Project Synopsis
Hydraulic modeling of proposed Boron Trifluoride (BF3)BF3 gas cabinet ductwork changes.Project Summary
HYDRAULIC MODELING FOR BORON CABINET VENT GAS
Process Engineering Associates, LLC (PROCESS) was contracted by the client, a specialty chemicals and gases manufacturer, to model the hydraulics of the vent gas ducts from the production cabinets on a BF3/Cl3 manufacturing process. Vent gas ducts are routed to either an exhaust fan or a scrubber unit. Normally all vent gases are ducted to an induced-draft (ID) fan followed by an exhaust stack and emitted to atmosphere. If a chemical leak is detected, the vent gas stream (that portion corresponding to the leak) is routed to the caustic scrubber unit that removes BF3 and Cl3 from the vent gas. A separate ID fan and emission stack is used for the scrubber system.
The work discussed in this document is a continuation of a previously completed larger engineering effort where PROCESS performed process development and engineering on the Boron Scrubber referred to in the previous paragraph. This earlier effort included process engineering, vendor interface and bid evaluation, P&IDs, and HAZOP participation. The original P&IDs of the process ductwork developed by PROCESS where then turned over to the client and used in their detailed design work.
The work performed in the effort documented here is purely a hydraulic gas-phase modeling task. The purpose of the modeling effort is to add a BF3 cabinet and ensure previously developed ductwork sizes and configuration can accommodate added flow. Also checked were newly developed Mechanical Drawings of ductwork against the model to ensure integrity of ductwork design (design based on PROCESS‘ model from the previous project). Results from the hydraulic model, primarily duct sizes and arrangement changes such as cabinet configurations, were red-lined on to the existing P&IDs provided by the client. The results were submitted to the client for their use.
Industry Type
- Specialty Gas Manufacturing
Utilized Skills
- Vapor-phase ductwork hydraulic modeling