Physics of a Strangulated Demethanizer: The Cryogenic Effect

Abstract

This study involved analyzing the demethanizer to see how it is strangulated by corrosion and reveal possible reasons and offer possible solutions to solving the problem, it considered searching for the energy associated with the ailing condensed water, determining the minimum pressure limit attainable at the wall and positing whether the separator operates in the vapour, liquid or gaseous range. Several tools were applied in achieving set objectives like the use of calorific energy estimation, general gas laws and values from the standardized thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids manual. Theories that led to the formation of carbonic acid leading to corrosion phenomenon were viewed. Results obtained showed that the energy level of condensed water was sufficient to aid corrosion and also gave the range of operation. It was concluded that cryogens remain super cooled in the separator and it is in agreement with some works.