TOPICS COVERED

• Introduction on Column

• Distillation and Types of Distillation Column

• Distillation Column Piping Study.

• Sketches, Snap shots and Photographs of Column Piping

• Introduction on Re Boiler

• Re Boiler Piping Study.

• Sketches, Snap shots and Photographs of Re Boiler Piping

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 INTRODUCTION ON COLUMN

Column is a cylindrical vessel used for distillation process.

Distillation is a Process of separation of constituents of a Liquid Mixture

& Separate Recovery of Vapour Residue.

Types of Distillation Column

• Absorption & Stripping

• Fractionation

Feed is Introduced at one or more points along the Column Shell

Due to difference on the gravity between liquid phase & vapor phases,

the Liquid Runs down the column cascading from tray to tray while the

vapour goes up the column.

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 DISTILLATION COLUMN PROCESS

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Representation and Types of columns.

Presentation title February 11

Schematic of Distallation column with Reboiler

Presentation title February 11

Crude oil Distillation column with reboiler

Presentation title February 11

 CROSS SECTIONAL VIEW OF PLANT

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Information needed to arrange the column piping
1. Plot plan gives:
• The physical location of a column and its relationship to other equipment.
• Main access
• Main pipe run or pipe rack.
• Location of pumps.
2. P&ID and Technical specification of column provide:
• Process data showing interconnected equipment and piping.
• Pipe sizes and pipeline components.
• Steam tracing and insulation thickness.
• Tower elevations and differences in related equipment levels.
• P&ID for nozzle connections, NPSH of bottoms pump, Instrumentation, line blinds, relief valves etc.,
3. The basic layout and general engineering specification describe:
• The minimum access, walkways, platforms width and headroom requirements.
• Maximum rise of ladder.
• Pipe-system requirements such as open or closed relieving systems.
• Minimum line-size and required hose-stations.
• Access to valves and instruments.

Presentation title February 11

Information needed to arrange the column piping
4. Instrument standard shows:
• The location of instrument connections to tower for gauges, level controllers and level
alarms.
• Location of pressure and temperature without orientation.
• The instrumentation systems around the tower are depicted in the P&ID.

5. Fabrication drawing / details dimensional drawing Of column provides:

• Diameter and height of column
• Details and dimensions of internals.
• Manhole

6. Other layout considerations.

Where possible link the platforms and ladders to adjacent structure, providing the additional
access and escape routes. Check with stress section for piping flexibility and reboiler
supports.
Check the foundation clearance when locating the towers adjacent to structures
and between towers.

Presentation title February 11

 Sequence of Column piping study.
1. Proper orientation of nozzles and provisions for access to the points
of operation and maintenance to be considered.

2. Considerations of the pipeline leaving the tower area and the

adjacent piping requirements to be taken care.

3. The first step is to orient the manholes preferably all in same

directions. Normally, manholes shall be oriented towards drop out
area within a 30 degree segment of column as this facilitates the
lowering of tower internals to the main access way. The manhole
segment of platform should not be occupied by any piperack.

4. A break in ladder rise (normal 5M, maximum 7m) will occupy

another segment of column for platform.
5. The levels of platforms are to be decided on the elevation view
based on the manholes and access to relief valves, instrument for
viewing.
6. Nozzle and piping must meet process requirements while platforms
must satisfy maintenance and operating needs. Access for tower
piping, valves and instruments influence placement of ladders.

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 Sequence of Column piping study.
7. Platforms on towers are required for access to valves, instruments, blinds
and maintenance accesses. Platforms are normally circular and supported
by brackets attached to the side of the tower. Following drawing illustrates
the platform requirements.

8. Platform widths are dictated by operator access. The clear space on

platform width shall be min 900mm.

9. For platform with control stations, the width of platform shall be 900mm
plus the width of control station.

10. The platform for manholes and maintenance access, adequate space for
swing the cover flange must be provided.

11. Access between towers may be connected by common platform.

12. It is preferable to space platform brackets on tower equally and to align

brackets over each other over the entire length of shell. This minimise the
structural design and interference from piping.

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 Sequence of Column piping study.
13. A Davit usually handles heavy equipment such as large size relief valves
and large diameter blinds. If the davits is at the top of the tower, it can also
serve the for lifting and lowering the tower internals to grade.

14. Clearance for lifting tackle to all points from which handling is required and
good access should be provided.

15. Re boiler lines elevations are determined by the draw off and return
nozzles and their orientation is influenced by thermal flexibility
considerations. Re boiler lines and the overhead lines should be as simple
and direct as possible.

Thermal Insulation
Thermal insulation of the exterior of a column may be required in order to
reduce the heat loss. Insulation may be inadequate to maintain the
required temperature distribution in these circumstances, a reboiler is
used.

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Typical tower area division for various facilities

Presentation title
February 11
 ORIENTATION OF NOZZLES & ACEESS

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Column Piping

Presentation title February 11

 TYPICAL CROSS SECTION OF PIPERACK

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 CROSS SECTION OF PIPERACK & COLUMN

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 COLUMN PIPING SUPPORTS

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 PHOTOGRAPH OF COLUMN AND PIPING

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 Re Boiler
• Re Boiler is a large heat transfer unit that is generally located outside
the distillation column.

•An auxillary unit of a fractionating tower designed to supply additional heat

to the lower portion of the tower.

• Reboiler may be used to heat material drawn from a selected level in a

column;

• This are required for tall columns, and for columns operated at high
temperatures, which are subjected to appreciable loss of heat.

• Mounting the reboiler on the side of the column minimizes piping.

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Schematics of Reboiler.

Presentation title February 11

Selection of Reboiler Type

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