SHELL LENGTH FOR VERTICAL SEPARATORS

[Buchi]

Hi gangs,

I need some clarification on determining the shell length for vertical separator.

I am using seventh edition of API 12J, october 1, 1989. If you see page 13, Appendix C - Design and sizing calculations. There is a table c.1 titled "K factors for determining maximum allowable superficial velocity". Apparently, this table is used to determine K for different shell heights. What beats my imagination is the fact that the table made provision for K values up to only 10 ft for vertical separators (it went beyond 10ft for horizontal vessels). could this be construed to mean that vertical vessels can only be as tall as 10ft? Will I then be commiting any crime if I consider heights beyond 10 ft in my vertical vessel sizing calculations?


Buchi

 

[MortenA]

You have to remember that usually the liquid level in a vertical separator is just about 25%-50% of the total vessel heigt. So going above 10 ft could cause the KO drum to become very high.

Best regards

Morten