = hourly mass feed flow rate/catalyst mass
The units of space velocity are the reciprocal of time. Usually, the hourly
volumetric feed-gas flow rate is calculated at 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 1.0 arm (1.01
bar). The volumetric liquid-feed flow rate is calculated at 60 °F (15.6 °C). Space
velocity depends on the design of the reactor, reactor inlet conditions, catalyst
type and diameter, and fractional conversion. Walas [7] has tabulated space
velocities for 102 reactions. For example, for the homogeneous conversion of
benzene to toluene in the gas phase, the hourly-volumetric space velocity is 815
h"1. This means that 815 reactor volumes of benzene at standard conditions will
be converted in one hour. Although space velocity has limited usefulness, it
allows estimating the reaction volume rapidly at specified conditions. Other
conditions require additional space velocities. A kinetic model is more useful
than space velocities, allowing the calculation of the reaction volume' at different
operating conditions, but a model requires more time to develop, and frequently
time is not available.
Table 7.11 lists equations for sizing a reactor using space velocity, and Table 7.12 outlines a calculation procedure. First, calculate the reaction volume,
using a space velocity. Then, calculate the reactor cross-sectional area, using a
superficial gas velocity. Ulrich [9] states that the superficial velocity varies
from 0.005 to 1 m/s (0.00164 to 3.29 ft/s). Forment and Bischoff [31] used 1
m/s (3.29 ft/s). Fulton and Fair [27] used 1 ft/s (0.3048 m/s) for a methanation
reactor for the synthesis of phthalic anhydride from o-xylene. We will use about
0.3048 to 1.0 m/s (1.0 to 3.28 ft/s). From the cross-sectional area, calculate the
reactor diameter, which should be rounded off in six-inch increments. Then,
calculate the reactor length by summing up bed length and allowing about three
additional feet for inert ceramic balls at the top and bottom of the bed. Next,
round off reactor length to the nearest three-inch increment. The balls promote a
uniform velocity across the catalyst bed and prevent a dished-shaped depression
from forming at the top because of the jet action of the incoming flow. The bed
itself, however, is the prime flow distributor. Alternatively, or in addition to the
balls, add a baffle plate at the reactor entrance to deflect the jet of incoming
gases. The height of the bed is limited to at least 1/2 D to promote uniform flow
distribution and not more than 25 ft (7.62 m) to avoid crushing the catalyst.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
395
Table 7.11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing Packed-Bed Reactors Using Space VelocitieszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Rate EquationszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
VB = F'/p B 'S C w' — orV B = Vvs'/S cv ' — or VB = V v '/ SCL'
(7.11.1)
Transport
Ap =(Ap)s' LR — (Ap)B » 0.11 psi/ft of bed (0.0252 bar/m)
(7.11.2)
Vv' = v s ' A B — v s « 1.0 m/s( 3.28 ft/s)
(7.11.3)
Geometr ic Relations
AB = 7iD 2 / 4 — maximumD* 13.5 ft(4.llm)
(7.11.4)
VB=WB/pB'
(7.11.5)
LB = VB / AB — LB minimum = 1/2 D
— LB maximum » 25 ft (7.62 m)
(7.11.6)
LR = L B + LI' — L! « 3 ft (0.914 m)
(7.11.7)
Unknowns
VB - Ap - AB - D - W B - L B - L R
Table 7.12 Calculation Procedure for Sizing a Packed-Bed Reactor Using Space Velocity______________________________
1. Calculate the bed volume, VB, from Equation 7.11.1.
2. Calculate the bed area, AB, from Equation 7.11.3.
3. Calculate the reactor diameter, D, from Equation 7.11.4. Round off D in 6 in (0.152 m)
increments, starting at 30 in (0.762 m). If D is less than 30 in (0.762 m), use standard
pipe.
4. After rounding off D, calculate the actual bed area from Equation 7.11.4.
5. Calculate the bed length, LB, from Equation 7.11.6.
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Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
396
6. Calculate the reactor length, LR, from Equation 7.11.7. Round off LR in 3 in (0.25 ft;
0.0762 m) increments (for example, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 etc.).
7. Calculate the reactor pressure drop, Ap, from Equation 7.11.2.
8. Calculate the actual reaction volume from Equation 7.11.6, using the corrected bed diameter and length.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
9. Calculate the catalyst weight, WB, from Equation 7.11.5.
Finally, estimate the pressure drop across the bed to complete the design of
the reactor system. To promote uniform flow distribution across the bed, Trambouze et al. [8] recommend a pressure drop per unit length of bed of at least
2500 Pa/m (0.11 psi/ft). To the pressure drop across the bed, add an additional
pressure drop equivalent to about 3 ft (0.914 m) of bed height [21] to account for
pressure losses caused by the vessel nozzles, distributor (balls or other devices),
and bed supports, if needed.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 7.3 Packed-Bed, Catalytic, Reactor Sizing Using Space Velocity
In 1973, because of a natural gas shortage, the US evaluated two methods of
transporting natural gas from overseas producers. One method was to liquefy the
natural gas (LNG). LNG is produced by well established processes and then
shipped in cryogenic tankers at -161 °C (-258 °F). The other method was to convert the natural gas to methanol, as discussed by Winter and Kohle [26], by a
process similar to the one described in Chapter 3. Then, the methanol would be
shipped to the US and converted back to methane in two catalytic reactors in series. The first reactor converts methanol to a mixture of gases, which contains
methane. The composition of the gases leaving this reactor, which is given in Table 7.3.1, becomes the input to the second reactor. In the second reactor, some of
the carbon monoxide and dioxide in the mixture is converted to additional methane. Table 7.3.1 gives the gas analysis out of the second reactor.
After the second reactor, the methane is separated from the mixture before
entering the natural-gas pipeline. Estimate the reactor size using the space velocity given below.
Data (Source: Ref. 27).
Catalyst
Catalyst size
nickel deposited on kieselguhr
1 /8 in tablets (3.18 mm)
Bed void fraction
0.38
Bulk density
Space velocity
901b/ft3 (1440 kg/m3)
3000 h"1 (at 60 °F, 1 arm) (289 K, 1.01 bar)
Molecular weight in
20.4
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Reactor Design
397
Table 7.3.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Reactor CompositionzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Component
H2O
CH4
H2
CO
C02
Molecular
Weight
18.02
16.04
2.0
28.01
44.0
Temperature, K
Pressure, bar
Reactor Composition
Mole Fraction
Input
Output
0.2861
0.4558
0.0771
0.1140
0.1696
0.30877
0.48139
0.03730
0.00015
0.17253
527.6
27.92
588.7
Source Ref. 27.
Flow rate in
Superficial velocity
20,350 Ibmol/h (9230 kgmol/h)
1 fl/s (0.3048 m/s)
Follow the procedure outlined in Table 7.12 using the equations listed in
Table 7.11. First calculate the molar density at 60 °F and 1 ami because the space
velocity is given at standard conditions. From the ideal gas law, the molar density
at standard conditions,
Ps
—
RT
1.01
1
——— —— = 0.04204 kgmol/m3 (2.63x10~3 lbmol/ft3)
0.08314 289
The volumetric flow rate at standard conditions,
9230
Vvs = ———— = 2.196xl05 m3/h (7.75xl06 ftVh)
0.04204
According to Equation 7.11.1,
Vvs 219600
VB = —— = ———— = 73.20 m3 (2580 ft3) of catalyst
Scv
3000
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Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
398
Next, calculate the cross-sectional area of the bed by first calculating the molar gas density. Although the temperature, pressure, and molar flow rate will vary
through the reactor, use the reactor inlet conditions to calculate the molar density.
27.92
1
— ——— = 0.6365 kgmol/m3 (0.0397 lb/ft3)
0.08314 527.6
The volumetric flow rate in the bed,
9230
yv = ——— = 14,500 nrVh (5.12xl05ft3/h)
0.6365
From Equation 7.11.3 and using the superficial velocity of 1.0 fVs (0.3048
m/s) given by Fulton and Fair [27], the cross sectional area of the bed,
14500m3 1 h
Is
AB = ————— ——— —————=13.21 m2(142 ft2)
1 h 3600s 0.3048m
Next, calculate the bed diameter to determine if it exceeds the shipping
limit of 13.5ft (4.11 m) specified in Equation 7.11.4.
D = [(4 / 3.142) (13.21)]1/2 = 4.101 m (13.5 ft)
When adding the vessel-wall thickness the reactor diameter will be greater. At a
design pressure of 500 psig (34.5 barg), Fulton and Fair [27] calculate a wall
thickness of 4 in (10.2 cm). To keep below the snipping diameter of 13.5 ft (4.11
m), use an inside diameter of diameter of 12.5 ft (3.81 m).
The actual bed cross-sectional area is
3.142 (3.810)2
AB = ——— ———— = 11.40 m2 (37.4 ft2)
4
1
From Equation 7.11.6, the bed length,
73.20
LB = ———— = 6.421 m (21.1 ft)
11.40
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Reactor Design zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
399
. Porous
solid
Flowing
bulk gas
Figure 7.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Mechanisms of mass transfer for catalytic pellets.
(Source Ref. 18 with permission).
Round off the bed height to 22 ft (6.71 m), which, according to Equation
7.11.6, is below 25 ft (7.62 m), the maximum bed height allowed to avoid crushing the pellets.
From Equation 7.11.7, the reactor length
LR = (22zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
+ 3) = 25 ft (7.62 m)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
400
According to the rule given in Step 6 in Table 7.12, there is no need to round off
the reactor length.
From Equation 7.11.2, an estimate of the pressure drop is 0.11 psi/ft (0.0249
bar/m) of bed. Allowing for a pressure drop of 3 ft (0.914 m) of bed height for
internals, the pressure drop across the reactor,
Ap = 0.11 (22 + 3) = 2.75 psi (0.190 bar)
From Equation 7.11.6, the actual bed volume,
VB = 22.0 (3.142 / 4) (12.5)2 = 2700 ft3 (765 m3)
Finally, calculate the catalyst mass from Equation 7.11.5.
WB = 90 (2700) = 2.430xl05 Ib (l.lOxlO 5 kg)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Plug-Flow Reactor Model
First, select a reactor arrangement and catalyst configuration. The next step is to
select a reactor model for calculating the reaction volume. An exact model of
reactor performance must include mass transfer of reactants from the fluid to the
catalyst sites within the pellet, chemical reaction, and then mass transfer of
products back into the fluid. Table 7.13 lists the steps, and Figure 7.5 illustrates
the processes involved. Here, only simple models are of interest to estimate the
reaction volume for a preliminary design. The reaction volume is that volume
occupied by the catalyst pellets and the space between them. We must provide
additional volume for internals to promote uniform flow and for entrance and
exit sections. The total volume is called the reactor volume. After calculating the
reactor volume, the next step is to determine the reactor length and diameter.
A simple model is the one-dimensional, plug-flow, pseudo-homogeneous
model. In this model, we will consider the fluid and solid phases as a single
phase. For this model to apply we must fulfill the following conditions:
1. adiabatic operation
2. flat velocity profile
3. no axial dispersion
4. no radial dispersion
5. pseudo-homogeneous assumption
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Reactor Design
401
Table 7.13zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Steps in a Catalytic Reaction (Source: adapted from Ref.
.16);_________________________________________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcba
1. Mass transfer of reactants from the fluid to the pore entrances of the catalyst
pellet
2. Diffusion of reactants through the porous catalyst to the internal catalytic surface
3. Adsorption of reactants on the catalyst surface
4. Reaction on the catalyst surface
5. Desorption of products from the surface
6. Diffusion of products from the interior of the pellet to the pore entrance
7. Mass transfer of products from the pore entrance to the fluid
Major
Flow Lines
Jet Action in
Center Causes
Cavity in a
Catalyst Bed
Top of Catalyst
Bed or Tube
Sheet of Multitubular Reactor
Figure 7.6 Flow pattern in a packed bed reactor. (Source Ref. 19 with
permission).
The first condition of adiabatic operation is achieved by providing sufficient
insulation. To fulfill the second condition of maintaining a flat velocity profile at
each bed cross section requires preventing flow maldistribution. Flow maldistribution is either bypassing or channeling of the flow, creating stagnant areas
within the reactor as shown in Figure 7.6. The result is a reduction in conversion.
Poor pellet distribution and a dished catalyst bed, caused by the entering jet of gas,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
402
can cause flow maldistribution. Distributing the flow evenly at the inlet and outlet
of the reactor prevents flow maldistribution. To avoid bypassing, Trambouze et
al. [8] recommend a pressure drop per unit length of packing of 2500 Pa/m (0.11
psi/ft). They also recommend a bed diameter to mean pellet diameter of 10 to reduce wall effects. To provide even flow distribution requires inlet and outlet flow
distributors and layers of inert balls of varying diameters at the top and bottom of
the bed as illustrated in Figure 7.7. The upper layers of large balls also prevents
dishing of the catalyst bed. Tarhan [25] estimated that back mixing is essentially
eliminated when the ratio of the bed length to the mean pellet diameter, L/d, is
equal to or greater than fifty. Most industrial reactors satisfy this condition [25].
The mean pellet diameter is defined as the diameter of a sphere that has the same
volume as the pellet.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
6'loyir l" belli6" optional additional layers,
of progressively smaller balls
for iiepwed distribution and
icalf removal
cotalyit Beil
H/8" « l/8'pellsts)
3" layer l/4"bolls " ~
4"loyer 1/z" tolls
5" loyer 5/4" balls
3/4" balls
Reactor Outlet Screen
with Continuous Slotted
Openings
Catalyst Bed
M/4"< 1/4" \
\ pellets I
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
~ 13 loyer 3/B bolls
_
4 loyer 1/2 tolls
} 5" layer 3/4" balls
3/4" bolls
Catalyst Dump Flange
Figure 7.7 Packed bed reactor design. From Ref. 19 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
403zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
The third and fourth condition are fulfilled by Tarhan [25]. "Axial dispersion is
fundamentally local backmixing of reactants and products in the axial, or longitudinal direction in the small interstices of the packed bed, which is due to molecular diffusion, convection, and turbulence. Axial dispersion has been shown
to be negligible in fixed-bed gas reactors. The fourth condition (no radial dispersion) can be met if the flow pattern through the bed already meets the second
condition. If the flow velocity in the axial direction is constant through the entire cross section and if the reactor is well insulated (first condition), there can
be no radial dispersion to speak of in gas reactors. Thus, the one-dimensional
adiabatic reactor model may be actualized without great difficulties."
The pseudo-homogeneous assumption means that both the solid and fluid
phases are are considered a single phase. Therefore, we avoid considering mass
and heat transfer from and to the catalytic pellets. This model assumes that the
component concentrations and the temperature in the pellets are the same as those
in the fluid phase. This assumption is approximated when the catalyst pellet is
small and mass and heat transfer between the pellets and the fluid phase are rapid.
The reaction rate for this model, called the global reaction rate, includes heat and
mass transfer. If heat and mass transfer are made insignificant, then the reaction
rate is called the intrinsic reaction rate.
Equations for sizing packed-bed reactors are listed in Tablet 7.14, and a
calculating procedure is outlined in Table 7.15. The procedure for calculating
the reactor dimensions is similar to that given for the space-velocity method. In
this procedure, however, the calculation of the reaction volume is more accurate
than the method using space velocity. First, the reaction volume for adiabatic
operation is calculated by solving the mole and energy balances along with the
kinetic equation. Also, instead of using a rule-of-thumb, we use the Ergun equation, Equation 7.14.5 in Table 7.14, derive by Bird et al. [32], to calculate the
superficial velocity in the bed. To calculate the velocity, fix the pressure drop
across the bed, (Ap)B to insure good flow distribution as given in Equation
7.14.5. This equation requires calculating the average viscosity and density of a
gas mixture, as given by Equations 7.14.14 and 7.14.15. Pure component viscosities are estimated using the corresponding state approach outlined by Bird et
al. [32].
Table 7.14zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Equations for Sizing a Packed-Bed Reactor One-Dimensional, Plug-Flow, Pseudo-Homogeneous, Model_______
Mole Balance
r A dW c = m Ao 'dx A
(7.14.1)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Energy Equation
AhR mAo' dxA + mT' CP dT = 0
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(7.14.2)
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
404
Rate Equation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
rA = kf(p i )
(7.14.3)
y;=Pi/P'
(7.14.4)
Transport Equations
(A p)B' = 150 [n vs / (Dp')2] (1 - s')2 / (s')3 + 1.75 [ p (vsf / Dp' ] (1 - e') / (e')3
— 0.11 psi/ft < (Ap)B < 0.2 psi/ft [ 2470 < (Ap)B > 4490 Pa/m ]
(7.14.5)
Ap = [(Ap) B ](LB+3ft)
(7.14.6)
Vv = v s A B
(7.14.7)
Geometr ic Relations
AB = 7iD 2 / 4 — maximum D « 13.5 ft (4.llm)
(7.14.8)
VB=WB/PB'
(7.14.9)
1
LB = VB / AB — LB minimum =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
AD
— LBmaximum* 25 ft (7.62m)
LR = L B +LI' — L! «3ft(0.914m)
(7.14.10)
(7.14.11)
System Properties
k = A'exp(E'/R'T')
(7.14.12)
Cp=Eyj'cPi'
(7.14.13)
H = Iyi'Hi'
(7.14.14)
P = Zyi'pi'
(7.14.15)
P ' V v = m T 'R'T'
(7.14.16)
AhR = Ah1' + AH°R' +Ah 2 '
(7.14.17)
Unknowns
rA - W c - XA - Ah R - Ap - C P - ja - p - k - AB - VB - W B - D - L B - y j - vs - Vv
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
405
Table 7.15zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Packed-Bed Reactor-Sizing Calculation Procedure - OneDimensional, Plug-Flow, Pseudo-Homogeneous, Model_________zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcb
1. Calculate the average heat capacity, c, at reactor inlet conditions from Equation
7.14.13.
p
2. Calculate the mass of catalyst required, WB, for the specified conversion, XA,,
from Equations 7.14.1 to 7.14.4, 7.14.12, and 7.14.17.
3. Calculate the average viscosity, (j, at inlet conditions from Equation 7.14.14.
4. Calculate the average density, p, at inlet conditions from Equation 7.14.15.
5. Calculate the superficial gas velocity, vs, from Equation 7.14.5.
6. Calculate the inlet volumetric flow rate, Vv, from Equation 7.14.16.
7. Calculate the bed area, AB, from Equation 7.14.7.
8. Calculate the bed diameter, D, from Equation 7.14.8. Round off D in 6 in (0.152
m) increments, starting at 30 in (0.762 m). If D is less than 30 in (0.762 m), use
standard pipe.
9. After rounding D, calculate the actual bed area using the actual D from Equation 7.14.8.
10. Calculate the actual superficial velocity from Equation 7.14.7.
11. Calculate the actual bed pressure drop for a unit length, (Ap) , from Equation
7.14.5.
B
12. Calculate the bed length, L , from Equation 7.14.10. Calculate minimum and
maximum LB, and, if necessary, adjust LB.
B
13. Calculate the reactor length, L , from Equation 7.14.11. Round off L in 3 in
(0.25 ft, 0.0762 m) increments (for example, 5.0, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75 etc.).
R
R
14. Calculate the total bed pressure drop, Ap, from Equation 7.14.6.
15. Calculate the actual bed volume from Equation 7.14.10.
16. Calculate the catalyst mass using the actual bed volume from Equation
7.14.9.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
406
Chapter/zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
ExamplezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
7.4 Packed-Bed, Catalytic, Reactor Sizing Using the Plug Flow
Model_________________________________________
Styrene is produced by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in an adiabatic, fixedbed reactor. Although Sheel and Crowe [29] list ten reactions and several products, the major reaction is the conversion of ethylbenzene to styrene, according
to the following equation.
At first, we only need an estimate of reactor size so that we will only consider this reaction. Because the reaction is endothermic and the number of
moles increases during reaction, conversion increases by conducting the reaction
at a high temperature, a low pressure, and with the addition of an inert diluent.
Steam is selected as the diluent because it also suppresses carbon formation,
preheats the feed to the reaction temperature, and acts as a heat source, preventing a sharp drop in temperature during the course of reaction. Without steam,
ethylbenzene will pyrolize, forming carbon which coats the catalyst.
Although thermodynamics favors a high reaction temperature, the rate of
formation of by-products increases rapidly with increasing temperature. Thus,
the actual reaction temperature is a trade-off between high conversion to styrene
and minimizing by-product formation. The catalyst selected (unspecified by
Sheel and Crowe [29]), gives an acceptable conversion at a low temperature
where side reactions are minimized.
Estimate the reactor length, diameter, the mass of catalyst, and the pressure
drop across the reactor. When determining the amount of catalyst, assume that
the reactor pressure is constant. The first step is to calculate the mass of catalyst
required to convert the ethyl benzene to styrene. Then, calculate the volume occupied by the catalyst pellets using the bulk density. Finally, determine the reactor dimensions.
Although temperature, pressure, and composition change across the reactor, system properties will be calculated at inlet conditions. Changes in temperature and system properties through the bed will be moderated because of the
large excess of steam.
Data
Ethyl benzene flow rate
Ethyl benzene molecular weight
Steam flow rate
Water molecular weight
Mixed feed temperature
Inlet pressure
Final conversion
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reference
9000 Ib/h (4082 kg/h)
29
1 06. 1 6
8000 Ib/h (8 1 65 kg/h)
29
18.016
600 °C ( 1 1 1 0 °F)
29
2.33 arm (34.25 psi, 2.362 bar)
0.45
28
407zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Reactor Design
Bed void fraction
Bulk density
Equivalent catalyst diameter
0.445
1300 kg/m3 (81.16 lb/ft3)
0.005 m (0.0164 ft)
AhR = 1.20737xl05 + 4.56 T — T in K
rA = k ( p E - p s p H / K P ) — T i n K
k = 12600 exp (-11000/T) — T i n K
KP = 0.027 exp [0.21 (T - 773)] — T in K
29
31
31
31
31
28
28
To solve this problem, follow the procedure outlined in Table 7.15 using
the Equations listed in Table 7.14.
Substitute the molar flow rate of ethyl benzene, mAo = 4082 kg/h (9000
Ib/h), into Equation 7.14.1, and rearrange the equation to obtain
dWc/ dxA = m Ao / rA = (4082/106.16) / rA = 38.45 / rA
The average heat capacity, c = 244.5 kJ/kgmol (105 Btu/lbmol), is calculated at the reactor inlet conditions, using heat capacities taken from Reid et al.
[30] and Equation 7.14.13. The changes in temperature and composition through
the reactor will not significantly change the heat capacity.
The enthalpy of reaction (Equation 7.14.17), AhR, given by Froment and
Bischoff [31], is calculated below. We will also assume that the temperature will
not change significantly throughout the reactor. The large excess of steam will
moderate the decrease in temperature. Letting T = 873.2 K (1570 °R), the reactor
inlet temperature,
p
AhR = 120737 + 4.56 T = 120737 + 4.56 (873.2)
AhR = 1.247xl05 kJ/kgmol (5.36xl04 Btu/lbmol)
Substituting AH , m and C into the energy equation, Equation 7.14.2, we
obtain
R
Ao>
P
-AhRmAo -124700 kJ
1 kmol-K 38.45 kgmol
dT/dxA = ————— = ————————— ————————— ______
CP mi
1
kgmol 244.5 kJ
dT/dxA =-19610/m T
According to the chemical equation there will be an increase in the molar
flow rate as the reaction proceeds. The total molar flow rate, m, is equal to molar flow rate into the reactor plus the increase in moles caused by the reaction.
Therefore,
T
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
408
mT =491.6 +38.45 XA
Now, evaluate the mole fraction, y j , for each component from Equation
7.14.4. Take one kgmol of ethyl benzene as the basis for the calculation. The
kgmol of steam per kgmol of incoming styrene is 11.78. Therefore, for the fractional conversion of ethyl benzene, XA,
Ethyl Benzene
Steam
Styrene
Hydrogen
1 - XA
11.78
XA
XA
Total
12.78 + XA
yE = (l-x A )/(12.78+ XA)
ys = XA / (12.78 + XA)
yw =11.78 / (12.78+ X A )
yH = x A /(12.78+ XA)
After Substituting these equations in terms of the conversion into Equation
7.14.3, we find thatzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
f
P SP H
1
f(l-XA)P
XA2P 2
1
rA = k f(p ;) = k I pE - ——— I = k | —————— - —————————— I
L
KP
J
L 12.78+ XA
KP ( 12.78 + x A ) 2 J
where the subscripts, E = ethyl benzene, S = styrene, and H = hydrogen.
From the above equations,
dT/dxA = -19610/m T
and
mT = 491.6 +38.45 XA
Also, from the problem statement,
k= 12600 exp(-l 1000 /T)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
409zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Reactor Design
and
KP = 0.027 exp [ 0.21 (T - 773)]
Solving these last five equations simultaneously using Polymath, at a conversion of XA = 0.45, the catalyst mass is 4164 kg (9180 Ib) and the final temperature is 856.0 K (1540 °R). The decrease in temperature is only 17.2 K (31
°R), which verifies the original assumption that the temperature decrease would
be small.
Next, calculate the reactor dimensions. First, calculate the superficial velocity using the Ergun Equation (Equation 7.14.5). This equation requires calculating the average viscosity and density. The mole fraction average viscosity at
the inlet conditions is 2.408xlO~5 Pa-s (0.0241 cp). Also, the mole fraction average of the gas density at inlet conditions is 0.7996 kg/m3 (0.499 lb/ft3). The recommended pressure drop range across the bed to insure good flow distribution is
given by Equation 7.14.5. The smaller the reactor diameter, the greater the superficial velocity, and the greater the pressure drop. If we select an average
value of (Ap)B of 0.155 psi/ft ( 3550 Pa/m), the calculated superficial velocity
from Equation 7.14.5 is 1.274 m/s (4.180 ft/s).
Now, calculate the reactor diameter. First, calculate the volumetric flow
rate using Equation 7.14.16.
491.4 kmol
1 h
V
V v — ————————— — ________
1
h
3600 s
0.08314 bar-m3
873.2 KzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQ
kmol-K 2.362 bar
__________________
1
3
3
__ ——————— — A
1Q
^ m
HIto.l
AS 1 ft
/a\
T .1I
7_>
111 /o
fa ^
1L lo)
Next, calculate the bed area using Equation 7.14.7.
AB = 4.195 /1.274 = 3.293 m2 (116.3 ffVs)
Finally, calculate the bed diameter using Equation 7.14.8.
D = [4 (3.293) / 3.142]1/2 = 2.047 m (6.716 ft)
According to Step 8 in Table 7.14, round off the diameter to 7.0 ft (2.134 m).
Because the bed diameter has increased, the superficial velocity will decrease, and therefore the bed pressure drop will decrease, according to Equation
7.14.7. The actual bed area,
AB = 3.142 (2.134)2 / 4 = 3.577 m2 (38.59 ft2)
and from Equation 7.14.7 the actual superficial velocity,
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter? zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
410
vs = 4.195 / 3.577 = 1.173 m/s (3.85 ft/s)
The actual pressure drop from Equation 7.14.5, when D = 7.0 ft, is (Ap) =
3018 Pa/m (0.133 psi/ft).
B
From Equation 7.14.9, the bed volume,
VB= 4164 71300 = 3.203m3 (113.1ft 3 )
and from Equation 7.14.10 the bed length,
LB = VB / AB = 113.1 / 38.59 = 2.931 ft (0.893 m)
which, according to Equation 7.14.10, is below the recommended-minimum bed
1
A (7.0) = 3.5 ft (1.07 m). Increase LB to 3.5 ft (1.07 m), which will
height ofzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
allow for a safety factor. The packed volume of a commercial styrene reactor,
reported by Scheel and Crowe [29], has a bed height of 5.28 ft (1.61 m) and a
diameter of 6.40 ft (1.95 m). The packed volume for the reactor is 168.9 ft3 (4.78
m3), whereas the calculated reaction volume is 113.1 ft3 (3.20 m3). The difference is 55.8 ft3 (1.58 m3), which is not completely unreasonable, considering the
assumptions that were made. Also, it is not known if the height of the bed for
the commercial reactor includes ceramic balls for promoting uniform flow distribution. If it does, then the height of the catalyst bed will be less, bringing the
calculated height in closer agreement with the commercial reactor. The present
calculation puts us into the right ballpark, and the final decision on the reactor
dimensions will be based on pilot-scale tests.
Allowing space for internals, the reactor length,
LR = LB + L, = 3.5 + 3.0 = 6.5 ft (1.98m)
According to Step 13 in Table 7.15, LR requires no rounding.
The total pressure drop across the reactor is calculated from Equation
7.14.6 is
Ap = (0.133) (3.5 + 3) = 0.8645 psi (0.0596 bar)
The actual bed volume,
VB = LB AB = 1.07 (3.577) = 3.827 m3 (135 ft3)
From Equation 7.14.9 the catalyst mass,
WB = 1300 (3.827) = 4975 kg (LlOxlO 4 Ib)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
411zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
NOMENCLATURE
English zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A
area or pre-exponential factor
c
concentration
CAO
initial concentation of A
CP
heat capacity
D
diameter
Dp
particle diameter
E
activation energy
F
mass flowrate into a packed bed
h fj
inside fouling heat-transfer coefficient
hfo
outside fouling heat-transfer coefficient
h;
inside film heat-transfer coefficient
h0
outside film heat-transfer coefficient
hw
reactor wall heat-transfer coefficient
k
reaction rate constant or thermal conductivity
KP
chemical equilibrium constant
LB
length of packed bed
LI
length required for reactor internals
LR
reactor length
m
molar flow rate
mT
total molar flow rate
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter? zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
412
p
power per unit volume, pressure or partial pressure
P
power
Q
heat-transfer rate
QRO
initial heat-transfer rate
r
rate of reaction
rAo
initial rate of reaction of A
R
gas constant
Sew
WHSV (weight hourly space velocity) — Ib feed/h per Ib of catalyst
Scv
GHSV (gas hourly space velocity) — ft3 gas/h per ft3 of catalyst
SCL
LHSV (liquid hourly space velocity) — ft3 liquid/h per ft3 of catalyst
t
time
tB
batch time
tc
time required to clean a batch reactor
tE
time required to empty a batch reactor
tF
time required to load a batch reactor
tn
time required to heat a batch reactor to the reaction temperature
tR
reaction time
T
temperature
U
overall heat-transfer coefficient
Vs
superficial velocity
VB
bed volume
Vr
reaction volume
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
413zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
VR
reactor volume
Vv
volumetric flow rate
Vys
volumetric flow rate at standard conditions
WB
mass of packed bed
x
conversion
xw
wall thickness
y
mole fractionzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Greek
Ahi
change in enthalpy from reactor inlet to standard conditions
Ah2
change in enthalpy from standard conditions to reactor outlet conditions
AhR
change in enthalpy from reactor inlet to reactor outlet conditions
H°R
standard enthalpy of reaction
E
void fraction
H
viscosity
p
mass or molar density
Subscripts
A
reactant A
B
reactant B or packed bed
C
coil or reactant C
E
external
i
I
i * component
internal
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter? zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
414
J
jacket
n
CSTR number and the number of the entering stream
P
particle
R
reference
W
wallzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Riegel's Handbook of Industrial Chemicals, Kent J.A., Ed., 8th ed., Van
Nostrand-Reinhold, New York, NY, 1983.
Samdani, G., Gilges, K., Electrosynthesis: Positively Charged, Chem.
Eng., 98, 5, 37, 1991.
Lowenheim, F.A., Moran, M.K., eds., Faith, Keyes and dark's Industrial
Chemicals, 4th ed., Wiley-Interscience, New York, NY, 1975.
Pandit, A.B., Moholkar, V.S., Harness Cavitation to Improve Processing,
Chem. Eng. Progr., 92, 7, 57, 1996.
Cheung, H.M., Bhatnagar, A., Jansen, G., Sonochemical Destruction of
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Dilute Aqueous Solution, Env. Sci. & Tech,
25,8,1510,1991.
Zanetti, R.J., Plasma: Warming up to New CPI Applications, Chem. Eng.,
90,26,14, 1983.
Walas, S.M., Chemical Process Equipment, Butterworths, Boston, MA,
1988.
Trambouze, P., Van Landeghem, H,, Wauquier, J.P., Chemical ReactorsDesign/Engineering/Operation, Gulf Publishing, Houston, TX, 1988.
Ulrich, G.D., A Guide to Chemical Engineering Process Design and Economics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1984.
Bollinger, D.H., Assessing Heat Transfer in Process-Vessel Jackets, Chem.
Eng., 89, 19, 95, 1982.
Frank, O., Personal Communication, Consulting Engineer, Convent Station, NJ, Jan. 2002.
Markowitz, R.E., Picking the Best Vessel Jacket, Chem. Eng., 78, 26, 156,
1971.
Brochure, Half-Pipe Coil Jacket Reactors, Brighton Corp., Cincinnati, OH,
June 1971.
14. Hicks, R.W., Gates,L.E., Fluid Agitation in Polymer Reactors, Chem. Eng.
Progr.,71, 8, 74, 1975.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Reactor Design
15. Blaasel, V.D., Preliminary Chemical Engineering Plant Design, 2nd ed.,
VanNostrand-Reinhold, New York, NY, 1990.
16. Fogler, H.S., Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Prentice Hall,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1992.
17. Bartholomew, C.H., Hecker, W.C., Catalytic Reactor Design, Chem. Eng.,
101. 6, 70, 1994.
18. Fulton, J.W., Selecting the Catalyst Configuration, Chem. Eng., 93, 9, 97,
1986.
19. Rase, H.F., Chemical Reactor Design for Process Plants, vol. 2, Case Studies and Design Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1977.
20. Garvin, J., Understanding the Thermal Design of Jacketed Vessels, Chem.
Eng. Progr., 95, 6, 61, 1999.
21. AlChE Student Contest Problem, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, NY, 1982.
22. Shachham, M., Shachham O., POLYMATH, (Version 4.0), CACHE
Corp., Austin TX, 1996.
23. Smith, J.W., Chemical Engineering Kinetics, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New
York, NY, 1981.
24. Anonymous, Dowtherm Heat Transfer Fluids, The Dowtherm Co., Midland, MI, 1967.
25. Tarhan, T.M., Catalytic Reactor Design, McGraw Hill, New York, NY,
1983.
26. Winter, C., Kohle, A., Energy Imports: LNG Vs MeOH, Chem. Eng., 80,
26, 233,1973.
27. Fulton, J.W., Fair, J.W., Manufacture of Methanol and Substitute Natural
Gas, Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO, Sept. 1974.
28. Chen, N.H., Process Reactor Design, Allyn and Bacon, Boston, MA, 1983.
29. Sheel, J.G.P., Crowe, C.M., Simulation and Optimization of an Existing
Ethylbenzene Dehydration Reactor, Can. J. Chem. Eng., 47,4, 183, 1969.
30. Reid, R.C., Prausnitz, J.M., Sherwood, T.K., The Properties of Gases and
Liquids, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1977.
31. Forment, G.F., Bischoff, K.B., Chemical Reactor Analysis and Design,
2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1990.
32. Bird, R.B., Stewart, W.B., Lightfoot, E.N., Transport Phenomena, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1960.
33. Markovitz, R.E., Process and Project Data Pertinent to Vessel Design,
Chem. Eng., 84.21.123, 1977.
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415zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
8
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Design of Flow Systems zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
Flow-system design is one of the most frequently occurring design problems encountered by process engineers. Fluids flow through, reactors, separators, heat
exchangers, and other process units. Not only is the flow system one of the salient
features of a chemical plant, but it is also frequently encountered in research and
development. Kern [30], starting in December 1974, has discussed several aspects
of flow system design in a twelve-part series published by Chemical Engineering.
Just as the electrical engineer selects resistors, capacitors, and transistors
when designing an electric circuit, the chemical engineer selects valves, pumps,
and flow meters to produce a flow system. The procedure followed in the design
of a flow system is to determine:
1. pipe-fitting type
2. valve type and size
3. materials of construction
4. pipe size
length
wall thickness
diameter
5. flow-meter type and size
6. pump type and size
7. piping supports
Flow-system design is one of the last steps in the design of a chemical plant.
After designing and locating all equipment, then the process engineer can complete the flow system design. In the following sections, we will consider the above
elements of a flow system in some detail.
417
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
418
Chapters zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
PIPE FITTINGSzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The major functions of pipe fittings are to:
1. change the direction of flow
2. reduce or enlarge pipe size
3. split or combine fluid streams
4. facilitate disconnecting piping from equipment
5. access the flow system for temperature, pressure, flow rate, and liquid level
measurements, and for sampling process streams
Several common threaded pipe fittings are shown in Figure 8.1, but welded
fittings and piping are frequently used. In plants, threaded piping is mostly used
for water, steam, and natural gas [31]. For threaded fittings, a thread sealant must
be used to prevent leakage. For welded fittings, flanges are used to connect pipe to
equipment. In this case, gaskets are needed for sealing. Because welded connections are less likely to leak, process piping is always welded [31].
Ninety-degree, forty-five degree, and the street elbow, shown in Figure 8.1,
change the direction of flow. The reducing coupling or reducer and bushing
change the pipe size, and a coupling joins two lengths of piping of the same size.
The pipe tee and the pipe cross combine or split fluid streams. They are also used
to gain access to the flow system for sampling the fluid and to measure process
variables. When removing equipment from the flow system for repair or replacement, pipe unions are required for threaded piping and flanges for welded piping.
Even if removal of equipment is not necessary, a little reflection will show that for
threaded piping a union is a necessity when making a connection between two
fixed points. If we do not use a union, one end of a pipe will unscrew while
screwing the other end into a fitting.
VALVE TYPE
Before selecting a valve, the function of each valve type must be considered first.
Several valve types, listed in Table 8.1, are used for on-off service, prevention of
back flow, and throttling. Figure 8.2 to 8.4 shows only a few examples of valve
types. For a discussion of many other valve types see Reference 8.2.
The simplest valve function is on-off service. Examples of this valve type
are gate and ball valves, shown in Figure 8.2. A ball valve is used for tight shutoff One application is a drain valve on a tank, where it is required to have the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
419zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
90* Elbow
Cross
TeezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Street Elbow
Cap
Plug
Coupling
Reducing Coupling
Bushing
Nipple
Union
Figure 8.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Common pipe fittings.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8
420
Table 8.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Classification of ValveszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
On-Off
Throttling
Prevention of
Back Flow
Automatic or
Manual
Gate
Slide
Ball
Solenoid
Toggle
Ball Check
Swing Check
Piston Check
Globe
Needle
Butterfly
Diaphragm
Pinch
Regulators
(Self-Operated)
Pressure
Flow Rate
Temperature
Level
, HandlezyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
——Sl«m
Bid,
Male
disk
Body-
Ball
Source: Reference 8.2
Gate
Source: Reference 8.2
Figure 8.2 Examples of on-off valves. From Ref. 32 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
421
valve shut off tightly while in service to prevent valuable or dangerous liquids
from leaking. Occasionally, a tank requires cleaning or repairs. Then the valve is
completely opened to empty the tank quickly. Another application is to isolate
equipment from the flow system for replacement or repair.
Check valves prevent back flow. The ball check valve, shown in Figure 8.3,
is particularly simple in that it has no moving parts requiring close clearances bet-zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Ball Check
Source: Reference 3.32
Swing Check
Source: Reference 3.32
Figure 8.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Examples of check valves. From Ref 32 with permission.
Globe
Source: Reference 8.32
Needle
Figure 8.4 Examples of throttling valves. From Ref 32 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
422
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
ween parts, and thus it is very reliable. The life of this valve is prolonged because
the ball continually rotates and thus wears evenly. An example of the use of a
check valve is when pumping a liquid into a pressurized vessel. If the power delivered to a pump fails, the liquid in the vessel will flow back through the feed line
and damage the pump. To prevent this, install a check valve in the feed line.
To control the flow rate, which is called throttling, requires either a manually operated needle or globe valve (Figure 8.4) or an automatic control valve
(Figure 8.5). The control valve in Figure 8.5 contains flanged connections. Needle
valves are usually used in experimental work to make manual adjustments of flow
rate. Globe valves are commonly used for adjusting the flow rate in utility supply
lines.
Zero adjustment locknut
travel Indicator disc
Figure 8.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example of an automatic control valve. From Ref. 15.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
423zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZY
Design of Flow Systems
r
FICJ
Flow Indicator Controller
FT ) Flow Transmitter
x^-v Control Valve
'—i—JzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
-P4-*
Figure 8.6 An automatic control loop.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Automatic valves are part of a control loop, which is shown hi Figure 8.6. The
loop contains a primary element, which measures the controlled variable, such as
temperature, pressure, flow rate, and liquid level. The operation of a control loop
is the same regardless of what variable is controlled. In the case of flow-rate control, the controller obtains the flow rate from transmitter a flow meter and compares the measured flow rate with a value that has been preset in the controller. If
the flow rate is greater than the preset value, the controller increases air pressure
on top or bottom of a diaphragm hi the valve. Then, the valve partially closes to
reduce the flow rate. On the other hand, if the flow rate is below the preset value,
the controller will act to reduce the air pressure on the diaphragm, and hence the
valve opens wider. Electric motors can also operate automatic control valves.
The self-actuated or self-operated control valve is called a regulator. Regulators require no external power source to operate, such as air, but operate entirely
from the energy obtained from the flowing fluid. The entire control loop is built
into the valve. Because of their low cost, consider regulators first for control applications. Regulators are available for pressure, flow rate, temperature, and liquid-level control. Figure 8.7 shows a pressure regulator for controlling steam
pressure. Compressing the upper spring of the regulator by turning the hand wheel
in a clockwise direction sets the outlet pressure. This is opposite to the required
direction to open manually-operated valves. When the spring at the top of the
valve is compressed, a thin diaphragm located directly below the spring moves the
diaphragm downward, opening a small pilot valve. Steam enters a passage above
the pilot valve and then flows through the dashed passage, shown in Figure 8.7, to
a piston located in the lower chamber. Steam pressure pushes the piston up, opening the main valve to let steam into the downstream side of the valve. A small
amount of steam flows in the passage located on the downstream side of the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
424
Pilot Valve
Steam Passage to
Upper Chamber
Steam Passage to
Lower Chamber
Main Valve
Lower Chambei
Figure 8.7zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
An example of a steam regulator. From Ref. 3.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
valve that leads to an upper chamber directly below the diaphragm. The
steam pressure pushes the diaphragm upward to relieve some of the compression
of the spring. Then, the pilot valve partially closes, letting less steam into the piston chamber, and the main valve partially closes decreasing the outlet pressure. A
balance will finally be achieved, and the main valve will reach an equilibrium position, allowing a steady flow of steam into the system at a desired outlet pressure.
Figure 8.8 shows a typical installation for a steam-pressure regulator. Steam
normally is "wet", i.e., it contains droplets of water that could interfere with the
operation of the regulator. A steam separator installed before the regulator, removes condensate from the steam. Also, a strainer placed before the separator
prevents dirt from depositing in the separator and regulator. Pipe unions are located at convenient positions so that both the steam separator and regulator can be
easily removed for repairs or replacement. If uninterrupted operation of the process is required, a throttling valve is installed in the bypass line with two on-off
valves before and after the regulator and steam separator. Thus, the steam can be
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
425
Steam Separator
?
T
H
I
Steam zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
H—X 1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
j\ 1 Ih 1 l*Vi?1 ii K^^«
/ \
R
Strainer
D,rN
•»— - By-Pass
\
x
Pressure Regulator
^.uiidensate
, Globe Valve
-1 ———————————————11- I
/
———————h
Figure 8.8 Installation of a steam-pressure regulator. From Ref. 3.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
regulated manually by using the throttling valve while replacing the steam separator or regulator.
Steam traps are also self-regulating valves that are required after all steam
heat exchangers and in long pipelines where steam can condense. Steam traps
maintain steam pressure in the heat exchanger and discharge water and noncondensable gases, such as air. If the water and gases accumulate in the heat exchanger, heat transfer will be reduced. Reference 22 discusses several types ofsteam traps. We will only discuss two types, which are shown in Figure 8.9. The
first type is a balanced-pressure thermostatic trap, which contains a bellows filled
with a liquid that evaporates when heated and condenses when cooled. As cool
condensate and air flows toward the trap, the vapor in the bellows condenses, the
bellows contracts, and the valve opens. Then, steam pushes the mixture of air and
water out of the trap. When steam reaches the trap, the liquid in the bellows evaporates, the bellows expands, and the valve closes. Condensate and air again accumulate in the trap and the cycle repeats.
A second type is the thermodynarnic trap. When there is condensate and air
in the trap, the disc shown in Figure 8.9 is in the raised position and steam will
push the mixture out of the trap. After all the condensate and air leave the trap, the
steam flows under the disc at a high velocity because of the constricted passage.
The kinetic energy of the steam increases, and according to Bernoulli's equation
the pressure must decrease. The pressure on top of the disc is now greater than
below the disc and the disc drops on the seat, closing the trap. When condensate
and air again accumulates in the trap, the cycle repeats.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8
426
Thermostatic
Thermodynamic
Figure 8.9zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Examples of steam traps. From Ref. 22.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF A FLOW SYSTEM zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGF
After the function of fittings and valves and the principles of the automatic control
loop are understood, then you can make a preliminary design of the flow system.
An example is the flow system for a continuous stirred-tank reactor shown in
Figure 8.10. After designing and locating the reactor and feed tank, we can then
design the flow system. This design entails evaluating and selecting fittings, valves, pumps, and instrumentation. The final design requires sizing these
components. In Figure 8.10, two reactants are continuously pumped into the reactor, but we will only consider one feed system.
Starting at the feed tank, first install a flanged joint at the outlet so that we
can easily disconnect the piping from the tank. Then, connect a tee to the flanged
connection. One branch of the tee leads to a shut-off valve for emptying the tank,
and the other branch leads to the pump. Flanged connections and shut-off valves
are placed before and after the pump so that it can easily be removed from the
system for repairs or replacement. Pumps can fail. Consequently, it is good practice to install pressure gages before and after the pump. Pressure gages, which are
designated as PI for pressure indicator, are placed before and after a pump to help
the operator to troubleshoot. Also, it is common practice to have a spare pump in
case the operating pump fails. To control the flow rate of reactants to the reactor,
set the required flow rate on a flow-indicator-controller (FIC). A flow meter
measures the flow rate, and the controller corrects for any deviation from the required flow rate by automatically opening or closing the control valve. Because a
control valve is a mechanical device, it could fail. Therefore, you want to keep the
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
427
Reactarrt2
H——M—4P
1
(fp^ ——Safety Valve
tx) On-Off Valve
M ThrotllinB Valve
Coolant In zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
V^l^.^
Figure 8.10 Preliminary design of a flow system.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFE
system in operation while the control valve is repaired or replaced. To accomplish
this, install a bypass line around the control valve with flanged connections and
shut-off valves before and after the control valve. With this arrangement, the flow
rate can be controlled manually with a manual throttling valve in the bypass line.
For threaded piping, we must have a union in the bypass line.
In most chemical reactors, temperature is a critical variable that must be
controlled. Cooling water circulates in the reactor jacket, removing the enthalpy of
reaction. To control the reaction temperature, the cooling-water flow rate to the
jacket is controlled. Set the desired temperature on the temperature-indicatorcontroller (TIC), which is measured by a temperature sensor installed in the reactor. The control valve automatically corrects any deviations from the desired temperature by adjusting the cooling-water flow rate into the jacket.
To prevent flooding or emptying of the reactor, requires a liquid-level controller (LC). In this case, the pressure exerted by the liquid in the reactor measures
the liquid level. The operation and installation of the liquid-level control valve is
the same as the flow and temperature control valves.
If the reaction is exothermic, there is a possibility that the reaction may run
away, creating excessive pressures in the reactor. Because the reaction rate varies
exponentially with temperature, the effect can be very rapid, and a safety valve
prevents an excessive pressure increase. As soon as the pressure in the reactor
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Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
428
reaches a preset value, the safety valve opens, dumping the reactor contents into a
holding tank. Also, control valves can be designed to fail wide open if the air supply fails so that the cooling-water flow rate is a maximum to prevent the reactor
from overheating.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
Selecting materials of construction is an important aspect of designing flow systems. The process engineer, more than any other engineer, must handle corrosive
as well as dangerous fluids. We will not discuss corrosion here. The interested
reader can refer to Fontana and Greene [4] for further details.
The designer, in order to increase the reliability of his design, should critically examine all parts of his flow system to determine what parts contact the
fluid. This is particularly true of pumps and valves where critical parts may be
overlooked, for example, seals. The designer should also be aware that some organic solvents attack polymeric materials, such as rubber and plastics. Thus, in
addition to selecting metals to avoid corrosion, the designer checks the compatibility of polymeric materials with solvents. Erosion of piping and fittings by the
process fluid must also be considered. Solids suspended in fluids may cause excessive wear of piping, pumps, and valves. Even for a pure liquid, as the velocity
approaches 10 ft/s (3.05 m/s) [31], erosion will occur. Corrosion data for a given
fluid may be obtained from Craig and Anderson [5] or by consulting equipment
manufacturers. The Chemical Engineering Handbook [1] also contains some data
on corrosion.
MACROSCOPIC MECHANICAL ENERGY BALANCE
The most important relationship in designing flow systems is the macroscopic
mechanical-energy balance, or Bernoulli's equation. Not only is it required for
calculating the pump work, but it is also used to derive formulas for sizing valves
and flow meters. Bird, et al. [6] derived this equation by integrating the microscopic mechanical-energy balance over the volume of the system. The balance is
given by
f 2 dp
A(v2/a) g
——— + _ A z + | — + W + E = 0
2g c gc
Ji P
(8.1)
The units of each term are ft-lbF/lbM, where pound force is lbF, and pound
mass is lb . The conversion factor, g, equals 32.2 lb -ft/s"lbF. In the first term,
the kinetic energy term, the factor a corrects for the velocity profile across the
2
M
c
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M
Design of Flow Systems zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
429zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
pipe. For laminar flow in a pipe the velocity profile is parabolic and a = 1/2. If
the velocity profile is flat, a = 1. For very rough pipes and turbulent flow a may
reach a value of 0.77 [7]. Unless the kinetic energy term in the mechanical energy
balance becomes large compared to the other terms, it suffices to let a = 1 for turbulent flow, which occurs in many engineering applications.
The second term in the mechanical energy balance is the change in potential
energy. The third term is "pressure work," and its evaluation depends on whether
the fluid is compressible or incompressible. The last two terms are the work done
by the system, W, and the friction loss, E. For an incompressible fluid, the density
may be removed from the integral sign. Then, Equation 8.1 becomes
A(v2/a) g
Ap
——— + — Az+ —
2 gc
gc
P
(8.2)
VALVE SIZING
Valve size is not necessarily the same size as the pipe to which it will be connected. It is frequently less. The valve orifice size and the shape of the valve
plug, shown in Figure 8.11, determine the valve size. To size a valve, the flow rate
Vena Contracta
Orifice
Figure 8.11zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Throttling valve plug and orifice.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
430
and the required pressure drop across the valve must be determined. The formula
required for valve sizing depends on the properties of the fluid and the flow regime. These factors are:
1. liquid or gas flow
2. laminar or turbulent flow
3. flashing
4. cavitation
5. incompressible or compressible flow
6. choked flow
7. non-ideal gas effects
8. effects of piping arrangement
9. limit on outlet velocity to prevent shock waves and noise
We will only consider turbulent flow of an incompressible fluid, which also
includes the flow of gases - if the pressure drop is small - as well as the flow of
liquids. Formulas for other cases are discussed in References 8, 9, and 20. Reference 20 summarizes valve-sizing formulas in an attempt to standardize them.
Figure 8.12 shows the various pressure drops through a throttling valve.
When the fluid enters the valve, there is a small drop in pressure cause by frictional losses. As the fluid passes through the small opening of the valve, the fluid
Inlet
Pressure Loss
Orifice
Pressure Loss
Distance Along Flow Path
Figure 8.12zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pressure profile across a throttling valve.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
431zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Design of Flow Systems
velocity rapidly increases. Simultaneously, the pressure drops rapidly, as illustrated in Figure 8.12. A further increase in velocity and decrease in pressure may
occur because of the formation of a vena contracta which is the contraction of the
jet flowing from the orifice, as illustrated in Figure 8.11. For liquids, if the pressure reaches the vapor pressure of the liquid, vaporization will occur. After the
vena contracta, the pressure increases and the fluid velocity decreases, because of
an increase in the cross-sectional area of the valve. The pressure at the outlet of
the valve will not reach its value at the inlet because there is a pressure loss caused
by friction. If the pressure rise is rapid, any vapor bubbles formed in the valve will
collapse instantaneously releasing large amounts of energy in a small area, which
may be sufficient to dent the metal. This phenomena is called cavitation, i.e., cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles followed by their sudden collapse. Dissolved gases will also cause cavitation, such as air dissolved in water.
The problem that we must consider next is to relate the pressure drop across
the valve to flow rate and valve size. After applying Bernoulli's equation, Equation 8.2, across the valve we obtain, for an incompressible fluid,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJI
( P l ~P 2 )
E
= ————
P
(8.3)
because the change in kinetic energy and potential energy is small, and the work
done is zero.
The friction loss term, E, is given by the empirical expression
vo2
E = K——
2g c
(8.4)
where, K, an experimentally determined factor, is the friction-loss factor for a
valve.
Combining Equations 8.3 and 8.4 to eliminate E and solving for, the fluid velocity in the valve orifice, v0, we find that
r2 gc (p 1 - P2 ) v/2
v 0 = I ——————— I
(8.5)
I
KpzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
Multiply Equation 8.5 by A to obtain the volumetric flow rate through the
valve, and let p = p il, where r| is the specific gravity of the fluid. If a valve
coefficient, Cy, is defined by
o
w
2
(2
gc r
C = 7.48 (12) (60) AO | —— |
v
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(8.6)
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
432
and because Q = AQ VQ, the volumetric flow rate,
f(P,- P 2)V /2
Q= C y l ———— I
I
(8.7)
nzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
which is a formula used by valve manufacturers to size valves for incompressible
fluids. Because the valve coefficient, Cy, contains the orifice area, C is not a constant for any particular valve but varies with the position of the valve stem and
hence the valve plug. The units used for Cy by valve manufacturers are gal/min for
flow rate and Ibp/in for pressure. Thus, Cy has units of gal-in/min-lbi;'
Sizing valves requires calculating Cy for the design flow rate and then selecting an appropriate valve from a manufacturer. The valve coefficient contained
in manufacturers' catalog is the maximum coefficient. If the valve were sized at
the normal operating flow rate, the system would then be out of control if an upset
should occur. To avoid this, Chalfin [9] recommends sizing a control valve for a
flow rate that is 30% greater than the normal operating flow rate.
The designer, to insure good process control, specifies the pressure drop
across the valve. At low-pressure drops, the valve characteristic curve is distorted
resulting in poor control. Boger [10] and Moore [11] discuss this effect. The valve
characteristic curve is a plot of the valve opening against flow rate. There are several rules of thumb in the engineering literature for assigning the pressure drop
across a control valve. Sandier and Lukiewicz [29] recommend a pressure drop of
30 to 50% of the frictional pressure drop - also called the dynamic pressure drop in the system and a minimum of 5 to 10 psi (0.345 to 0.67 bar). Forman [12] states
the assigned pressure drop is not an arbitrary value like 5 psi (0.345 bar). He recommends a pressure drop of 33% of the frictional pressure drop for a linear valve
and 50% for an equal-percentage valve [12]. For a valve that has a linear characteristic curve, the flow rate varies linearly with valve opening. For a valve that has
an equal-percentage characteristic curve, the flow rate varies non-linearly with
valve opening. Power consumption increases with increasing frictional pressure
drop. Thus, the assigned pressure drop should not be any larger than necessary for
adequate control. Example 8.1 illustrates the procedure for valve sizing.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
v
2
1
2
Example 8.1 Valve Sizing______________________________
What size valve will be required to control the flow rate of 50 gal/min (0.169zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
m3/min) of brine (rj = 1.2), if the frictional pressure drop in the system, excluding
the valve, is 15 psi (1.03 bar)? Assume a linear valve.
Q (design) = 1.3 (50) = 65 gal/min (0.246 nrVmin).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
433zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
For adequate process control, the pressure drop across the valve for a linear
valve is
(Ap)v
—————— = 0.33
AH' + (Ap)v
(Ap)v = (0.33 / 0.67) (15) = 7.388 psi (0.510 bar)
Substituting into Equation 8.7, the valve size iszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
( 1.2 V'2
Cv = 65 I ——— I = 26.20
I 7.388 )
or, after rounding, Cv = 26. Now, a valve can be selected from a manufacturer's
catalog.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
PIPE SIZING
Pipe sizing consists of determining the diameter, length, and wall thickness.
Pipe Length
Determining pipe length for a flow system is a simple problem. After locating all
equipment, the length of pipe is automatically determined. Piping is nearly always
connected from one process unit to another by making ninety-degree turns. Occasionally, a forty-five degree turn is needed.
Pipe Diameter
Threaded piping is available in 12 in (30.5 cm) or smaller, but is usually used in
sizes 2 in (5.08 cm) and smaller because fabrication costs increase rapidly above 2
in (5.08 cm) [1]. Threaded piping is used mostly for utilities and welded piping for
process piping [31].The inside diameter of a pipe could be calculated by optimizing pumping and piping costs. As the inside diameter of the pipe increases, the
liquid velocity decreases, and the cost of pumping decreases. This occurs because
the factional pressure loss decreases with a decrease in liquid velocity. On the
other hand, as the pipe diameter increases, its weight increases, and the installed
cost of the piping increases. As illustrated in Figure 8.13, the pipe diameter selected is at the total minimum cost. For most purposes, such as rough or preliminary designs, and for small installations, this calculation is not necessary. Rulesof-thumb are sufficient. Ludwig [13] lists velocities for several liquids and pipe
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
434
materials. From this list, a velocity of 6 fl/s (1.83 m/s) for the discharge side of
the pump seems to be a reasonable average value. After specifying the volumetric
flow rate of the liquid and selecting a liquid velocity, calculate the inside diameter
of the pipe. Piping is only available in standard diameters, which does not exactly
correspond to either the inside or outside diameter of a pipe, as shown in Table
8.2A, where the pipe dimensions are in inches. In Table 8.2B the dimensions are
in millimeters. Other technical factors may change the suggested velocity of 6 ft/s
(1.83 m/s). For example, if a liquid contains suspended particles, the liquid velocity must be reduced to prevent erosion. For clear fluids, expect erosion above 10
ft/s ( 3.05 m/s) [31]. On the other hand, to prevent suspended particles from settling or deposits from forming on the pipe wall requires increasing the liquid velocity. A liquid velocity is selected to balance these opposing factors as determined by experience.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pumping Cost
Pipe Diameter
Figure 8.13 Optimum pipe diameter.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
435
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Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
.o
Chapter 8
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Design of Flow Systems
437zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Pipe Wall ThicknesszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
The pipe wall thickness and hence its strength is determined by the schedule number. The schedule number is defined by
Schedule Number = 1000 (p/S)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
(8.8)
where p is the internal pressure in lbF/in2 gage and S is the allowable stress in
Ibp/in2 forthe pipe material. Tables 8.2A and 8.2.B lists the pipe wall thickness for
Schedule 40 pipe up to six-inch pipe sizes. The Chemical Engineering Handbook
[1] contains dimensions for other pipe sizes and schedule numbers. Frank [31]
recommends using Schedule 40 for carbon steel pipe and Schedule 10 for carbon
steel alloys at moderate pressures. The allowable pressure should be checked using
the ASME (American Institute of Mechanical Engineers) code.
FLOW METERING
Figure 8.14 shows some commonly used flow meters. Dolenc [23] reviews these
flow-meter types in addition to other types. The meters in Figure 8.14 are divided
into two classes: the variable-head meters, which are the orifice, venturi,
Figure 8.14 Examples of flow meters.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
438
flow nozzle, and the variable-area meter, which is the rotameter. Head is equivalent to pressure. It is the height that the flowing liquid must be elevated to give the
required pressure. For the variable-head meter, the flow rate is obtained by measuring the pressure drop across the meter, which varies with the flow rate. For the
rotameter, the position of the float determines the flow rate.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
Variable-Head Meters
To size a variable-head meter, we must calculate the orifice, venturi throat or nozzle diameter. Using Bernoulli's equation we can derive a relationship between the
flow rate, the pressure drop across the meter, and the orifice diameter.
Because the change in elevation and the work done is zero, Equation 8.2 becomes
V!2
v22
2a 2 g c
p2 - pi
+ ———— + E = 0
2ccig c
p
(8..9)
The friction loss term, E, can be related to the downstream velocity, v2; by
E = K ——
2gc
(8.10)
where K, the friction loss factor, is experimentally determined.
From the conservation of mass for an incompressible fluid flowing through
the orifice we find that
v, =v2 = v
(8.11)
Substituting Equations 8.10 and 8.11 into Equation 8.9 and solving for the
fluid velocity in the pipe, we find thatzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( 2 g c ( p , - p 2 ) / p V /2
v= I —————————
I
(8.12)
Bird et al. [6] showed that 0.1 « 1 and l/cc « (Ao/A) for an orifice meter.
Substitute these values into Equation 8.12. Then, multiply each side of Equation
8.12 by the cross-sectional area of the pipe to obtain the volumetric flow rate.
Also, for frictionless flow, K = 0. Thus, Equation 8.12 becomes
2
2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
f 2 g c ( P l - p 2 ) / p V /2
Q = Ao | ————————— |
439zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
(8.13)
This formula is the same for frictionless flow through the venturi and nozzle meters.
To account for friction and the approximate values of a used, multiplied
Equation 8.13 by a discharge coefficient, CD.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( 2 g c ( p , - p 2 ) / p V /2
Q = C D Aol —————————— I
V [1-(A 0 /A) 2 ] >/
(8.14)
The discharge coefficient is a function of the meter type and Reynolds number.
Using the orifice meter as an example, Example 8.2 illustrates the sizing
procedure. Calculating the orifice diameter requires assigning the pressure drop
across the orifice.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 8.2 Orifice-Meter Sizing_________________________
Size an orifice meter to meter 70 gal/min (0.265 m3/min) of acetone at 15 °C. The
pipe size is a two-inch Schedule 40 pipe. The viscosity of acetone is 0.337 cp
(3.37xlO~4 Pa-s), and its specific gravity is 0.792.
To size an orifice meter requires calculating the orifice diameter from Equation 8.14. After dividing and multiplying Equation 8.14 by A, substituting A= n
D2/4, and letting P = DO/ D, where DO is the orifice diameter and D the inside pipe
diameter, we obtain
r2g c (p,-p 2 )/pi i / 2
Q = CD —— p2
4
L
————————— I
(1-P 4 )
J
Because C = f (Re), first calculate the Reynolds number in the pipe. From
Table 8.2A, the inside diameter of a Schedule 40, two-inch pipe is 2.067 in (5.25
cm).
D
4Q
4 70.0 gal/min
1
1
= —— = _ ——————— ———— ——————— = 6.692 ft/s (2.04 m/s)
re D2 TI 7.48 gal/ft3 60 s/min (2.067/12)2 ft2
y. = 0.337 cp (6.72 x lO^lbw/ft-s-cp) = 2.265X10"4 lbM/ft-s (3.37X10"4 Pa-s)
v
p = 0.792 (62.4) = 49.42 lbM/ft3
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
440
pDv
49.42
lbM/ft3 2.067 in 6.692 ft/s
5
Re = —— = ——————————— ———— ————— = 2.52xl0
1
u.
2.265X10"4 Ibw/ft-s 12 in/ft
70 gal/min
1
Q = ————— ————— = 0.1560 ft3/s (4.42 mVs)
60 s/min 7.48 gal/ft3
Select 50 in (127 cm) of water as the pressure drop across the orifice. The
pressure drop in force per unit area is related to the pressure drop in terms of a
liquid height by
g
32.17 ft/s2
lbM 50 in
Pi - Pa = — Pw Az = —————————— 62.4 —— ———
gc
32.17 lbMft/s2-lbF
ft3 12 in/ft
Pi - Pa = 260.0 Ibp/ft2 (12.45 kPa)
After substituting the values of Q, D, P! - p2, p, and gc into the first equation
above, we obtainzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( 2 (32. 17) (260.0) V2
0.1 56 = CD Oi/4) (2.0667/12) (3 I ———————————— I
I 0.792 (62.4) (1 - P 4 )J
2
2
Considine [16] gives equations for the orifice coefficient, CD, for several
ways of measuring pressure drop across the orifice. For corner pressure taps,
shown in Figure 8.2.1, the equation is
a75
CD = 0.5959 + 0.0312 p22'11 -- 0.184 p88'0'0 + 91.71p22'55/Re
Solving these two equations simultaneously for CD and p using Polymath
[27], the orifice coefficient, C = 0.6035 and P = 0.6690. Thus, the orifice diameter,
D
DO = 0.6690 (2.067) = 1.383 in (3.51 cm).
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
441
Figure 8.2.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
An orifice meter with corner pressure taps. Adapted from
Ref. 26 with permission.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Variable-Area MeterszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
To size a rotameter requires calculating the volumetric flow rate of a standard fluid
at standard conditions. Most manufacturers calibrate rotameters using a stainlesssteel float and water at a standard temperature for liquids and air at a standard
temperature and pressure for gases. For other fluids, float materials, and operating
conditions, the flow rate must be converted to an equivalent flow rate of water or
air. To derive a formula for making this conversion, Bernoulli's equation is applied across the float shown in Figure 8.15 to give Equation 8.9.
Because a rotameter tube is tapered, the annular flow area varies with position of the float, as shown in Figure 8.15. The conservation of mass for an incompressible fluid becomes
AiVi =A 2 v 2 = AoVo
(8.15)
where the subscript 1 refers to the entrance of the rotameter, 2 the exit of the meter, and o to the annular area between the float and tube.
The friction loss term,
Kv 0 2
E = ——
2 Be
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(8.16)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
442
After substituting vb v2, and E from Equations 8.15 and 8.16 into Equation 8.9
and solving for the fluid velocity in the annular area surrounding the float, we find
thatzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
r
2gc(pi-p2)/P
L [(A 0 /A 2 ) 2 /a 2 ]-[(A 0 /A 1 ) 2 /a 1 ]
1/2
1
(8.17)
J
By multiplying Equation 8.17 by the annular area, Ao, the volumetric flow
rate,
F
2gc(pi-p2)/p
1/2
1
= A0I L [(A 0 /A 2 ) 2 /a 2 ]-[(A 0 /A 1 ) 2 /a 1 ] J
(8.18)
For any flow rate, the float is kept at a stationary position in the fluid by the
drag and buoyant forces acting upwards and the gravitational force acting downward. The force balance is
(8.19)
Figure 8.15 Geometry of a rotameter tube and float.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
443zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Design of Flow Systems
The drag force across the float is defined as equal to the product of the drag
coefficient, CD, the pressure drop across the float, pi - p2, and a characteristic area
for the float, AF. After substituting this definition and expressions for the gravitational and buoyant forces into Equation 8.19, the force balance becomes
CD (p, -
P2)
AF = (VF PF - VF p) (g/ gc)
(8.20)
where the subscript F refers to the float.
Next, substitute (pi - p2) from Equation 8.20 into Equation 8.18. Then, the
volumetric flow rate,
f v F PP-PzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Y2
Q = AoC R | —— ——— I
(8.21)
IA F
p
)
where the rotameter coefficient, CR, is defined by
CR=
r
2 g /c D
i"2
I ——————————————————————— I
L [(A0/A2)2/a2]-[(A0/A1)2/a,] + K J
(8.22)
As Figure 8.15 shows, the annular flow area between the tube and float is
TI (Dp + 25)2 TT Dp2
A0 = —————— - ———
4
4
(8.23)
Expanding Equation 8.23 and dropping the term that contains 82, which is
small, then Ao = 7t 8 DF. From the geometry of the meter, 8 = h tan 9, as Figure
8.15 shows. Substituting these relations into Equation 8.21, the volumetric flow
rate becomes
fv F pF- P r 2
Q = 7iC R D F h(tane) I — ——— I
lAF p J
(8.24)
If CR does not vary with float position, which is usually the case for float diameters of one-half inch or greater, then the volumetric flow rate is directly proportional to h.
To size a rotameter, we must convert the flow rate to an equivalent flow rate of
water or air. The flow rate of the metered fluid is given by Equation 8.24. For the
same meter at the same float position, the flow rate of the standard fluid is given by
f VFS pp-ps Y2
Qs = 7iC R sD F h(tan9)l —— ———— I
^ Ap
ps
)
where the subscript, s, refers to the standard fluid, water or air.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(8.25)
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
444
By dividing Equation 8.25 by Equation 8.24, the flow rate of the standard
fluid, at standard conditions, in terms of the flow rate of the actual fluid, at actual
conditions, is given byzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
TPPS-PS P r 2
Qs = Ql ———— — I
(8.26)
I pF - p pszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
)
provided the rotameter coefficient is independent of the fluid being metered, i.e.,
CR ~ CRS- Equation 8.26 may be used for either liquid or gases, but for gases it
may be simplified because ps « PF and p « pF. Thus, Equation 8.26 reduces to
PFS P
Qs = Q — —
PF Ps
(8.27)
If the ideal gas law is obeyed, then p = M P / R T. Substituting this equation
into Equation 8.27, the flow rate at standard conditions,
PFS T P
M Ts "11/2
Qs = Q — I — —— -I
PF I Ps Ms T )
(8-28)
where M is the molecular weight of the gas.
Thus, sizing rotameters requires using either Equation 8.26 or Equation 8.28
to calculate the flow rate of the standard fluid. Then use Table 8.3, supplied by a
manufacturer, to select a rotameter. The procedure for sizing a rotameter is illustrated in Example 8.3.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Example 83 Rotameter Sizing___________________________
Find the rotameter size required to meter 1.5 gal/min (5.68xlCT3 m3/min) of carbon
tetrachloride at 20 °C (68 °F).
To select a rotameter from Table 8.3 first calculate an equivalent flow rate of
water from Equation 8.26. In Table 8.3 stainless steel floats are used. The density
of stainless steel is 8.02 g/cc (501 lb/ft3) and the density of carbon tetrachloride is
1.60 g/cc (99.9 lb/ft). After substituting numerical values into Equation 8.26, the
volumetric flow rate of water,
3
[(8.02-1.00) 1.60 11/2
Qs = 1.50 I ——————— —— I = 1.984 gal/min (7.51xlO~3 m3/min)
L (8.02-1.60) 1.00 J
Therefore, from Table 8.3 select a A inch rotameter having a maximum flow
rate of 2.44 gal/min (9.24 1/min). This rotameter size is somewhat larger than
needed, allowing for a safety factor.
1
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
445
Table 8.3zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Commercial Rotameter Sizes
Maximum Flow
Tube
Size
gpmHzO
Equiv.
0.267
0.328
0.442
0.480
0.600
0.619
0.670
0.690
1/2"
0.810
0.830
0.880
0.885
1.10
1.12
1.15
1.19
1.44
1.56
1.66
2.00<
2.78'
2.90*
3.52'
3/4"
1.96
2.49
2.66
2.70
3.37
3.55
3.67
4.80
4.25
4.82
5.63
6.00
6.46
1"
6.80
7.62
7.84
9.00
950
11.0
114"
13.2
14.6
17.6
18.6
24.0
2"
30.6
31.6
36.1
scfm air
Equiv.
1.10
1.35
1.82
1.92
2.47
2.55
2.76
2.85
3.35
3.42
3.62
3.65
4.52
4.60
4.74
4.90
5.93
6.43
6.85
8.24'
11.4"
12.014.5*
8.08
10.2
11.0
11.1
13.9
14.6
15.1
19.8
17.5
19.9
23.2
24.7
26.6
28.0
31.4
32.4
37.0
39.2
45.3
54.4
60.0
72.0
76.5
99.0
126.0
130.0
149:0
Tube
Number
FP-1/2-17-G-10
FP-1/2-21-G-10
FP-1/2-27-Q-10
FP-1/2-17-G-10
FP-1/2-21-G-10
FP-1/2-35-G-10
FP-1/2-17-G-10
FP-1/2-17-G-H)
FP-1/2-27-G-10
FP-1/2-21-G-10
FP-1/2-21-G-10
FP-1/2-17-G-10
FP-1/2-21-G-10
FP-1/2-27-G-10
FP-1/2-35-G-10
FP-1/2-27-G-10
FP-1/2-27-G-10
FP-1/2-35-G-10
FP-1/2-35-G-10
FP-1 /2-50-G-9
FP-1 /2-50-G-9
FP-1 /2-50-G-9
FP-1 /2-50-G-9
FP-3/4-21-G-10
FP-3/4-21-G-10
FP-3/4-21-G-10
FP-3/4-27-G-10
FP-3/4-21-G-10
FP-3/4-27-G-10
FP-3M-27-G-10
FP-3/4-27-G-10
Float
Tolal a P
V.I.C.
(See
psia
Critical
Note 2)
(See
Note 3)
Number
(31 6 ss!)
(See
Notel)
1 /2-GUSVT-40A
1 /2-GUSVT-40A
1 /2-GUSVT-40A
1 /2-GSVT-45A
1 /2-GSVT-45A
1 /2-GUSVT-40A
1 /2-GSVT-44A
1 /2-GSVT-48A
1 /2-GSVT-45A
1 /2-GSVT-44A
1 /2-GSVT-48A
1 /2-GNSVT-48A
1 /2-GNSVT-48A
1 /2-GSVT-44A
1 /2-GSVT-45A
1 /2-GSVT-48A
1 /2-GNSVT-48A
1 /2-GSVT-44A
1.2
1.4
2.0
2.9
2.9
3.5
4.6
3.1
6.4
7.3
5.1
1 /2-GSVT-48A
1 /2-GSVT-45A
1 /2-GSVT-44A
1 /2-GSVT-48A
1 /2-GNSVT-48A
3/4-GSVGT-54A
3/4-GNSVGT-54A
3/4-GSVGT-59A
3/4-GSVGT-54A
3/4-GNSVGT-59A
3/4-GNSVGT-54A
3/4-GSVGT-59A
3/4-GNSVGT-59A
2.9
52.0
5.3
6.8
7.0
7.7
11.5
11.5
13.7
20.5
10.4
1.6
14.1
10.4
2.1
1.6
14.1
2.1
13.9
13.9
28.7
9.6
263
9.6
19.8
19.8
12.9
18.7
20.7
24.6
11.5
15.6
11.3
6.8
7.7
8.0
8.2
9.9
12.3
8.2
13.7
15.8
14.8
172
12.0
31.0
35.2
1-GSVGT-64A
FP-1-27-G-10
FP-1-35-G-10
FP-1-27-G-10
FP-1-35-G-10
FP-1-35-G-10
FP-1-35-G-10
FP-1-35-G-10
1-GNSVGT-68A
1-GSVGT-68A
1-GNSVGT-69A
1-GNSVGT-64A
1-GNSVGT-68A
1-GSVGT-69A
1-GNSVGT-69A
37.0
75.0
37.7
628
65.3
112
14.8
16.9
2.2
14.8
2.5
16.9
1.5
22
2.5
8.5
1.5
FP-114-27-G-10
FP-1V4-27-G-10
FP-1VS-27-G-10
FP-1V4-27-G-10
1V4-GSVGT-87A
1V4-GSVGT-86A
1V4-GNSVGT-87A
1Vi-GNSVGT-86A
9.5
13.5
12.8
15.2
27.6
31.0
4.20
4.80
FP-2-27-G-10
FP-2-27-G-10
FP-2-27-G-10
FP-2-27-G-10
2-GSVGT-97A
2-GNSVGT-97A
24.0
32.0
34.0
45.0
26.5
3.0
18.5
3.30
1-GNSVGT-64A
1-GSVGT-64A
2-GSVGT-98A
2-GNSVGT-98A
17.9
11.5
2.0
33.4
5.1
2.9
7.1
7.6
5.1
7.1
7.6
1.1
1.1
7.1
5.1
7.6
1.1
7.1
7.6
5.1
7.1
7.6
1.1
FP-1-27-G-10
FP-1-27-G-10
FP-1-27-G-10
FP-1-35-G-10
1-GSVGT-68A
5.5
3.5
2.7
32.5
39.0
8.4
33.8
24.6
19.8
20.0
162
8.5
18.6
165
16.5
18.8
4.0
7.7
8.9
8.8
6.8
15.6
8.9
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
22.2
68
8.9
13.4
13.4
15.4
22.0
15.4
22.0
16.4
16.4
212
212
NOTES:
1. Pressure drop is total pressure loss across the meter al 100% flow rate in inches of water column.
2. Meter is unaffected by viscosity when the value of cos/ /!o~ (usingoperatingdensitying/ccand
viscosity in centipoises) is less than V.I.C. (viscosity immunity ceiling). V.I.C. is applicable to liquids
only; all gas flows fall below Viscosity Immunity Ceiling.
3. Meters not recommended for gas service where pressure is below minimum shown. For such applications use low pressure drop capacity table. A flow throttling valve close coupled to meter outlet
is recommended for all gas applications.
4. Not available with metal scale. Specify percent scale or direct reading scale on tube.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLK
Source:Ref.. 17.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
446
PUMP SIZING AND SELECTIONzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Chapter 5 considered pump types and their evaluation and selection. After selecting a pump type, the next step is to size the pump. This requires calculating the
flow rate and the pressure rise across the pump or the pump head. The net positive
suction head (NPSH), is also important, particularly for centrifugal pumps. NPSH
is the difference between the total pressure and the vapor pressure of the fluid at
the pump inlet. NPSH will be discussed later.
Pump Head
Apply Bernoulli's equation over the whole flow system to develop an expression
for the pump head. After rearranging Equation 8.2, to obtain the suction and discharge heads we find that
gc
v22
gcp2
gczyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
( v,2
gcpi
gc
^ gc
- — W = — + z2 + ——— + — ED -1 —— + Zj + ——— - — Eg I + — EP
g
2g
gp
g
I 2g
g p
g
)
g
(8.29)
where the subscript 1 refers to the suction end of the flow system, 2 to the discharge end of the flow system, S the suction line, and D the discharge line. The
units of each term in Equation 8.29 are in feet of liquid, called head. Engineers call
the first term to the right of the equal sign in Equation 8.29, velocity head; the
second term, elevation head; the third term, pressure head; and the fourth term,
friction head. The frictional loses consists of three terms. These are: the friction
losses in the discharge piping, HFD, the friction losses in the suction piping, HFS,
and the friction losses in the pump, E . The friction head in the pump is accounted
for in the pump efficiency. Therefore, from Equation 8.29,
P
gc
—— (W + E P )= (H D -H S )
(8.30)
where HD and Hs is the sum of the velocity, elevation, pressure, and friction heads.
The difference between the discharge and suction heads is sometimes called the
total dynamic head.
Because the work done on the system is negative, W = -WP, where WP is the
pump work. Substituting Wpinto Equation 8.30, we find that
gc
— (Wp-E P ) = (H D -Hs)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(8.31)
Design of Flow Systems
447zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
The pump efficiency, r|P, is defined by
T!P = ————
WP
(8.32)
Substitute Equation 8.32 into Equation 8.31, to obtain
gc
— r,pW P = (H D -Hs)
g
(8.33)
Next, divide the suction and discharge friction heads into two parts. One part
consists of the piping losses, and the other part consists of fittings losses. The friction-head loses,
HF = Z i I 4f — —— I + I j I K —— |
(8.34)
{ 2gjj
I RHzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2gJ{
where the subscript i refers to various pipe diameters and j to various fittings.
The hydraulic radius, RH, defined as the cross-sectional area for flow divided by the wetted perimeter, is discussed by Bird et al. [6]. For flow in circular
conduits, the hydraulic radius equals D/4.
The friction factor, f, depends on the Reynolds number and the relative
roughness, s/D. Table 8.4 contains roughness factors, s, for several pipe materials.
Surface roughness is very irregular and non-uniform. Thus, E for any pipe material
is an average value. Figure 8.16 is a plot of the friction factor as a function of
Reynolds number with the relative roughness as a parameter.
For pipe fittings and other resistances, we can calculate the frictional losses
using the friction loss factor, K, in Equation 8.34. Figures 8.17 to 8.20 and Table
8.5 contains factors for several fittings, flow meters, and valves. Sometimes, friction losses of fittings are accounted for by using equivalent lengths of straight piping. The equivalent length is that length of straight piping that will give the same
frictional pressure loss as the fitting [18]. In this case, the equivalent lengths of
piping are added to the straight lengths of piping and are substituted into the first
term of Equation 8.34. Frictional losses for new piping can be predicted to roughly
± 25% for fittings and + 10% for piping [19].
After calculating the head, then calculate the power supplied to pump by the
shaft of the pump driver, i.e., the brake horsepower, which is given by
mW P
mg(HD-Hs)
PP = ——— = ————————
550
550 gc TIP
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
(8.35)
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
448
Cavitation zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
If the pressure in a flowing liquid falls below its vapor pressure, the liquid will
vaporize. If vapor bubbles form on the suction side of the pump, the bubbles will
move with the stream and will subsequently collapse in a region of high pressure.
This phenomenon is called cavitation. Dissolved gases in the fluid, such as air in
water, could also form bubbles. The collapsing vapor or gas bubbles subject the
pump surfaces to tremendous shock. The energy involved in the shock is explosive enough to flake off small bits of metal and in time the pump will become pitted. Cavitation also results in a loss of energy. Immediate clues of cavitation are
reduced flow rate, loss of head, pumping in spurts, and excessive noise and vibration.
Table 8.4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pipe- Roughness Factors
Pipe Material
Roughness Factor, E
IxlO^ft
Riveted Steel3
3,000 - 30,000
Concrete3
Wood Stave"
1,000-10,000
600 - 30,000
850
500
Cast Iron"
Galvanized Iron3
Asphalted Cast Iron"
Steel or Wrought Iron"
Tubing"
Hard Plasticb
Glassb
Electropolished Stainlessb
Mechanically-polished Stainlessb
New-unpolished Stainlessb
New Copper or Brassb
Rubberb
Seamless Carbon Steelb
Corrugated Steelb
Tuberculated Iron Pipeb
a) Source: Reference 1
b) Source: Reference 24
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
400
150
5
0.17-0.83
0.17-0.83
0.17-0.83
0.33-1.3
1.3-8.3
1.3-8.3
2.7-10
10-42
>170
42-170
Design of Flow Systems zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
449zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Cavitation will not occur as long as the pressure at the suction side of the
pump is sufficiently high. The suction pressure required to avoid cavitation depends on the pump design and is specified by the pump manufacturer. The term
manufacturers use to describe the pressure required is NPSH (net-positive-suctionhead). NPSH is defined as the difference between the pressure head and the head
corresponding to the liquid vapor pressure at the pump inlet, i.e.,
(8.36)
The required NPSH, (NPSH)a, is specified by the pump manufacturer, and
the available NPSH, (NPSH)A, is determined by the design of the pump suction
piping. To prevent cavitation the available NPSH must be equal to or greater than
the required NPSH.
(NPSH)A>(NPSH)R
(8.37)
The vapor-pressure head of the liquid in Equation 8.36 is calculated by converting the vapor pressure into head in feet. The pressure head at the pump inlet is
calculated by applying Bernoulli's Equation between the surface of the liquid at
Table 8.5zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Friction-Loss Factors for Flow Meters
Meter Type
Disk
Piston
Rotary (star-shaped Disk)
Turbine
Friction-Loss Factora, K
7.0
15.0
10.0
6.0
Pressure Drop
Orifice
Flow Totalizer
Rotameter
Flow Tube
a) Source: Reference 1
b) Source: Reference 25
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
50inH 2 O
4.0 psi
3.0 psi
psi
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
450
d / 3 'SSauq3tK>H SAtlBpH
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJI
g
'to
1
Q.
co
o
-c
O
"O
O
(O
T^
co
0)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
CD
O
3 azyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
2
O)
Design of Flow SystemszyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
451zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Screwed tee
Screwed 90° ell
Regular
Line
flowzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIH
2
1
K
0.8
0.6
0.6
Long
radius
TsT
•s,
0.8
*s
^
* •
A"2
0.6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
K
OA
Branch
flow 1
0.3
0.3
0.2i
0.3
0.5
^
X,
X
•*^
0.5
2 4zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHG
1
Flanged tee
Line
flow02
O
Flanged 90°ell
^
K
^s s
^
S
0.1
Regular08q
•*,
• ' Xr^
0.06.
^
0
0.2
0.15
Long
radius
^
1
K
0.6
j—
^^
^^
^
Si h*
0.4
Branch
flow
1
2
4 6
O
• ,
^"^ •**
10
2C
Regular icrevwd 45"ell
0.1
4
6
D
10
20
0.6
Fitting"
Coupling
Union
0.04
0.04
Long radiuj flanged 45'ell
a. Source: Unknown
Figure 8.17 Friction-loss factors for pipe fittings.
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
From Ref. 19 with
Chapter 8
452zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Head lots in conical diffusan zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
1^—<~)T
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
0
20
40
60
80
100 120 140 160 110
1 2
HMd loss in circular miters
-
^
^
1.0
,r
. 11
'
0.8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
K
-X"N
j
0.4
°-2
cA— \Vx^?.
^
/
^^
^
•E
0
f
or. 6) j
K •' .2 (1
0.6
10
*•*
X
*^
20
30
40
SO 60
70
80
90
fl.deg.
Contraction
0
0. 4
0. 8
Orific*
0.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQP
0.4
0.8
p = small diameter / large diameter, K based on the velocity in smaller pipe,
K based on the velocity in the pipe for the orifice
Figure 8.18 Friction-loss factors for pipe transitions. From Ref. 19 with
permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
453
Globe valve
SWIflQ CnACK VflVt)
ScrewedzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Screwed 20i. • . . ..~
\
6
M^
\"
" .
4
»l
K
2
1
:
__
.
-s.^
———
0.3
1
D
0.6
>
,
2
|j III ^ 10
4
^* -,,.
-HHI
3
6
03
lo
10
2
K
0.6 1
D
1
2
4
6
10
Ranged
20
24
•s,
K
"""S "
6
Flanged
>N
4
1
4 6
2
D
20
D
Angle valve
Gate valve
Screwed
Screwed
0.3
^ ^
^ -
B
0.2
4
2S
2
^
1
03
K
*s
3
2
Flanged,.5
1
1 >».
|
0.6
1
D
2
^s
0.1
0. 3
s
L
». ••
4
K
ft1
0.06
^
0.6 1
D
•x, «s
24
w
^
"**fl s
;- ^..
v
0.04
2
4 6 10
D
F..VK.0-03
20
Valve Tvoe
—
^
2
4 6
0
10
20zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
K
Disk Check
10.0
Ball Check
70.0
Foot
15.0
Figure 8.19 Friction-loss factors for valves. From Ref. 19 with permission.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
454
Chapter 8
K=0.78
K = 0.50
K = 0.23
K = 0.04
Inward Projecting
Sharp Edge
Slightly Rounded
WellRouded
Entrance
Entrance
Entrance
Entrance
K=1.0
Outward Projecting
Exit
K =1.0
Sharp Edge
Exit
K =1.0
All Rounded
Exits
Figure 8.20zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Friction-loss factors for tank entrances and exits. From Ref.
18.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
the inlet to the flow system, point 1, and the pump inlet, point i. Solving for pressure head at the pump inlet,
Hpj = Hpi - (Hyi - Hyi) - (Hz; - HZI) - HFS
(8.38)
First, drop the velocity head term in Equation 8.38 because it is small. Then,
substitute the pressure head, HPi, from Equation 8.38 into Equation 8.36 to obtain
an equation for calculating (NPSH)A.
(NPSH)A = HP1 + H z l -H z i -H F S -H V p i
(8.39)
The risk of cavitation is great when the (NPSH)A is small. To keep (NPSH)A
large, as Equation 8.39 shows, the inlet pressure to the system, HP1, should be as
large as possible. Also, keep the liquid level above the centerline of the pump, HZ1
- HZ j, the friction losses low, HFS, and the vapor-pressure head, Hypj, low, by
keeping the inlet temperature low.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Centr ifugal Pump Selection
To select a centrifugal pump size we must examine pump characteristic curves,
which are plots of head versus flow rate. Reference 8.21 discusses the factors
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
455zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Design of Flow Systems
influencing the selection of a centrifugal pump. The characteristic curves in Figure
8.21 are given for impeller sizes ranging from 7 to 9 'A in (17.8 to 24.1 cm). The
curves intersect the ordinate and gradually curve downward as the flow rate increases. Also, the characteristic curves intersect the efficiency curves at several
flow rates. The intersection of a characteristic curve with the horsepower curves
(dashed lines) gives the brake horsepower at several flow rates. Finally, the lower
curve is the required NPSH for the pumps. The best operating point is the point
1
where the efficiency is a maximum. Thus, for the 9zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFE
A in (24.1 cm) impeller in
Figure 8.21, the maximum efficiency is 84 % at a head of 72 ft (21.9 m).
When selecting a pump, get as close to the maximum-efficiency point as
possible. For example, if the flow system requires a pump to deliver 1250 gpm
(4.73 m3/min) at 52 ft (15.8 m) of head, the pump with a 9 Vi in (24.1 cm) impeller
- shown in Figure 8.21 - will deliver 58 ft (17.7 m) of head at 1250 gpm (4.73
m/min) with an efficiency of slightly less than 80%. You will, however, be operating too far to the right of the maximum-efficiency point, near the end of the
characteristic curve, where the pump efficiency is low and the required NPSH
high. Also, the pump will be noisy, and there is little flexibility if you need to increase the flow rate. On the other hand, by selecting an operating point too far to
the left of the maximum efficiency point, the load on the bearings and seals will be
large, reducing their life. Operating slightly to the left of the maximum efficiency
point, where the efficiency is still high, is recommended [21]. Thus, no pump in
Figure 8.21 is suitable. If the flow rate, however, is 900 gpm (3.41 m3/min) and
the head 55 ft (15.2 m), the point will be located between the 8 and 8 1A in (20.3
and 21.6 cm) diameter impellers in Figure 8.21. Then, select the pump with the 8
'/•> in (21.6 cm) impeller diameter.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
3
200
400
600
800
1000
1200 1400 1600
Capaci t y, gpm
Figure 8.21zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Characteristic curves for centrifugal pumps. From Ref. 28.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
456
Example 8.4 Centrifugal-Pump SizingzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
In the flow system in Figure 8.4.1, the centrifugal pump is delivering water at 100
gal/min (0.379 m/min and 70 °F (21.1 °C) into a boiler operating at a pressure of
35 psig (2.41 barg). The water levels in the feed tank and boiler are constant. The
approximate liquid velocity is 3 ft/s (0.914 m/s) in the suction side of the pump
andzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
6 ft/s (1.83 m/s) in the discharge side of the pump. Because corrosion is expected to be negligible, carbon steel pipe will be used. Assume a frictional pressure drop of 5 psi across the heat exchanger. Find the suction and discharge pipe
sizes, the head the pump must deliver, the brake horsepower, the electric-motor
horsepower, and the control-valve size, i.e., the valve coefficient. Assume a linear
valve. Also, select an impeller size from the characteristic curves shown in Figure
8.4.2, and determine if cavitation will occur in the pump.
3
Data
At70°F(21.1°C):
Density of water
Vapor pressure
Viscosity of water
62.3 lbM/ft3 (998 kg/m3)
0.363 Ipsia (0.0250 bara)
0.982 cp (9.82x1 O^Pa-s)
First, define the flow system, i.e., show the entrance and exit points. These are
points one and two in Figure 8.2.1. These points are selected because the pressures
Figure 8.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Boiler flow system.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
457
0)
Q.
OO
CNzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTS
1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjih
o
CO
a
Q.
"ro
enzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUT
§
o
!S2
t_
2
co
6
CNj
00
I
O)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
458
are known. The pump will supply the work to transfer the waterzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONML
from the liquid
surface in the feed tank to the liquid surface in the boiler. From Equation 8.33,
calculate the pump work as the difference of the pump discharge and suction
heads. Both heads are the sum of the velocity, elevation, pressure, and friction
heads. Divide the calculation into two parts. First, calculate the suction head, and
then calculate the discharge head.
The pump head,
v22
gcP2
gc
H D -H S = ——— + z2 + ——— + — ED-
2 cc2 g
gp
g
(
v,2
gcpi
gc
"\
——— + zi + ——— - — Es I
I 2 a2 g
gp
g
)
The friction pressure losses are calculated by summing up the pipe and fittings losses.
gc
(
L v2 ^
(
v2 ^
HF =_E = I; | 4f — —— I + Z j | K —— |
g
I D 2 g )i
I 2g J jzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
SUCTION SIDE OF THE PUMP
Pipe Sizing
First, calculate a preliminary cross-sectional area for the inside of the pipe, which
is
Q
gal
1 ft3 1 min 1 s
A = — =100 —— ————— ——— —— = 0.07426 ft2
v
min 7.481 gal 60 s 3 ft
The calculated pipe diameter (3.69) does not correspond to any standard pipe
size, as shown in Table 8.2A. We could select either a 3 Vi or 4 in nominal pipe
size. To keep the (NPSH)Aas high as possible, select a 4 in pipe. If we select 3 '/•>
in pipe, (NPSH)A would be reduced because of an increase in the frictional pressure drop. Because the pipe size is greater than two inches, select welded piping.
We will then use flanges to connect piping to valves and other equipment.
For the 4 inch pipe in Table 8.2A,
D = 4.026/12 = 0.3355 ft (0.102 m), and
A= (3.142/4) (0.3355)2 = 0.08842 ft2 (8.21xlO~3 m2)
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
459zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
Design of Flow Systems
Thus, the actual liquid velocity,
1
gal
1 ft3 1 min
v = 100 —— ————— ——— —————— = 2.520 ft/s (0.768 m/s)
min 7.481 gal 60 s 0.08842ft2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Velocity Head
The velocity head is usually negligible. This is shown in the following calculation.
A = TI D2/4 = (3.142 / 4) (10.0)2 = 78.55 ft2
The velocity in the feed tank is given by
1
gal
1 ft3 1 min
v = 100 —— ————— ———— ———— = 2.836xlO~3 ft/s (8.64x10-" m/s)
min 7.481 gal 60 s 78.55ft 2
If the flow in the feed tank is laminar, then a =zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
A, but if the flow is turbulent,
then a « 1. Next, calculate the Reynolds number.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
1
pvD
Dp
JXt =
____
lbM
lbM
u = 0.982 cp (6.72X10"4) ——— = 6.60x10^ —— (9.82x10"" Pa-s)
ft-s-cp
ft-s
62.3 lbM 2.836xlO~3 ft 10.0 ft
1
si
1 ft3
Re = ————————————————— = 267.7
6.60x10-" lbM/ft-s
Because the Reynolds number is less than 2100, the flow in the feed tank is
laminar, and a « Y2.
The velocity head in the feed tank is
ocv 2 (2.836xlO~3)2 fVVs2
Hv = —— = ——————————— = 6.244xlO~8 ft (1.90xlO~8 m)
2g
2 (2) (32.2) ft/s2
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
460
which is negligible. The velocity head can usually be neglected at the outset in
both the suction and discharge sides of the pump.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCB
Pressure Head
The pressure head is given by
32.21bM-ft
14.7 lbF 144 in2
gcp
1 lbF-s2
1 in2 1 ft2
Hp = —— = ———————————————— = 34.0 ft (10.3 m)
gp
32.2ft 62.3 lbM
Is 2
1 ft 3
This is a useful number to remember. It means that atmospheric pressure can support a column of water 34 ft (10.3 m) high.
Friction Head
Obtain the friction factor from Figure 8.16 after calculating the Reynolds number
and the relative roughness, s/D, for the pipe. From Table 8.4, the roughness factor
for steel pipe, e =1.5xlO~4 ft (4.57xlO'5 m).
__ = —————— = 0.4468X10'3
D
0.3357 ft
pvD
62.3 (2.52) (0.3355)
Re = ——— = ——————————— = 7.981x104
H,
6.60x10"4
FromFigure 8.16,4f= 0.021.
The computations for the friction head, HFS, in the suction side of the pump
are completed in the Table 8.4.1.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
461
Table 8.4.1zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Flow-System Design Computations.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPO
Discharge
Suction
Flow Rate (gal/min)a
100
62.3
Density (Ib/ft3)b
Pipe ID (ft)c
0.336
Velocity (ft/s)d
2.84
Pipe Length (ft)c
100
62.3
0.256
60.0
4.34
6.60x1 0-4
l.OSxlO5
5.89x10^
0.021
12.0
Viscosity (lbM/ft-s)d
Reynolds Number
Relative Roughness
Friction Factor, 4f
6.60x10-"
S.OxlO4
5.89x10"*
0.0205
Suction (4 in pipe)
Fitting
No.
K
Total K
Discharge (3 in pipe)
Gate Valves
Check Valves
1
0.16 0.16 3
1
Tees, Branch
Tees, Line
90° Elbows
1
1
0.67
0.13
Flanges6
Entrance
Exit
Total (IK)
2
1
K
No.
Total K
0.20
2.00
0.60
2.00
0.67
0.13
3
0.16
1
0.33
0.04 0.08 4
0.04
0.23
0.23
1
1.00
0.33
0.16
1.27
1(4 f L/D)
l.l[I(4fL/D)]
1.25 IK
v2/2g (ft)d
HF' (ft)"
H z (ft) d
H P (ft) d
0.48
1.0
4.57
Suction
Discharge
0.732
8.05
1.59
0.125
0.299
7.0
34.0
4.92
5.41
5.71
0.292
3.25f
49.0
115.0
a) To convert to m3/min multiply by 3.785xlO~3.
b) To convert to kg/m3 multiply by 16.019.
c) To convert to m multiply by 0.3048.
d) To convert to m/s multiply by 0.3048.
e) No data are available. Use a union to approximate a flanged connection.
f) Frictional losses do not include the control valve and heat exchanger.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
462
NetzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Positive Suction Head (NPSH)
To prevent cavitation in the pump (NPSH)A must be greater than (NPSH)R. The
design of the suction piping and not the discharge piping determines (NPSH).
The pump manufacturer specifies the (NPSH)R.
A
(NPSH)A = H z i + Hpi-Hps-HvPi
where the subscript i refers to the inlet of the pump.
Table 8.6 contains values for the first three terms. Next, calculate the vaporpressure head
gc pv 32.2 (0.363)
HVp; = ——— = —————— 144 = 0.8393 ft (0.256 m)
gp
32.2 (62.3)
(NPSH)A = 7.00 + 34.0 - 0.290 - 0.8393 = 39.9 ft (12.2 m)
From Figure 8.4.2, (NPSH) = 22 ft (6.71 m) at 100 gal/min (0.379 m/min). Because (NPSH)A > (NPSH)R the pump will not cavitate.
3
R
DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP
Pipe Sizing
Calculate a preliminary area.
Q
gal
1 ft3 1 min 1 s
A = — = 100 —— ————— ———— —— = 0.03713 ft2 (34.5 cm2)
v
min 7.481 gal 60 s 6ft
D = [ (4 / 3.142) (0.03713) ] 1/2 = 0.2174 ft (2.609 in, 6.63 cm)
From Table 8.2A select a 3 in pipe. Therefore, D = 3.068 in (0.2557 ft, 7.79 cm)
and A = 0.05136 ft2 (47.7 cm2). Because the pipe size is greater than 2 in (5.08
cm), the discharge piping is also welded, requiring flanged connections to equipment.
Now, the actual water velocity,
100 1
1
v = ——— —— ———— = 4.338 ft/sec (1.32 m/s)
7.481
60.00.05136
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
463zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Velocity Head zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
We showed that the velocity head in the feed tank is negligible. The velocity head
in the boiler will also be negligible. We will not repeat the calculation for the
boiler.
Pressure Head
32.2 49.7
gc p 2
HP2 = ——— = ——— ——— 144 = 114.9 ft (35.0 m)
gp
32.2 62.3
Fr iction Head
E
D
1.5 xlO"1
• = 5.886x10"4
0.2557
62.3 (4.338) (0.2557)
Re = ———————————— = 1.047xl05
6.60x10""
From Figure 8.16, 4f= 0.205. The computations for friction head on the discharge
side of the pump, HFD, are completed in Table 8.4.1.
Valve Pressure Drop
So far, the frictional head does not include the frictional pressure drop across the
control valve. To insure good process control, the designer specifies the pressure
drop across the valve. The pressure drop should be about 33% of the frictional
pressure drop for a linear valve.
(AH)V
———————— = 0.33
(AH)F' + (AH)V
where (AH)' is the frictional pressure drop in the flow system, excluding the frictional pressure drop across the control valve. Now, convert the 5 psi drop across
the heat exchanger to head.
F
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
464
g c Ap 32.2 (144) (5)
(AH)E = ——— = ——————— = 1 1 .56 ft ( 3.52 m)
gp
32.2 (62.3)
(AH)'F = 3.25 + 1 1.56 + 0.299 = 15.1 1 ft ( 4.61 m)
(AH)V = (0.33 / 0.67) (15.11) = 7.442 ft ( 2.26 m)zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Pump Size
Next, calculate the total head.
AH = 49 + 1 15.0 + 3.25 + 1 1.56 + 7.442 - (7 + 34.0 - 0.29) = 145.5 ft (44.3 m)
The point at 100 gal/min (0.379 m3/min) and 145.5 ft (44.3 m) in Figure
8.4.2 is slightly above the characteristic curve for the 6 in (1.52 cm) impeller diameter. Select the pump with a 6 1/2 in (16.5 cm) impeller diameter. Pump casings
can be fitted with several impeller diameters. Thus, in the future the pump size can
be expanded from the 6 V4 in (16.5 cm) to the 7 in (17.8 cm) impeller diameter.
Valve Size
Now, calculate the actual pressure drop across the control valve. From Fig1
ure 8.4.2 and at 100 gal/min for the 6zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
A in impeller, the total available head is 173
ft (52.7 m). Therefore,
AH = 49+115.0 + 3.25 + H.56 + (AH)v - (7 + 34.0- 0.29)= 173.0 (52.7m)
(AH)V = 34.90 ft (10.6m)
gp(AH) v 32.2 (62.3) (34.90)
(Ap)v = ————— = —————————— = 15.10 lbF/in2 (1.04 bar)
gc
32.2 (144)
Size the valve for a flow rate greater than the anticipated operating flow rate
to allow for some flexibility.
Q (design) = 1.3 (100) = 130 gal/min (0.492 m3/min)
For incompressible flow, the valve size (Cv) is given by
Cv = Q [ r) / (Ap)v ]1/2 = 130 (1.0 / 15.10)172 = 33.45 gal/min-(psi)1/2
Round off Cv to 33.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
465
Table 8.4.2zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Summary of Flow-System DesignzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFED
Item
Specification
Specification
Sin
7.62 cm
10.2 cm
Pipe Size
Discharge
Suction
Pipe Connections
Pipe Material
Flanged
Carbon Steel
Pipe Construction
Welded
Schedule No.
Flow Rate
Total Head
Valve Size (Cv)
Motor Power
(NPSH)R
(NPSH)A
Impeller Diameter
40
100 gpm
173ft
33
4 in
0.379 nrVmin
52.7m
10 hp
7.46 kW
22ft
6.71m
39.9ftzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
12.2m
6 'A in
15.2cmzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
Pump Power
The mass flow rate, m, in Equation 8.35 equals p Q.
62.3 Ibw 100 gal
m=-
1 ft3
1 ft3
- = 832.8 IbM/min (378 kg/min)
1 min 7.48 gal
Use Equation 8.35 to calculate the shaft or brake horsepower. The pump efficiency, taken from Figure 8.4, is 62%.
832.8 lbM 1 min 32.2 ft 173 ft
1
min 60 s
- = 7.042 hp (5.25 kW)
550 ft-lbF 32.2 ft-lbM 0.62
1 s-hp 1 s2-lbF
1
which is the pump or brake horsepower. The pump horsepower is also plotted in
Figure 8.4.2.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
466
Now, calculate the electric-motor horsepower. For an electric motor, the efficiency is about 88%. Therefore, the motor horsepower is 8.002 hp (5.97 kW). The
next standard-size electric motor is 10 hp (7.46 kW), which results in a safety factor of 25.0%.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
NOMENCLATURE
English
A
area
CD
discharge coefficient or drag coefficent
CR
rotameter coefficient
Cv
valve coefficient
D
diameter
E
friction loss
F
friction factor
F
force
G
acceleration of gravity
gc
conversion factor
h
height
H
head
K
friction loss factor
L
length
available net-positive-suction-head
required net-positive-suction-head
m
mass flow rate
M
molecular weight
p
pressure
P
power
Q
volumetric flow rate
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
467zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
Re
Reynolds number
RH
hydraulic radius
S
allowable stress
T
absolute temperature
v
average velocity
V
volume
W
work
z
elevationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Greek
a
kinetic energy correction factor
p
ratio of the orifice to pipe diameter
5
annular thickness
E
roughness
r)
specific gravity or efficiency
0
rotameter-tube taper
^
viscosity
p
density
Subscripts
B
brake or buoyant
D
discharge side of the pump or drag
F
float or friction
G
gravity
h
height
i
pump inlet
O
orifice
p
pressure
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Chapter 8zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXW
468
P
Pump
R
rotameter
Re
Reynolds group
S
suction side of the pump or standard
v
vapor or velocity
vp
vapor pressure
w
water
z
elevationzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Perry, R.H., and Green, D.V., eds., Chemical Engineers Handbook, 7th
ed, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY, 1973.
Ciancia, J., Valves in the Chemical Process Industries, Chem. Eng., 72,
18,97,1965.
Brochure, Pressure Regulators, Reducing - Pilot Operated, 11 Series,
Masoneilan, Houston, TX, 1994.
Fontana, M.G., Greene, N.D., Corrosion Engineering, 3rd ed.,
McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY, 1986
Craig, B.D., Anderson, D.S., eds., Handbook of Corrosion Data,2nd ed.,
ASM International, Metals Park, OH, 1989.
Bird, R.B., Stewart, W.E. Lightfoot, E.N., Transport Pheonmena, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1960.
Booth, R.G., Epstein, N., Kinetic Energy and Momentum Factors for
Rough Pipes, Can. J. of Chem. Eng, 47,10, 515, 1969.
Driskell, L.R., Practical Guide to Control Valve Sizing, Instr.Techn, 14,
p.47,1967.
Chalfm, S., Specifying Control Valves, Chem. Eng, 8L 21, 105, 1974.
Boger, H.W., Flow Characteristics for Control Valve Installations, ISA
Jour, 13, 11,50, 1966.
Moore, R.L., Flow Characteristics of Valves, I.S.A. Handbook of Control
Valves, J.W. Hutchison, Ed, Instrument Society of America, Pittsburgh,
PA, 1971.
Forman, E.R, Fundamentals of Process Control, Part 2, Chem. Eng, 72,
13, 127,1965.
Ludwig, E.E, Fluid Flow Fundamentals, Chem. Eng, 67, 12, 122, 1960.
Masek, J.A, Metallic Piping, Chem. Eng, 67,13, 215,1968.
Maintenance Instructions, Control Valve Series 20/25 000, Kammer
Valves Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, 2002.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Design of Flow Systems
469zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZ
16. Considine, D.M., ed., Process Instruments and Control Handbook, 3rd
ed, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1985.
17. Specification Sheet (10A3500), Extruded Body Indicator Flowrator Meters, Fischer & Porter Inc., Warminster, PA, 1982.
18. Anonymous, Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings and Pipe, Technical Paper No. 410, Crane Co., New York, NY, 1982.
19. Simpson, L.L., Sizing Piping for Process Plants, Chem. Eng., 75.13,
192,1968.
20. Anonymous, Flow Equations for Sizing Control Valves, ISA-S75.01, Instrument Society of America, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1995.
21. Anonymous, How to Select and Size the Right Centrifugal Pumps, Tech
Talk, 12,2, 1, ITT Fluid Handling, Morton Grove, IL, 1997.
22. Anonymous, Steam Trapping Guide, Technical Bulletin No. T507, Sarco
Company, Allentown, PA, 1967.
23. Dolenc, J. W., Choose the Right Flow Meter, Chem. Eng. Progr., 92, 1,
22,1996.
24. Tverberg, J.C., Effect of Surface Roughness on Fluid Friction, Flow
Control, 18, 11, 1995.
25. Grossel, S., Personal Communication, Hofmann-LaRoche, Clifton, NJ,
Oct. 19, 1983.
26. Khandelwal, P.K., Gupta, V., Make the Most of Orifice Meters, Chem.
Eng. Prog., 89, 5, 32, 1993.
27. Shacham, M., Cutlip, M. B., Polymath, Version 4.0, CACHE Corp., Austin, TX, 1996.
28. Base Mounted Centrifugal Pump Performance Curves, Curve Booklet B260E, Bell & Gossett ITT, Fluid Handling Division, Morton Grove, IL,
1987.
29. Sandier, H.J., Lukiewicz, E.T., Practical Process Engineer, McGraw-Hill,
New York, NY, 1987.
30. Kern, R., Useful Properties of Fluids, Chem. Eng., 81, 27, 1974.
31. Frank, O., Personal Communication, Consulting Engineer, Convent Station, NJ, Jan. 2002.
32. Merrick, R.C., A Guide to Selecting Manual Valves, Chem. Eng., 93, 17,
52,1986.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Appendix: SI Units and Conversion
Factors zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Reproduced with permission of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Copyright 1977 AIChE. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
AIChE Goes Metr ic
Beginning in 1979, the Inter national System of Units (81) will be used
in all Institute publications, meeting paper s, and cour se texts.zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
J. Y. Oldshue, Mixing Equipment Co., Inc., Rochester, N.Y.
In the opinion of the Metrication Committee, there is
no longer any question about eventual conversion to the
metric system, and to SI in particular. The only question
really is, when and how? AIChE is following the practice
being instituted by many technical societies; we are not
either leading or trailing significantly at present.
On the lighter side, the magnitude of the newton is about
the weight of an apple. If we were to grind up that apple
and spread it out over one square meter, we would have a
pressure of one pascal, which may give a better feeling
for the small size of that particular unit. Your Chairman of the Metrication Committee is approximately 2
meters tall, which was not a requirement, but can serve
as a benchmark.
The Metrication Committee plans to submit a series of
articles to CEP at two or three month intervals that will
deal with various aspects of metric conversion. These are
planned to include a typical process flow diagram in SI, a
consideration of hard vs. soft conversion, consideration of
conversion of various physical properties into SI, case histories of conversion in various industries and companies,
and a description of the working of the International
Standards Organizations.
Every AIChE committee and division has a member
on the committee who acts as its liaison. Please feel free to
call upon us for any assistance or information on conversion.
The Council resolution adopted National Bureau of
Standards special publication 330, 1974 edition, entitled,
"International System of Units (SI)." This is a translation
of the proceedings of the last General Conference of
Weights and Measures, which set up the present rules of
SI. In the last several months, there have been several
American National Standards Institute publications on
metric practices. The AIChE Committee is looking into
adopting some of these or other publications, or preparing
a separate, more detailed guide, if needed, on metric practice. In particular, the Institute of Electrical & Electronics
Engineers' document, ANSI-210.1-19xx is accepted.
Schedules for AIChE entering into metric conversion using
SI were determined by the AIChE Council at their March,
1977, meeting in Houston, Tex., based on recommendations from the Metrication Committee. The key point is
that every paper submitted for presentation in an AIChE
meeting, or submitted for publication in an AIChE journal, or any new course text submitted for presentation at
an AIChE-sponsored course after January 1, 1979, must
use SI units. Other units, such as Centimeter-Gram-Second (CGS) Metric, or English, may be used in addition,
although this practice is discouraged.
On the accompanying pages is a guide to SI, including
tables of conversion, which will be made available in quantity to all AIChE committees and divisions that need it.
SI is somewhat different than the CGS system, in use for
many years, which has often been called the Metric Sys-
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDC
tem. SI is a system adopted internationally by the General
Conference of Weights and Measures. Among some of the
principles are the use of the kilogram for mass only, and
the use of newton for force or weight.
Pressure is expressed in terms of newtons per square
meter, and is given the name, pascal. The pascal is a very
small unit, and the kilopascal is suggested as the most
common unit for pressure.
The main feature of SI is in the fact that it is coherent,
which means that no conversion factors are needed when
using basic or derived SI units. Any exception to the SI
unite destroys the coherency of the system, and is not
really a step forward in usefulness.
the third column of Table 1 shows the metric units that
may be used for an indefinite period of time with SI.
These include the minute, hour, year, and liter. The
fourth column contains units that are accepted for a limited period of time, probably on the order of five to 10
years, although this duration has not been established by
the Institute. And finally, the fifth column lists those units
that are definitely outside SI, and which will not be allowed in AIChE publications.
Table 1. Acceptable and unacceptable metric units.
AIChE Recommendations
SI Unit
Quantity
Time .....
Accepted
Alternate*
Temporary
Alternate**
To Be
Avoided!
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM
................second ..........................year
..........................day
..........................hour
Pressure......................pascal ................................
..bar,
atmosphere''
kg force
Energy .......................joule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . — - - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . . .calorie
Force .........................newton..
kilowatt-hr.
..................— ...........................— .............................. .dyne,
kilogram
Mass .........................kilogram
gram ........................ton ..........................— ...............................—
V o l u m e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,ma ............................. -liter
Viscosity..............pascal-second...........................— ...........................— .............................. .poise*
These unit* are to be incorporated into a one page document similar to that published in CEP, May. 1971. Units will be added where appropriate and modifications made in accordance with this table.
•Table VUINRS330
"Table X NBS 330
tTableXII NBS 330
f To be avoided because they were formerly used with the CGS system and are not part of SI.
CEP August 1977
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
135
473zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYX
Appendix
In addition, the American Metric Council has published
an editorial guide that contains much information for
Examples of SI Der ived Units
Expr essed in Ter ms of Base Units
authors,zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
editors, secretaries, and other people involved
in publication. This is available through the American
National Metric Council, 1625 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.,
Symb
Quantity
Washington, IX C. 20036,
area..........
.........square meter .................m"
volu m e....................cu b ic meter .
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
speed> velocity ........... jneter per second .............m/s
Note: ficpriitt,* «f thi* article ami guide wilt be r»adt> avaiiabh; t<> AlChK
jfrMKps at tin c/iorA't; for fnstitulv business purpotes, Indimttual.i inter$st&t
in c^iftien fur their fiemanal tute may r>l>tain tlttf reprint* /t>r Sl.SMi prepitid.
In either t-i>*e terite; Publication* Ov.pt.. AlChK, 345 K. -I? St., New York,
N.Y.. 10017.
A Wor d About the Guide
This guide, fnr the tt&e of SI units, origin&liy published in
tha May, 1971, issue of CIS P., Aas b&&n updated ond expundad slightly since then to conform to present practices.
acceleration ...,....,..,-. .meter per secdnd
squared....................m/a 3
kinematic
visciwhy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . s q u a r e meter per
second ...,.........-,...,..m a /s
wave number .............1 per meter...................m'" 1
density,
roaas density........... .kiJogram per cubic
meter..................... .kg/ m3
current d en sit y............a m p er e per squar e
meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A/ in 2
magnetic field
st r en gt h .................a m p er e per meter . . . . . . . .....A/in
This material was prepared by Ewn Buck, staff engineer,
Unitin Carbide Corp., SttuthzyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Charleston, W. VtL, a jnrvrtber fifths Metncotinn Committee*
wmwmtration
(of amount
of substance) ...........mole per cubic
activity
(radioactive)..,.,.,.,..,! per second ...,..,.,.........»~l
Oldshue
Buck
specific volume ...........cu b ic meter per
kilogram... ....,.........,.m*/kg
luminance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c a n d o l a per square
meter,.................., ..e<l/m2
angular
velocity .................radian per second ............rad/s
anguliir
acceieration.,.....,,... .radian per second
squared................... -rad; sT
Abbr eviated Guide
for Use of the SI
These tables summarize the SI unit system adopted by
the AlChR Council on March 19, 1977, for «»e within
the AIChB after January 1, !y79. This unit system is
based on that documented in the National Bureau of
Standards (NB8) Special Publication 330, 1974 edition,
titled 'The Internaf.imini System of Unite (SO," with the
following mmiiftt-fUUms;
1. The "year" (is a time unit has been added.
2. The symbol "L" rather than "1" is to he used as the
abbreviation for liter, which avoids possible (wnfusum with
the numeral"!."
;l. The prefixes "peta" OO15) and "exa" (lO***) have
iieeti added.
Items 2 and 'A have W<*ii adopted l>y the NBS substHjucnt
to the appearance of Publication 31)0.
SI Base Units
Quantity
Na m i
Symbol
SI Der ived Units
With Special Names
81 Unit
Expr ession
Quantity
Name
Symbol
in terms of
other units
fr equimcy ................ .htrtst ....... .Hz ......... .s "
force ... ................... nuwtoH.. .. ..N .... .......kg- m/s<2
pressure, stress..,.,,..... ..pascal .. , ...Pa ......... .N/(« 2
energy, work , quantity
of heat .....,,,,.,.,.,. ..joule ........ •). ........... N • ra
power.
radiant fliu ............ .watt ....... AV. ......... ..I/s
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eiwtridty.
i;k*ctric charge . , . , . . , . , ,c*»«Iomb . . . .C .......... .A - s
lengt,h..,,.,.-...-.........,....... .meter.,....... ...m
mass.............................. .kilogram...,,... ,kg
time .,...,.............,.,.,.,... ..second...........s
electric current ....................ampere ..........A
f,hermndyj)Hmi<! temperature.......kelvin ...........K
amount of jjubfitance ...............mole............ ,mol
lummous iniensity ................ .eandela..........ed
SI Supplementar y Units
SI unit
Quantity
Symbol
plant- angle , . . , , . . , . . . . . , .ratlinn ,...,..,..,,....... ,rad
solid angle ................ateradinn . . . . , . , . , . , . . . „ , ,»r
fektftm- potential.
v^tmgc, (Ktieniial
diCTerfiii-t!!. electromotive force. ........... .volt ........ .V .......... ,W/ A
capacitance ............. . .farad ..,.,. ,F .......... .C,: V
electric
resistance ........... ....ohm ... . ....W . , , , . , . ..,-V/A
wnductanw. .,.,...,,.... .siawns . . . . .S .....,..,. .A/ V
magm'tk tltix. ............ .webi»r . . .... .Wl> ...,..,. . V • s
magnetic flux
density. ................ .testa ....... ,T .......... ,Wb/ mw
inductance ............... .henry . . . . . . .(I .......... .Wb/ A
I inn i nous flux ............ .lumen .... . Jm ........ ..cd- »f
illuminance ............ ...lux. ....... ,.lx ....... ..,,fd * «r.*m'i
CRP August 197
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
Appendix zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWV
474zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Examples of SI Der ived Units
Expr essed by Means of
Special Names
_________81 Unit
Quantity
___
Name
Symbol
Va lu e in SI Un it s
minute...............' ................1'- (1/60)' =
(wf10800)rad
second ..............."................1" = (1/60)' =
(T/648000) rad
liter..................L ...............1 L - 1dm 3 - I0" 3 m s
ton ...................t ............... .1 t - 103 kg
nautical mile ..........................1 nautical mile - 1852 m
knot...................................1 nautical mile per hour «
(1852/3600)m/H
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Name
Symbol
dynamic
viscosity ..............pascal-second.............Pa • s
force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m e t e r - n e w t o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . N • m
surface tension ..........newton per
meter...............,._.N/m
heat flux
density.
irradiance.............watt per square
heat capacity,
entnipy ...............joule per kelvin ........... «J/K
specific heat
capacity,
specific
entropy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . j o u l e per fcilogram-kelvin............J/{kg-K)
angstrom .............A ...............1 A - 0.1 nm - 10~ I0 m
are ...................a................1 a = 1 dam2 - 101 m2
hectare...............ha...............l ha = 1 hm1 - 10*m2
barn..................b................lb= 100fm 2 = lO'^m 2
bar................... bar.............. 1 b a r - O.I MPa = 10s Pi
standard
atmosphere ........atm .............1 atm = 101325 Pa
gal ...................Gal .............1 Gal - 1 cm/s* HT a m/ B a
curie.................Ci...............ICi- 3.7 x Ifl'V 1
rontgen............,..R ...............1H- 2.58 x 10~ 4 C/kg
rad...................rad..............1 rad - I0~ 2 J/kg
specific energy . . . . . . . . . . j o u l e per kilogram .........J/kg
thermal
mil per meter-
zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONMLKJIHGFEDCBA
Note: In addition to the thernwdynamit: temperature
sity . . . . . . . . . . .joule per cubic
(symbol T), expressed in keluins, use is also made of
Celsius temperature (symbol t) defined by the
equation
meter.. . . . . . . . ..........J/m
electric lield
strength.. . . . . . . . . . . ...volt per meter...
.. V/rn
electric charge
density ............... .coulomb per
t = T - TO
where T0 = 273.15 K by definition. The Celsius
temperature is expressed in degrees Ceivius
(symbol'C). Theunit "degree Celsius" is thus equal
to the unit "kelvin," and an interval or a difference
of Celsius temperature may also be expressed in
degrees Celsius.
cubic meter. .... . . . . . . .C/'m a
electric Hux
density ............... .coulomb per
square meter . . . . . . . . . . .C/m*
permittivity ..... ........farad per meter.. ......... F/m
permeability ........... .henry per meter ........ ..H/m
molar energy ......... ...joule per mole ....... ......I/mol
raular entropy,
SI Pr efixes
Factor
molar heat
capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .joule per mole-
radiant intensity ..... ...watt persteradian ........ Vf/sr
radiance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .watt per square
meter-steradian . . . . . ...W • m ~ 2 -sr" 1
Prefix
Symbol
10s .....giga........G
106 .....mega ......M
103 .... .kilo ....... .k
10-* ....micro ......;,
10
.....t er a ........T
10
.....h ect o . . . . . . h
101 .... .deka ...... .da
Na
Symbol
Valu
minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m i n .............1 min = 60 s
hour................. ,h................1 h - 60 min - 3600 s
day...................d................1 d =» 24 h =. 86400 a
year..................yr...............1 yr «= 365 d
0
Prefix Symbol
10~* ....dec!........d
HTjJ ....centi .......c
2
Units in Use
With the Inter national System
Factor
1018 .....exa........E
1015 .....peta .......P
ia
10~ 1 2 ....pico........p
10~1S
....femto ......f
10~18
....at t o ........a
Directions for Use
SI symbols are not capitalized unless the unit is derived
from a proper name; e.g., MX for H. R. Hertz. Unab-
breviated units are not capitalized; e.g., hertz, neivton.
kelvin. Only E, P, T, G, and M prefixes are capitalized.
Except at theend of a sentence, SI units are not to be fal-
lowed by periods.
With derived unit abbreviations, use center dot to denote
multiplication and a slash for division; e.g., newtansecond/meter* = N-s/m2.
degree................ ................1' - (*/180)rad
Conver sion Factor s to SI for Selected Quantities
* An asterisk after the seventh decimal place indicates the conversion factor is exact and all subsequent digits are zero.
To conver t fr om
To^
M u lt ip ly by
barrel (for petroleum,42gal).............................meter*(m 3 ) ....................................1.5898729
British thermal unit
(Btu, International Table).............................joule (J) .............................
..1.0550559
CEP August 1977
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC
E - 01
E +
Cuntinued
475zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVU
Appendix
Continued from page 137
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To
Multiply by
To conver t fr om
Btu/lbm-degF(heatcapacity)..........................joule/kilogram-kelvin(J/kg.K) .............4.1868000* E + 03
Btu/hour .................................................MM(V!}........................................2.9301101 E - 01
Btu/second................................................watt(W) .......................................1.0550559 E + 03
Btu/frMir-degF
(heat transfer coefficient) ..............................joule/ meter1-second-kelvin (J / ma • s- K).... .5.6782633 E
Btu/ft?-hour (heat flux) ..................................joule/meters-second (J/m*-S) ................3.1545907 E
Btu/ft-hr-degF(thermalconductivity).................jouie/meter-second-kelvin(J/m-s-K) ......1.7307347 E
calorie (International Table)............................ joule(J) ........................................4.1868000* E
4- 00
4- 00
4- 00
4- 00
cal/g-degC................................................joule/kilograin-ke 1 vin(J/kg-K) .............4.1868000* E 4- 03
centimeter .................................................metnrdn) ......................................1.0000000* E - 02
centimeter of mercury WO .............................pascal (P«).....................................1.3332237
centimeter of water (4'C)................................. pascal (Pa)..................................... 9.80638
centipoise..................................................pascal-second (Pa-s)..........................1.0000000*
centistoke..................................................meter'/s«cond(m z /s) .........................1.0000000*
E + 03
E + 01
E - 03
E - 06
degree Fahrenheit CF)....................................kelvin(K) ......................................IK . (ir + 459.671/1
degree Rankine CR) ......................................kelvin (K) ......................................(K - I»/1.8
dyne........................................................newton (NI.....................................1.0000000* E - 05
erf..........................................................jou\e(D ........................................1.0000000* E - 07
farad(Internationalofl948).............................farad(F) .......................................9.99505
E - 01
fluid ounce (U.S.) .........................................meter'(m 3 ) ....................................2.9573530
E - 05
foot.........................................................meter(m) ......................................3.0480000* E - 01
fooUU.S. Survey).........................................meter (m) ......................................3.0480061 E - 01
footofwater(39.2'F) .....................................pascal(Pa) .....................................2.98898
E + 03
foot'........,...............................................meter 2 (m ! ) ....................................9.2903040* E - 02
foot/second'...............................................meter/second* (m/s*) .........................3.0480000* E - 01
foot z /hour .................................................meter*/>Mond(m > /<) .........................2.5806400* E - 05
foot-pound-force ..........................................joule (J) ........................................1.3568179
foot ! /second................................................meter'/Becond(m*/sl .........................9.2903040*
foot 3 ........................................................meter s (nv 1 ) ....................................2.8316*47
gallon (U.S. liquid) .......................................meter'On 3 ) ....................................3.7854U8
E 4- 00
E - 02
E - 02
E - 03
gram .......................................................kilogram (kg) ..................................1.0000000* E - 03
horsepower (550 ft-lbf/s) ................................watt (W1........................................7.4569987 E + 02
inch........................................................meter(m) ......................................2.5400000* E - 02
inch of mercury (60'F) ...................................pascal (Pa).....................................3.37685
inch of water (60'F»....................................... pascal (Pa)..................................... 2.48843
inch' .......................................................meter'lm') ....................................6.4516000*
inch' .......................................................mete^lm 3 ) ....................................1.6387064*
kilocalorie .................................................joule (J) ........................................4.1868000*
kilogram-force(kgf) ......................................newton (N) .....................................9.8066600*
micron.....................................................meter (m) ......................................1.0000000*
E + 03
E + 02
E - 04
E - 05
E 4- 03
E + 00
E - 06
mil .........................................................meter(m) ......................................2.5400000* E - 05
mile (U.S. Statute) .......................................meter (m) ......................................1.6093440* E + 03
mile/hour..................................................meter/second (m/s)...........................4.4704000* E - 01
millimeter of mercury (O'C)..............................pascal (Pa).....................................1.3332237 E +02
ohm (International of 1948).............................. ohm (fl)....................,....................1.000495
ounce-mass (avoirdupois) ................................kilogram (kg) ..................................2.8349523
ounce (U.S. fluid) ........................................meter" (m j ) ....................................2.9573530
pint (U.S. liquid).........................................meter 3 (m 3 )....................................4.7317647
poise (absolute viscosity) .................................pascal-second (Pa - s)..........................1.0000000*
poundal.................................................... newton (N)..................................... 1.3825495
pound-force (Ibf avoirdupois) ............................newton (N) .....................................4.4482216
pound-force-second/ft 2 ...................................pascal-second (Pa - s)..........................4.7880258
pound-mass (Ibm avoirdupois) ..........................kilogram (kg) ..................................4.5359237*
E + 00
E - 02
E - 05
E - 04
E - 01
E - 01
E 4- 00
E + 01
E - 01
pound-mass/foot 3 ......................................... kilogram/meter' (kg/m3).....................1.6018463
pound-mass/foot-second.................................pascal-second (Pa-sl..........................l.4881639
E + 01
E -f 00
psi..........................................................pascal (Pa).....................................6.8947573
E + 03
quart (U.S. liquid) .......................................nuWdn3) ....................................9.4635295
E - 04
slug.........................................................kilogram (kg) ..................................1.4593903 E + 01
stoke (kinematic viscosity)............................... meter ! /8econd(m ! /s)......................... 1.0000000* E - 04
ton (long, 2240 Ibm).....................'................ ..kilogram (kg) ..................................1.0160469 E + 03
ton(short,20001bm)......................................kiloeram(kg) ..................................9.0718474* E + 02
torr (mm Hg.O'C).........................................pascal (Pa)..................................... 1.3332237
volt (International of 1948)............................... volt (absolute) (V)............................. 1.000330
E + 02
E + 00
watt (International ofl948)..............................watt(W)........................................1.000165
E 4-00
watt-hour.................................................joule (J)........................................3.6000000* E 4- 03
yard........................................................meter (m) ......................................9.1440000* E - 01
Copyright © 2003 by Taylor & Francis Group LLC