(337a) Solids Handling with Excel-Based Models: Hopper Design and Fouling

Steady plant operations without shut-downs or decreases in production due to operating problems are crucial for the bulk chemicals industry. In Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), operating problems are responsible for an enormous loss. Fouling, plugging, corrosion, and product quality issues top the list of most common problems, accounting for over 25%. In order to eliminate or mitigate these problems, the Super Stable Operation Technology (SSOT) task force was created to develop technologies for their prediction and prevention. The first target was combating fouling and plugging. This talk illustrates two examples of our approach: (1) avoiding plugging problems by properly designing the hopper and (2) preventing fouling in a super-decanter centrifuge. Engineering models are developed to gain a better understanding of the phenomena, such that possible solutions can be proposed.