Improving Tower Reliability

The overall performance of a tower is not only a function of the separation performance and the hydraulic capacity. Due to the high cost of unplanned shutdowns the mechanical integrity and run lengths are extremely important in assessing the overall economics. In the case of trays, fouling resistance and mechanical integrity (i.e. upset resistance) are important in assessing reliability. The choice of valves, tray construction and support mechanisms are important in improving mechanical integrity and run lengths. Examples of such tray installations will be presented. In packed towers fouling resistance has a significant impact on the run length of the tower. Fouling resistance in a packed tower could be a function of the liquid distribution, vapor distribution and the packing itself. Ensuring good liquid and vapor distribution, and choosing a packing with high fouling resistance can be used to increase the run length of towers prone to fouling. Examples of such packed tower installations will be presented.