Client

World leader in pyridine products and other speciality/fine chemicals and monomers.

Client Requirement

To improve throughput from a batch reactor by increasing cooling to reduce batch times.

The Challenge

The client had limited space availability in which to install a replacement reflux condenser.

Access to install the exchanger could only be achieved by removing roof panels to the exchanger operations room.

The client wished to install the exchanger quickly so that the plant could benefit from the improved cooling and batch time performance.

The replacement exchanger needed to operate to tighter emissions limits, in order to comply with revised Environment Agency (EA) Terms of Consent Limits.

Project

Miris Technical and the client agreed that installation of a refurbished exchanger would be the most time expedient way in which to achieve the required increase in plant throughput. Due to the lack of available space and a worldwide shorter in ‘corrosion-resistant metal, it was decided to select a graphite exchanger.

Once member of the client’s management had had experience of using graphite exchangers in the past and found that they could be subject to pressure shock, resulting in damage to the units, so understandably had reservations about using the unit.

Expert advice was obtained both from independents and from potential vendors too. All advised that installation of a pressure shock attenuator would counter the effects of sudden change in cooling water pressure, or “water hammer”.

The project was executed on time, to budget and without any environmental, health or safety incident occurring.

Client Benefits

Once commissioned, the reflux condenser worked precisely as designed and halved cooling times for the reactor. Emissions from the vent stack easily achieved the EA Terms of Consent Limits. Throughput was increased by around 15%.