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Q&A

These digital transcripts are meant to share information on process safety practices in order to help improve process safety performance and awareness throughout industry. The goal is to capture and share knowledge that could be used by other companies or sites when developing new process safety practices or improving existing ones. The documents being shared have been used by an industry member, but this does not mean it should be used or that it will produce similar results at any other site. Rather, it is an option to consider when implementing or adjusting programs and practices at a site.

BY THEMSELVES, THESE DIGITAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT STANDARDS OR RECOMMENDED PRACTICES. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE SOUND ENGINEERING JUDGMENT. THEY DO NOT PRECLUDE THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE METHODS THAT COMPLY WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SHOULD BE CONSULTED PRIOR TO DETERMINING WHETHER A PRACTICE CAN BE USED IN ANY SPECIFIC SITUATION.

(2010) Question 1: What is your experience with emergency isolation equipment (such as a check valve or actuated valve) on the outlet of reactor charge heaters to prevent loss of containment of the reactor loop in a tube rupture scenario? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having this type of equipment?

Sunoco typically looks at the use of isolation equipment on the reactor charge heaters on a case by case basis. The need for these devices is driven by the design configuration of the unit, the process stream being charged to the heater, the emergency depressuring capabilities installed on the unit, and LOPA/HAZOP analysis.

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(2010) Question 2: Please discuss your experience regarding the need to add an emergency shutdown (ESD) valve between the cold high pressure separator and the product stripper. The typical design for vapor blow through is to size the stripper relief valve for this case.

Vern Mallett (UOP) UOP considers that an ESD valve between the cold separator and product stripper is not required and not recommended. The design philosophy behind this practice is to prevent liquid from filling the cold high pressure separator and carrying over into the auto depressuring system and filling the relief header.

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Question 3: Please discuss your best strategies to prevent overheating of steam reforming furnaces?

The question is general; however, there are a variety of steam reformer designs with different operating and control strategies used industrially so a general answer is provided. Operators are urged to consult with their technology providers or qualified engineering contractors for specific guidance on this issue.

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Question 5: Does anyone have proven experience using promoted zinc oxide products for sulfur removal upstream of the reforming section? What improvement have you measured in the downstream catalyst performance?

Topsoe has installed our new promoted zinc oxide product HTZ-51 upstream the reformer section in a number of Ammonia, Hydrogen and Methanol plants. Topsoe’s promoted zinc oxide is also used as a purification absorbent upstream methanator units.

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