… for Overflash Mass Flow Measurement
at 720 °F
The overflash volume in atmospheric
distillation is an important indicator for
effective and well balanced operation of
the distillation column. A precise measurement
of this quantity poses a special
challenge. Driven only by gravity, the
medium moves at very low flow velocities
of around 0.49 fsp, with a maximum flow
rate of 10 tons/hr. Therefore, in order to
reach a reasonable accuracy, the previously
installed orifice plates had very
small diameters. This resulted in a high
pressure loss which could almost not be
overcome by the hydrostatic conditions.
Another challenge for the measuring
system was the high medium temperature
of around 720 °F.
After successful testing, a flow measuring
system using FLEXIM's WaveInjector® was
installed at the measuring point, which is
located in an ATEX 1 explosion hazard
zone. The installation was completed
without any modification to the existing
system.
The higher accuracy of the overflash measurement
now allows a drastic improvement
in process efficiency. The investment costs
were quickly paid for by the higher yield.
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