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Packed Distillation Column

3D Model

ON A MOBILE DEVICE USE TWO FINGERS TO PAN, AND ONE FINGER TO ROTATE
ON A COMPUTER USE LEFT CLICK TO ROTATE, AND HOLD RIGHT CLICK TO PAN

Column Startup

Concept

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  1. Turn all breakers marked with a red dot (and breaker #4) to the ‘on’ position.
  2. Ensure the liquid level in the main reboiler flask is above the DL level on the reboiler.
    • If not, open feed valve (HV-203), turn the feed pump (HS-201 for P-201) on, and quickly open the feed flow control valve (FIC-204).
    • Once the desired level has been reached, close FIC-204, then HV-203, then turn off the feed pump.
  3. Introduce cooling water to the condenser.
    • Open HV-700 half way (~45°).
    • Slightly open valve HV-701 (~15°).
    • Adjust the condenser flowrate (with FIC-703) to ~15%.
  4. Check if the lab TAs/supervisors drained steam line condensate (HV-805).
    • If not, wait for the lab TAs/supervisors to do so.
  5. Introduce steam to the reboiler. Note: If you hear steam hammer, close HV-806/PRV-807 and go to step 4.
    • Slightly open the reboiler steam isolation valve (HV-806) (1-2 turns).
    • Control the reboiler steam pressure by slightly opening PRV-807 (turn clockwise).
    • Continue to open the PRV until desired operating reboiler pressure is met (5-15 psi shown on PI-802) and ensure that all the residual condensed steam is purged from the reboiler steam line.
    • If the PRV was fully opened to reach target pressure, close the valve with one 180° turn. DO NOT EXCEED 15 PSIG.
  6. Introduce cooling water to the bottoms and product tanks by opening valves (HV-705 & HV-704), respectively. Open valves completely to avoid leaking.