(28g) PROFLUX™ Severe Service Grid – an Alternative Solution for Fouling Applications

Severe operating conditions require the use of unique equipment to maintain acceptable performance and reliability.  A typical example of this situation is the wash bed in a refinery vacuum crude tower. The wash bed removes entrainment from the flash zone and provides some fractionation of impurities such as unwanted metals.  This is currently best handled with a combination of grid packing and structured packing.  Data for this superior new grid packing is presented that compares de-entrainment and fractionation performance with the current arrangement.  The fouling resistance and structural integrity of the product is studied and compared with conventional grid packing as well.  Higher vapor capacities are possible, which are shown in typical design scenarios using complete and combo beds.