Unexpected Problems with Kettle Reboiler Circuit

Mark Cavett, Tony Cai^*

Fractionation Research, Inc.

ABSTRACT

Reboilers are responsible for many operational problems experienced in distillation and absorption columns in the chemical processing industry. Employed in a commercial size distillation research facility, Fractionation Research, Inc (FRI) kettle reboiler circuits operate under a wide range of process conditions and various physical properties. This makes their operation more challenging. In this paper, the unexpected operational challenges and problems encountered with the kettle reboiler circuits will be described and discussed. The troubleshooting process, solutions to the operational problems, and the lesson learned will be presented.

Key Words: Distillation, reboiler, hydraulics, troubleshooting