Its All About Education and Knowledge.

: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

More Next Blog» Create Blog Sign In

Its All About Education and Knowledge.

MONDAY, 28 MARCH 2011 SEARCH BOX

Custom Search
FLASH TANK DESIGN Search

COUNTER

To determine the Flash temperature, we’ll have to determine the Dew Point and the Bubble Point
Temperatures. To calculate the Bubble Point Temperature, we assume that all of our feed is saturated ONLINE COUNTER
liquid. We assume a temperature and at that temperature, the K value for the component is determined.
Then by multiplying this K value with the liquid weight fraction, we get the vapor fractions. The sum
of these fractions should be unity in order to have the correct Bubble Point Temperature. So we see
that it’s a hit-and-trial method. Similarly, we assume a temperature and at that temperature we
determine the K value for the component. Then we assume that all of our feed is saturated vapor. So
dividing these fractions with the K values, we get liquid fractions; whose sum should be unity. If the
sum of liquid fractions is unity then our assumed Dew Point is correct. Taking the arithmetic average
of this Bubble Point and Dew Point Temperatures, we get the Flash Temperature. K values for
Iodomethane and Acetic Acid has been determined directly from the Himmelblau Software. The BLOG ARCHIVE
equation that this software uses is V.P = A- {B/(T + C)} Here A,B and C are empirical constants while
▼ 2011 (13)
T is the assumed temperature. By dividing this Vapor Pressure (V.P) by the total pressure, we get the K
▼ March (13)
value. K values for Water and Methyl Acetate have been determined by using the empirical relation
INSTRUMENTATION
given in Perry’s Chemical Engineering Handbook. The relation is:
CONTROL OVER
DISTILLATION COLUMN
V.P = exp [C1+C2/T + (C3*lnT) + (C4*TC5)] * 9.869233E-06 atm CONTROL OVER HEAT
EXCHANGER

Here C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 all are empirical constants and there value is given in Chemical DISTILLATION COLUMN

Engineer’s Handbook by Perry. The Vapor Pressure thus obtained is divided by the total pressure to CHOICE BETWEEN PLATE
AND PACKED COLUMN
get the K value at the assumed temperature. The process of calculating Bubble Point and the Dew
FACTORS AFFECTING
Point Temperature is given below: SELECTION OF TRAYS
FACTORS AFFECTING
Compound Xi K at 101 o C K*Xi DISTILLATION COLUMN
OPERATION
Acetic Acid 0.632 0.416 0.263
DESIGNING STEPS OF
Methyl Acetate 0.215 2.673 0.574 DISTILLATION COLUMN
Iodomethane 0.018 3.682 0.065 POWER REQUIRED BY
PUMP
Water 0.136 0.736 0.100
FLASH TANK
1.000 1.002
FLASH TANK DESIGN
HAZOP STUDY
This employs that our Bubble Point Temperature is 101 oC.

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 1 of 7
Its All About Education and Knowledge.: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

EANVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT ASSESMENT
Compound Yi K at 119 o C Yi/K
Acetic Acid 0.632 0.739 0.855
Methyl Acetate 0.215 4.163 0.052 FLAG COUNTER
Iodomethane 0.018 5.469 0.003
Water 0.136 1.348 0.101
1.000 1.011

This determines our Dew Point Temperature which comes out to be 119 oC. Now:

Flash Temperature = (101 + 119)/2

= 110 oC
Determining the Vapor and Liquid Flows:-

Determination of Vapors going out and the liquid draining the drum is a result of some lethal
calculations. These calculations are explained over here. First we make a material balance for a single
component. It yields:

Fxfi = Vyi + Lxi ………….Eq. I

From Henry’s Law, we have: xi = yi /K

FOLLOWERS
Putting this value in Eq.I, we get: Followers (4)

Fxfi = Vyi + L (yi/K)……….Eq. II

Follow
ð yi = Fxfi / (V + L/K)

Since F = V + L which employs that V = F – L, therefore;

yi = Fxfi / (F- L + L/K)

yi = xfi / {1 – L/F (1 – 1/K)}

Also from Eq. II, we can write that

yiV = Fxfi / (1 + L/VK)………..Eq. III

Which employs that: yi = (Fxfi / V) / (1 + L/KV)……..Eq. IV

Now after determining yi’s, we can calculate xi’s by using the K values from the expression:

yi = Ki xi where Ki is determined by using the relation Ki = V.P/P

V.P stands for Vapor Pressure at the specified Flash Temperature.

Eq. III can be written in the form as:

i=c i=c

Σi=1 (yi V) = Σi=1 {Fxfi / (1 + L/KV)}……..Eq. V

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 2 of 7
Its All About Education and Knowledge.: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

Procedure to be followed for Flash Calculations:-

So simplifying all the procedure, we come to know that if we are to calculate V, L, yi’s

and xi’s then we’ll have to follow these steps:

1. Assume V.

2. Calculate L = F – V

3. Calculate L / V

4. Look up for K values at Flash Temperature and Total Vessel Pressure

5. Substitute values in;

i=c

V = Σi=1 {Fxfi / (1 + L/KV)}

If equality is obtained between the assumed V and the calculated V, then the assumed value is

satisfactory.

6. Calculate yi’s from Eq. IV

7. Calculate xi’s from yi = Ki xi

Now using this procedure the values of V, L, yi’s and xi’s have been calculated for the Flash Drum.

Getting started with Design of Flash Drum:-

Since our calculations are based upon an hour of operation, so we have the following
amount of vapor and liquid flow rates;

FL = 1480.196 kg/hr pL = 961.55 kg/m3

Fv = 4664.308 kg/hr pv = 2.654 kg/m3

Vapor liquid separation factor, which is equal to (FL/Fv) / (pv/pL) ½; comes out to be 0.017. Using the

graph, we notice that the Vapor Velocity Factor is equal to 0.35 m/sec.

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 3 of 7
Its All About Education and Knowledge.: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

Maximum design vapor velocity is obtained by multiplying the vapor velocity factor with {(pL – pv)/

pL} 0.5. The value of velocity comes out to be

Uv = Kv* {(pL – pv)/pL} 0.5

Uv = 6.653 m/sec

If we divide the vapor mass flow rate by the density, we get the volumetric flow rate. So

VL = 0.488 m3/sec

Dividing volumetric flow rate by the vapor velocity, we get the minimum cross sectional area of the
drum. Hence
Amin = VL/Uv

Amin = 0.073 m2

From this minimum cross sectional area, we can calculate the minimum diameter for the vessel. The
minimum diameter is:

Dmin = 0.306 m

Actual internal diameter is obtained by adding 6in to this minimum diameter. Therefore

D = 0.458 m

For a vertical Flash Drum the surge time is in the range of 4 to 7 min and that for a horizontal vessel, it
ranges between 7 to 12 min. Flash Drum used in Cativa Process has a surge time of 5 min. So
multiplying this time with the liquid volumetric flow rate, we get the liquid volume held in the flash
drum.

Liquid Volume = VL * 300

Liquid Volume = 0.128 m3

Since the vessel is cylindrical, therefore its volume is equal to 3.145*(radius) 2*height. Using this

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 4 of 7
Its All About Education and Knowledge.: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

relation, we can determine the liquid height in the vessel. The liquid height comes out to be:
Liquid Height = 0.779 m
Now both H. Silla and Coulson have suggested the following formula for determining the vapor height
in the vessel. This formula is:

Vapor Height = 1.5* D + 0.4

Vapor Height = 1.087 m

Now by adding the liquid and vapor heights, we can determine the total internal height of the vessel.
Thus
Total Height = 1.866 m

The L/D ratio for the Flash Drum comes out to be 4.072 which is a satisfactory value. This ratio
actually determines the type of vessel. It tells us that whether we should go for a horizontal vessel or a
vertical one. If the value of L/D ratio is between 3 and 5, then a vertical flash drum is used. If its value
exceeds 5, then a horizontal vessel should be employed.

Material of construction:-

Though material of construction is the part of mechanical design of the equipment but we
can predict about it. Since we are dealing with acidic, corrosive fluid; therefore we’ll have to look for
a material that is corrosion resistant. We come across two important choices that are corrosion resistant
as well as economical. The flash drum can either be manufactured from Stainless Steel or we may
make use of Aluminium. We can use either of the materials. Both have good mechanical strength,
quite resistant to corrosion and are also cheap. Most of the heat transfer equipment in industry is made
up from Aluminium Alloys. We are not that concerned with the heat transfer over here, so stainless
steel is recommended as the priority material of construction.

Posted by Educator at 23:47

7 comments:

Partha Engineer 8 January 2015 at 02:29

I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike
other blogs, I have read which are really not good like this. Thanks a lot! Heat Exchangers ||
Columns || Mixers
Reply

Partha Engineer 8 January 2015 at 02:29

I like the valuable information you provide in your blog. I will bookmark your blog and check
again here frequently. I'm quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for
the next! Thank you for share. Blenders || Autoclaves || Pressure Vessels
Reply

Partha Engineer 8 January 2015 at 02:30

I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it ! Thanks, very good. We are

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 5 of 7
Its All About Education and Knowledge.: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

really happy just for this post in this website. Agitated Reaction Vessels || Lead Lining
Vessel || Rubber Lining Vessel
Reply

Partha Engineer 8 January 2015 at 02:30

Very good work on such topic. When I started to read blog I was occupied with the best way
you current such great topic. By the way in which might you please publish extra article on
such topic? I really respect it. Pressurized Equipment || Non Pressurized Equipment ||
Storage Tanks
Reply

Partha Engineer 8 January 2015 at 02:31

It is so amazing post. I have never read any interesting post before. I really like this. Thanks
for the author sharing very informative resource. If possible, I will share this post to
everyone. Reaction Kettles || Process Piping || Site Fabrication
Reply

Unknown 15 September 2017 at 05:32

can u support me with the reference please ?
Reply

NAMASIVAYAM M 15 November 2017 at 17:57

hi, can u please share the references..!!
Reply

Enter your comment...

Comment as: Google Account

Publish Preview

Newer Post Home Older Post

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Picture Window theme. Powered by Blogger.

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 6 of 7
Its All About Education and Knowledge.: FLASH TANK DESIGN 2/19/18, 3)59 PM

http://neweducation-plus.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-tank-design.html Page 7 of 7