The Graham Technical Library contains articles developed by Graham Corporation for publication in various magazines and technical seminar presentations. The articles are organized in three categories; heat transfer, vacuum equipment, and steam surface condensers.
Variable Frequency Drives for a Vacuum Pump System
Cost savings by considering the use of a variable frequency drive for a liquid ring pump system.
169.19 KBUpgrades extend vacuum distillation ejector systems’ service by decades
Ejector systems are intended to support a refinery’s vacuum distillation process over several decades. But ensuring long-term performance reliability of these systems entails sustained investment in rigorous routine maintenance, repair , and operations (MRO) programs.
Understanding Ejector Systems Necessary to Troubleshoot Vacuum Distillation
A complete understanding of ejector system performance characteristics can reduce the time and expense associated with troubleshooting poor crude vacuum distillation unit (CVDU) performance. Variables that may negatively impact the ejector-system performance of vacuum-crude distillation units include utilities supply, corrosion and erosion, fouling, and process conditions.
Understand Vacuum-System Fundamentals
How ejectors work and properly operating ejectors and condensers is important in maximizing vacuum tower gas-oil yield
Troubleshooting vacuum operation of an inter-afer condenser unit in an ethylene plant
A system of compressors powered by surface condensing steam turbines is inherent in the operation of a typical ethane cracker unit. These turbines run by extracting work from high-pressure steam, while a surface condenser condenses the turbine’s exhaust to both maximize compressor horsepower and recover valuable condensate.
Steam Vacuum Refrigeration – Old Concept / Modern Application
Steam Jet Ejector Functionality & Performance Considerations
For decades there has been a marked uncertainty regarding the operation of steam jet ejectors in downstream facilities. This article reviews the functionality, performance and considerations of this important technology.
Specifying Steam Surface Condensers
Sizing of steam surface condensers based on turbine steam flow which includes steam inlet velocity, cooling water flow and pressure drop, air leakage for design, fouling factors to use, ASME, HEI, and TEMA design codes, gas removal system design and space limitations for the condenser size.
Set Refinery Profitability Goals
Great strides have been made in improving plant efficiency and productivity by implementing online, interactive computer controls. But has this improved profitability or cash flow? How can the first-line management level know that its cash flow or ROI has been improved?
Proper Piping for Vacuum Systems
How to determine pressure drop, condensate leg height and other piping considerations for proper vacuum system design and operation
Optimizing Vacuum Systems for Energy-Efficient Operation
How to optimize and select the most economical steam ejector, process condenser, liquid ring pump system for capital cost and utility cost.
Operating Vacuum Distillation Ejector Systems
Best practices and opportunities to deliver reliable ejector systems performance and reduce performance risk.
New Applications for Spiral-Tube Heat Exchangers
A decades-old, yet less well-known type of heat exchanger offers advantages for new and emerging applications.
Mechanical Seal Coolers a Basic Accessory Gets a Facelift
A seal cooler directly affects performance of a mechanical seal and extends its mean time between failures (MTBF). The heat removal and thermosiphoning capabilities of the cooler, its hydraulic characteristicstics, as well as its ability to remove trapped air (ventability) influence mechanical seal performance. API Standard 682, Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps.
Maintenance and Turnaround Planning Critical to Successful Ejector Vacuum System Operation
Hydrocarbon Processing – Maintain Ejector Vacuum System
Steam ejector vacuum systems are reliable and require little maintenance. However, when preventive or corrective maintenance is required, ensuring it is done correctly is imperative.
Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump
Lessons from the Field – Ejector Systems
Real world ejector system performance limitations uncovered during routine performance surveys. Corrective action undertaken to improve performance is documented and discussed in detail. Principles from the initial article are used as the tools to define the cause of a particular limitation and the eventual solution.
Key design considerations for vacuum process condensers
Crude oil refining and petrochemical industries make extensive use of condensers that operate under vacuum. Distillation is the most common process using these condensers, either as a process precondenser ahead of an ejector system, or as an intercondenser within an ejector system.
Installing Liquid-Ring Vacuum Pumps
How to properly install a liquid ring vacuum pump, determine what accessories and controls are necessary and troubleshooting tips.
Hydrocarbon Processing
How to Size Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps
How liquid ring vacuum pumps work and the factors to consider when sizing a liquid ring vacuum pump for the application.
How to Keep VOCs in Check with Vent Condensers
Environmental stewardship is becoming a priority for chemical plants as investors, corporate boards, government agencies and the public are demanding more accountability. For chemical processing plants, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from storage tanks is an area that often gets overlooked but is equally important to other sustainability targets, such as production processes, when it comes to meeting environmental, social and governance goals.
How to Improve Ejector System Performance
Ejector systems are widely used throughout the fats & oils processing industry for important processes, such as, solvent extraction, degumming, bleaching, deodorization, renewable diesel pretreatment or hydro-processing – wiped film evaporator and glycerin still are most common. Ejector systems provide reliable operation and pressure level for these critical fats & oil processing operations; however, there are instances where performance shortcomings arise. The root cause may not always be straightforward to troubleshoot. This article describes four case studies in performance problem solving taken from a variety of documents produced by ejector system experts.
How to Control Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps
How liquid ring pumps work and what devices are used to control the operation of a liquid ring pump system for proper operation.
How Low Can You Go?
Design Factors Operating Heat Exchangers at Ultra Low Temps
Ultra low, cryogenic, temperature applications for heat exchanger design for use in pharmaceutical and specialty chemical applications.
Heat Exchangers in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants
Plate heat exchangers may be selected for their high thermal efficiency and minimum capital investment. Spiral heat exchangers, on the other hand, are turned to for their ability to effectively handle fluids containing solids and fibers, similar to those encountered in wastewater treatment plants.
Full Steam Ahead
Variables Affect Cost, Performance and Reliability – Steam Surface Condensers
Steam Surface Condensers are critical equipment in a fertilizer plant, and can directly impact plant throughput and product quality. This article reviews key design decisions that affect capital cost and outlines operating variables that can negatively impact performance reliability.
Fouling in VDU Ejector Systems
Ejector system fouling can cost refiners millions of dollars annually. It leads to lost yield or lower throughput, either of which affects a refiner’s bottom line.
Ejectors Eject Energy Hogs
Turbine Operating Costs Depend on Condenser Performance
Saving energy and reducing a plant’s carbon footprint is vitally important in today’s world. One of a plant’s greatest energy users can be its steam-driven turbines. Steam turbines have excellent reliability and durability and are used to drive pumps, compressors, generators, and other rotating mechanical equipment throughout the refining, chemical, and petrochemical industries for processes that produce petroleum products, chemicals, fertilizers, electric power, and other products that are used every day by people around the world.
Ejector Systems for Fats, Oils, Oleochemicals
Essential processes in the production of natural fats and oils and derivative oleochemicals are performed under vacuum, i.e., at a pressure below atmospheric. Such processes, including solvent extraction, degumming, bleaching, interesterification, fractionation, winterization and deodorization, are supported by ejector systems.
Ejector System Troubleshooting
How steam ejectors work and an analysis of ejector systems and troubleshooting tips with reference to case studies.
Eco Freeze
Design of Vacuum Systems for Crude Oil Vacuum Tower Distillation
Detail design considerations involved in selecting steam ejector/liquid ring pump vacuum system for crude tower service. Materials of construction, energy utilization, packaging, system performance and flexibility will be addressed.
Coping With Vacuum
The Importance of Ejector Systems in Urea Plants
Ejector systems are critical to the final concentration of a urea solution.
Convective Flow Boiling in Coiled Tubes
Graham Manufacturing makes coiled-tube heat transfer equipment (Heliflow heat exchangers) which is frequently utilized as cryogenic vaporizers, with 80% of this service dedicated to liquid nitrogen. As a result of this testing, an analytical formulation for predicting boiling heat transfer rates in coiled-tube heat exchangers has been developed.
Condensers vs. Heat Exchangers
Alicia Johnson, Graham Corporation, highlights the strengths and weaknesses of traditional straight tube designs vs coiled tube designs in both condensers and heat exchangers.
Condensers Control and Reclaim VOCs
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which state acceptable rates for VOC emissions. Condensation technology allows reclamation of VOCs, providing an economic incentive when costly product is reclaimed as a condensate.
Condenser Operations Effect on Plant Utility Costs
Fertilizer plants commonly use steam turbines to drive process air compressors, synthesis gas compressors, refrigerant compressors, electric generators and other mechanical devices. The cost of producing steam to operate the plant’s turbines is significant. Any adjustments in operation that can improve turbine performance will lead to reduced energy consumption and cost. Unfortunately, the equipment that is used to support the turbine is often overlooked. This article will explore the important relationship between operation of the steam surface condenser and its venting ejectors, and how their performance directly affects the fuel costs associated with operating a steam turbine.
Choose the Right Vacuum Pump
Different types of vacuum pumps, piston, vane, dry, lobe, liquid ring, ejector, condenser, are discussed and the advantages and disadvantages of each type is provided.
Best Practices for Specifying, Procuring & Operating Steam Surface Condensers
Jim Lines, Graham Corp., USA, outlines how a solid understanding of best practices for specifying, procuring, and operating steam surface condensers, as well as good maintenance and performance evaluation practices, can help fertilizer plants to achieve their operating objectives.