some butadiene extraction units experience rubber sheet like polymer formation.
this reduces / inhibits flows in columns , exchangers and pipelines causing efficiency loss. at the worst, stoppage of unit.
the request is for reasons and remedies proven.
Which process are you using? BASF's NMP-based?
Assuming that this is the one you are using:
1) What is the pH of the feedstock? Significant acidity may promote hydrogenation and even idnuce polymerisation.
2) Is the rubber sheet occurring on a particular part of the extraction unit? If so, we have a clue. Is that part somehow different from the rest of the machine, e.g. hotter or does some process take place near it?
3) Are you using the proper polymerisation inhibitor (or set of inhibitors) and in a sufficient quantity? Try upping the amount of the inhibitors and seeing whether the same amount or less (preferentially none) of the rubber is produced.
If possible, please provide more details, so we can "zero in" the problem.
NMP as solvent for Butadiene extraction.
pH never checked as feed is liquified C4 HCs.
top distributors of degasser are worst effected.
pl advise
My understanding is since butadiene is unsaturated compound and is vulnerable to oxidation on exposure to oxidizing environment and May get thicker or more viscous which may have been construed as a polymer formation. Maintenance of inert atmosphere during extraction or a closed system which is evacuated.
It is due to vapour phase polymerisation of Butadiene during the extraction process. You need to add suitable vapour phase inhibitor to arrest the free radical formation. Butadiene is getting polymerised in vapour form, which needs to be arrested.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Philosophy
- Philosophy Of Science
- Reasoning