MikeInSWLa
Chemical
- Jan 11, 2007
- 10
I have a distillation column with structured packing where I have recently relocated two thermocuples. They were moved from the top of the tower, where there is little temperature profile, to the bed below the feed, where there were existing thermowells but no elements.
Since moving them, the data I heve been getting is quite puzzling. The TI's are about 5 feet apart. The difference between the two temperatures fluctuates quite a bit. When I first put them in the read about 7 deg F apart. However, sometimes the difference is almost zero, and at other times the difference is 30-40 deg F. I also notice that there are timed when the delta T changes abruptly- the upper one suddenly decreases while the lower one suddenly increases.
I am wondering what the cause for this is- TI's usually indicate composition, but in this case, especially when they change so suddenly, could it instead be an indication of loquid holdup or flooding?
I wonder if anyone has ever seen a similar phenomenon and been able to determine the cause.
I am developing a project to put higher capacity packing in the tower and I'd like to undertand what is going on.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Since moving them, the data I heve been getting is quite puzzling. The TI's are about 5 feet apart. The difference between the two temperatures fluctuates quite a bit. When I first put them in the read about 7 deg F apart. However, sometimes the difference is almost zero, and at other times the difference is 30-40 deg F. I also notice that there are timed when the delta T changes abruptly- the upper one suddenly decreases while the lower one suddenly increases.
I am wondering what the cause for this is- TI's usually indicate composition, but in this case, especially when they change so suddenly, could it instead be an indication of loquid holdup or flooding?
I wonder if anyone has ever seen a similar phenomenon and been able to determine the cause.
I am developing a project to put higher capacity packing in the tower and I'd like to undertand what is going on.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike