Propane condenser return line 1

[recharte]

Hi, all
I have to relocate an existing air cooler propane condenser across an internal street of the plant. I got the isometric drawings from piping crew, and I realized that the return piping of liquid propane comes out from the condenser header, then goes up to cross the street on an existing bridge, and goes down to the normal level of pipe rack. The difference of levels is about 2.7 m for the up run and 1.4 m for the down run. Normally this type of pipe (condensed propane)are "slope - no pockets", so I suspect a serious operative problem of this line in the future.
Are my fears correct? Any help?

 

[pmover]

recharte,

your concerns are likely valid. condensed propane from condensor should be piped such that there is minimal hydraulic impact to condensor operation. any vertical elevation changes certainly factor into the overall design.

see this article (if it helps any):

http://www.stratusengr.com/Articles/ProcessHydraulics.pdf

good luck!
-pmover

 

[recharte]

Thank you pmover for your help!!!

 

[dcasto]

I've always tried to get a liquid seal on the C3 condensor because you want to make sure all the C3 condenses.

 

[25362]

What is the operation of the condenser related to ? For example, is it a part of a refrigeration circuit or of a depropanizing column ?

The general issue of having the (S&T) condenser at grade and the downstream receiver at an elevation is discussed by Lieberman and Lieberman in their A working guide to process equipment McGraw-Hill, chapter 13.

The next chapter deals, among others, with flow maldistribution in air-cooled condensers.

 

[Latexman]

Isn't the simple solution to raise the elevation of the condenser in it's new location about 3 meters, so, once condensed, the liquid goes downhill only?

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[recharte]

To 25362.
Thank you. The condenser is part of a refigeration circuit.

To Letexman.
Thank you. Yes, if I relocate the condenser 3 m higher everything will be OK. But I want to be sure that the recomendation is totally justified.

 

[Latexman]

Self-draining and avoidance of 2 phase flow, oh yeah, it's justified.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[25362]

The 2.7 m upward pipe run may be surrounded by hot air coming out a forced-draft air-cooled condenser. Is that the expected situation ?