Understanding ejector systems necessary to troubleshoot vacuum distillation
A complete understanding of ejector system performance characteristics can reduce the time and expense associated with troubleshooting poor crude vacuum distillation unit (CVDU) performance.
Variables that may negatively impact the ejector-system performance of vacuum-crude distillation units include utilities supply, corrosion and erosion, fouling, and process conditions.
Tables 1 and 2 are troubleshooting guides to ejector and condenser problems in vacuum ejector systems. Fig. 1 is a photo of an installed ejector at a CVDU.
Two actual case studies conducted by service engineers on CVDU-ejector systems show how to troubleshoot ejector problems. The first problem was a result of improper replacement of an intercondenser, and the second was a result of underestimation of noncondensible loading during design, which has recently become a common problem.
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