Project Synopsis
Provide a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study for the expansion/ debottlenecking of the utility and auxiliary systems for a spinning line at a specialty fiber production facility.
Project Summary
Process Engineering Associates, LLC (PROCESS) was contracted by the client, a specialty fibers manufacturer, to perform a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study for the expansion/ debottlenecking of the utility and auxiliary systems for one of the client’s fiber spinning lines. PROCESS modeled the spin line auxiliary systems using CHEMCAD commercial process simulation software and produced a heat and material balance (HMB) for the spin line auxiliary systems. The HMB was then used to identify bottlenecks with the existing equipment after increasing fiber production. As part of the project, PROCESS evaluated system pumps, control valves, system hydraulics, heat exchangers, tanks, and spray nozzles.
After system bottlenecks were identified, PROCESS made recommendations to the client and sized new equipment for the increased fiber production. Some of the recommendations included:
- Install new partially flooded shell and tube heat exchangers to eliminate the need for troublesome pressure pump traps
- Eliminate the requirement for a new utility area by increasing pump impeller size and adding additional plates to an existing plate and frame exchanger
- Reuse existing equipment that was undersized for the new production rates in other areas of the plant to reduce capital outlay
- Modify steam pump trap installations to conform to typical design and improve existing exchanger duty.
Once the client reviewed and accepted the recommended changes, new shell and tube exchangers, control valves, and PSVs were sized and process duty data sheets were provided for the client. Updated/new PFDs and P&IDs were also provided to the client.
Industry Type
Wet-Spun Fibers Production
Utilized Skills
- Process evaluation and debottlenecking
- Process improvement design.