Project Synopsis
Conduct a process evaluation and optimization study to improve a adsorption system at a chemical production facility.
Project Summary
Process Engineering Associates, LLC (PROCESS) was contracted by the client, an international chemical manufacturing concern, to conduct an evaluation of a 3-vessel (lead/lag/regenerate) carbon adsorption system on a select process at a southeastern U.S. manufacturing plant. The client was specifically looking for process modifications to eliminate entrained phosphoric acid in the steam vented during the adsorber bed regeneration step.
PROCESS reviewed the client’s current adsorber regeneration process and related design/operating information (e.g., P&IDs, SOPs, DCS Historian Data) and identified alternatives either not requiring steam or directing the steam to a different process location. The client ran a successful 6-week trial in which they utilized a bottom-up hot water flush to regenerate the adsorber bed without the use of live steam injection. This option required no capital investment as all required equipment was already in place and was identified in the SOP review. The trial was run across all shifts to ensure effectiveness. The client reports a high level of satisfaction with the trial results and has standardized the practice via internal SOP modifications and operations training.
Industry Type
Chemical Manufacturing
Utilized Skills
- Process evaluation
- Adsorption process design.