302 252 PDF
302 252 PDF
302 252 PDF
: C Page 1 of 257
ENGINEERING STANDARDS AND PRACTICES PROJECT: GCT Skhira
SPECIFICATION FOR JOB NO.: F134 DOC NO.: 302-252
GENERAL DOCUMENTS FOR ITEM NO.: N/A NO. REQ'D: N/A
SB PLANT WITH HRS OPERATING MANUAL REF.: ISSUE: DATED:
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Initialing (BY/CHK’D/APP’D) required on cover sheet only. All other title block information must
be included on all pages.
DESCRIPTION OF
REV. REVISION INCLUDING
NO. DATE BY CHK’D APP’D PAGE NUMBERS
0 5/9/12 ATG TC
0 9 May 2012
NO. DATE DESCRIPTION BY CHK'D APP'D APP'D
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF DUPONT AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR REVEALED TO
OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DUPONT.
EC-94 (REV. 05/11)
Rev 0
30 May 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
GEN DOCS - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 01- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 01- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
SULFUR BURNER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 02- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
SULFUR BURNER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. Equipment Includes:
Sulfur Burner
Sulfur Spray Nozzles
Startup Burner
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 02- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 03- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. The inlet vestibule is generally brick/castable lined for a boiler following a sulfur burner.
Boilers in other locations will be brick/castable lined as required.
2. Equipment Includes:
Waste Heat Boiler
Waste Heat Boiler Steam Drum
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 03- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
MAIN COMPRESSOR
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. Equipment Includes:
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 04- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
MAIN COMPRESSOR
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 04- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 05- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
CONVERTER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. Catalyst loads are made based on specific catalyst depths which are generally marked
on the inside shell of the converter. If possible, the startup engineer should verify the
marks on the converter prior to loading catalyst.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 06- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
CONVERTER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 06- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 07- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 07- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 08- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 08- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
ECONOMIZER 3B
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 09- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
ECONOMIZER 3B
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 09- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 10- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 10- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
SUPERHEATER 1B
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 11- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
SUPERHEATER 1B
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 11- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
DRYING TOWER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 12- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
DRYING TOWER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 12- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
DRYING TOWER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. Prior to plant startup, the acid distribution must be checked.
2. After approximately 24 hours of acid circulation, the packing chips in the bottom of the
tower should be removed and the chip strainer should be cleaned.
3. Take stick tests starting after 24 hours of operation and several days after that. Suggest
that the client perform routine stick tests (monthly) after that.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 12- 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 13- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 13- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 13- 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. Prior to plant startup, the acid distribution must be checked.
2. After approximately 24 hours of acid circulation, the packing chips in the bottom of the
tower should be removed and the chip strainer should be cleaned.
3. Take stick tests starting after 24 hours of operation and several days after that. Suggest
that the client perform routine stick tests (monthly) after that.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 13- 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 14- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 14- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
PLANT STACK
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 15- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
DT ACID COOLERS
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 16- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
1.
2.
3.
Punch List Items
Item Added to Master Punch List
1.
2.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 17- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 18- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 19- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 20- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
DEAERATOR
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 21- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
DEAERATOR
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 21- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 22- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 23- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 24- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 24- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 25- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
GAS DUCTS
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
Punch List Items
Added to Master Punch
Item List
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 26- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
ACID PIPING
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 27- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
ACID PIPING
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 27- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
UTILITY PIPING
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1. Utility piping covers all piping in the plant not covered by a separate checklist. The systems
may include: plant air, plant water, fire protection, potable water, fuel lines, etc.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 28- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
UTILITY PIPING
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 28- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 29- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 29- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
INSTRUMENTATION
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 30- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
Equipment No.
CHK 31- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
Equipment No.
CHK 31- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 31- 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 31- 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 31- 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 32- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 32- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 33- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 34- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
HRS BOILER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 35- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
HRS BOILER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 35- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
HRS HEATER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 36- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
HRS PREHEATER
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 37- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 38- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 39- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 39- 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 01
PRE START-UP CHECKLIST
INTERLOCKS
Project Engineer
Location Date
MEN Equipment No.
Remarks
1.
2.
3.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHK 40- 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE - SB
The instructions and actions given in the following table should only be used as a guideline for checking alarms and trips
within the acid plant. It does not cover every possible cause for the alarms and trips listed.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Oxygen Deficiency 1. Low % SO2 outlet sulfur 1. Poor sulfur atomization 1. Shut down to check tips and
burner. 2. Same causes as sulfur instruments
2. Low or high % SO2 to sublimation. 2. Verify all gas concentrations by
converter 3. Plugged sulfur guns. Orsat/ Reich analysis.
3. Low % O2. 3. Adjust oxygen and SO2 in gas
4. Acid milky and strength stream to proper specs (sulfur
decreases. furnace temperature)
5. Possible minor explosion or 4. Increase the compressor flow to put
fire when air enters system; more oxygen in converter
e.g. air inlet. 5. Converter temperature
6. Poor converter reaction.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
2. TYPICAL ALARM AND ACTION GUIDELINES - SB
The instructions and actions given in the following table should only be used as a guideline for checking alarms and trips
within the acid plant. It does not cover every possible cause for the alarms and trips listed.
The set points given below are typical and may not be exact for your plant.
The table below includes typical instrument and limit switches with either an alarm or interlock trip in the DCS associated with
its output. The values in your plant may vary slightly. Consult the detailed instrument list and material balance.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 6
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
110% Design High-High Final Tower Acid Flow Controller tuning or malfunction. Check flow controller operation.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 7
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Normal x2.75 High-High Acid Pump Tank Level See previous. See previous.
1. Acid system leak. 1. Check acid system for leaks.
2. Drain line open. 2. Close drain valves.
Normal -5% Low Acid Pump Tank Level 3. Level valve malfunction. 3. Check level controller operation.
4. Plugged packing or strainer in 4. Drain pump tank first. Check tower
acid towers (excess hold-up). strainers and packing for pluggage.
Normal -10% Low-Low Acid Pump Tank Level See previous. See previous.
1. Level controller malfunction. 1. Check level controller operation.
By Detail High Waste Heat Boiler Level
2. Instrument malfunction. 2. Verify level with local indicator.
By Detail High-High Waste Heat Boiler Level See previous. See previous.
1. Check blowdown valve position.
1. Blowdown valve open.
2. Check boiler for leaks (gas
2. Boiler leak.
dewpoint).
3. High sulfur burner outlet
By Detail Low Waste Heat Boiler Level 3. Reduce plant rate or SO2 gas
temperature (high heat duty).
concentration.
4. Instrument malfunction.
4. Verify level with local indicator.
5. BFW pump malfunction.
5. Check pump operation.
1. See previous.
2. Main compressor interlocked to
By Detail Low-Low Waste Heat Boiler Level See previous. shut down.
3. Clean sulfur pumps interlocked to
shut down.
Waste Heat Boiler Level Interlock
N/A Gauge blowdown bypass only. None.
Bypass
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 8
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
1.0 barg Low Deaerator Pressure 1. Low header pressure. Check header pressure and steam
2. Low steam supply flow. supply.
By Detail High Lube Oil Rundown Tank Level See Vendor operating manual. See Vendor operating manual.
By Detail Low Lube Oil Rundown Tank Level See Vendor operating manual. See Vendor operating manual.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 9
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 11
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
N/A Startup Burner Panel Purge Failure See Vendor operating manual. See Vendor operating manual.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 12
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
N/A Startup Burner Common Alarm See Vendor operating manual. See Vendor operating manual.
1. Main compressor interlocked to
Main Compressor Discharge Valve
N/A Normal plant operation. shut down if not true.
Open
2. Main compressor start permissive.
Main Compressor Discharge Valve
N/A Plant shutdown. Normal interlock function.
Closed
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 01 - 13
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE – HRS
The instructions and actions given in the following table should only be used as a guideline for checking alarms and trips
within the acid plant. It does not cover every possible cause for the alarms and trips listed.
Loss of steam production Low level alarm on boiler 1. Check BFW pumps and water supply to
High acid temperatures High acid temperature alarms (boiler inlet pumps
High corrosion rates from high temperatures and outlet) 2. Check operation of HRS boiler level valve
st 3. Check feedwater inlet and outlet block
SO3 and mist carryover High concentration alarm on 1 stage inlet
Low dilution water pressure valves at HRS heater
4. Restart boiler feedwater flow. If HRS
feedwater cannot be restarted, shut down
acid plant
5. Flush dilution water inlet strainers
High Cl in Feedwater
Increased possibility for stress corrosion cracking Possible high conductivity in boiler blowdown 1. Increase boiler blowdown rate
in HRS boiler 2. Check water supply system and restore
water quality
HRS Boiler Acid Leak
Water will leak into the acid system, reduce acid Low alarm on concentration controller 1. If a boiler leak is highly suspected, shut
concentration, and cause high corrosion rates High temperature alarm boiler exit acid down the plant and rapidly evacuate the
Reduced acid side temperature decrease boiler by activating emergency trip
through HRS boiler 2. Emergency shutdown procedure will be
High boiler feedwater flow to dilution water automatically initiated by low-low acid
flow ratio concentration
High deviation pump boot acid concentration
Temperature cross alarm
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Open relief valves on header or on HRS boiler HRS boiler column pressure 1. Open HRS boiler vent valve to temporarily
Operator may either observe pressure relieve boiler pressure
increase or relief valves opening 2. Stop dilution water
3. Reduce plant rate
4. In emergency, trip the HRS pumps. This, in
turn, will trip the main compressor and shut
down the plant.
Main Compressor Trip
Loss of gas flow will cool down system and acid Alarm on DCS 1. If main compressor cannot be restarted,
concentrations will dilute if second stage flow is Interlocks will stop sparge air, dilution water, manually block in dilution water and sparge
not stopped and acid flow to the second stage air to diluter
2. Continue to circulate acid over the first stage
3. Check the main compressor interlocks
screen
Loss of Sulfur Flow
Loss of SO3 and heat input. System will cool Alarm on DCS 1. Stop second stage acid flow and dilution
down and acid concentrations will dilute Low sulfur furnace exit temperature water
2. If sulfur cannot be readily restored, the main
compressor should be stopped. Then follow
procedures for main compressor trip.
Steam / Water Leak into Gas Stream Ahead of HRS
Acid mist and moisture entering HRS and High boiler feed water flow to dilution water Shut down the plant per operating manual,
some dilution of acid. May or may not be flow rate depending on the size of the leak and how it was
detectable by concentration analyzers Low concentration alarm detected
depending on size and location of leak
Observe large increase in drip acid
occurring at existing economizer 3B and/or
cold I.P. heat exchanger hot side drain
during routine field inspections.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Loss of HRS steam production, bad stack, loss Low-low flow alarm stage 1 1. Restart pumps and plant
of absorption Interlocks will stop the main compressor, 2. If pump is damaged, remove and replace
dilution water, sparge air and second stage with spare pump. To minimize SO3 fuming
acid flow out from the open pump mounting nozzle,
take the following steps.
Pump out the pump boot acid to the
final tower pump tank using the HRS
acid drain pump. Refill the pump boot
with fresh, cold acid from storage.
Continue this operation until the pump
boot acid temperature is < 70 °C.
Purge the tower with dry air from the
main compressor (at minimum speed)
for at least 20 minutes while HRS acid is
being changed out. It is necessary to
bypass the low-low 1st stage flow
interlock. Stop purge before removing
pump.
Loss of Second Stage Flow
High gas temperature and mist and SO3 High gas temperature exit second stage 1. Restore flow, check flow valves and
carryover to the heat recovery tower mist Low second stage acid flow strainers
eliminator, increased corrosion of mist eliminator, 2. If flow cannot be immediately restored, shut
duct, and downstream cold I.P. heat exchanger. down the plant
High acid drainage from catch pot before cold
I.P. heat exchanger inlet vestibule.
Loss of Dilution Water
HRS circulation acid concentration will increase, Low HRS dilution water flow 1. Restore dilution water flow
steam production will fall off, and SO3 will not be High boiler feedwater flow to dilution water 2. Check valve positions and dilution water
absorbed, causing overheating of the final tower flow ratio piping and strainer. Shut down the plant as
system and high stack SO3 and SO2 emissions High concentration alarm required.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
High corrosion of stainless steel equipment Low concentration alarms 1. Check position of dilution water valves
High corrosion rate alarms 2. Check dilution water flows and cut back as
required
3. Check and adjust second stage flow
4. Check common pump tank concentration
5. Verify acid concentration analyzer(s)
6. If necessary, shut down the plant. The plant
interlock system will shut down the plant and
drain the HRS boiler if the trip level of 97%
H2SO4 is reached
7. Check for drip acid in economizers 3B and
other economizers for indications of high
pressure steam or water leaks
High BFW Flow to Dilution Water Flow Ratio
Could be indication of HRS boiler leak or high High boiler feedwater flow to dilution water flow 1. Check pump tank acid concentration by
pressure boiler/superheater/economizer leak or ratio laboratory sample
low common pump tank acid concentration, or 2. Shut down plant and drain HRS boiler if
high HRS boiler blowdown rate. Recovering condition continues
from low HRS boiler level will have the same 3. Check vestibule drain of economizer 3B for
affect. This will be self-adjusting as level is excessive drip acid
established 4. Check HRS boiler blowdown valves
Leak in Tower Shell
Local hazards from acid and gas None 1. Observe leaks and shut down plant
2. Stop dilution water and sparge airflow to
diluter and second stage acid flow.
3. Shut down HRS pump
4. Drain as required and repair leak.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Drip acid and SO3 plume in cold I.P. heat High acid concentration in first stage 1. Check first stage acid concentration
exchanger cold gas catch pot drain Plugged distributor in first or second stage 2. Inspect first and second stage distributors as
Increased stack SO2 emissions Low acid flow to second stage (plugged soon as possible
Black stick test at exit of heat recovery tower strainer) 3. Check acid flow rate to first and second
Low acid flow to first stage stage
> 3 °C temperature rise across mist 4. Check second stage acid strainer for
eliminator elements pluggage with pressure gauge provided
HRS pump cavitation, loss of acid flow to heat Low-low level alarm 1. Check level transmitter for malfunction
recover tower first stage 2. Manually raise level by throttling valve to get
to proper operating level
3. Shut down plant and check level with stick
4. Control level manually until level indicator is
corrected
5. Check emergency acid drain valve and
manual drain valves for tight shut-off
6. Check tower bottom and circulating pipes for
leaks
Heat Recovery Tower Pump Boot High Level
Acid level up into heat recovery tower gas inlet, High pump boot level alarm 1. Check level transmitter for malfunction
may flood packing and surge compressor High-high pump boot level alarm 2. Manually open valve to reduce level to
proper operating level
3. Shut down plant and check level with stick
after level has dropped below back-up level
alarm
Plant Power Failure
System cool off Main Compressor trip and others 1. Block and bleed dilution water and sparge
Loss of steam pressure air
Dilute acid 2. Stop continuous blowdown on HRS boiler
3. Block in boiler steam system
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Water will leak into acid system, reducing acid Low alarm on concentration indicator 1. Bypass the heater on the water side by
concentration and causing high corrosion rates. High deviation from pump boot acid opening the water side bypass valve, and
Acid outlet temperature increases until it concentration then close the water side heater inlet and
becomes higher than the acid inlet temperature Temperature cross alarm outlet valves. Open the water side drains.
2. If an HRS heater leak is highly suspected,
shut down the plant with emergency trip .
Fog Formation in Stage 2
H2SO4 vapor from stage 1 will normally No instrument alarms. 1. Raise acid temperature at the bottom (gas
condense and be absorbed in stage 2. If the Bad stick test after Stage 2 inlet area) of Stage 2 by reducing acid flow
condensation occurs too rapidly in the gas Possible visible plume from plant stack. over tower, and increasing acid temperature
phase, fine mist (fog) may result. The high Excessive drip acid from Cold IP HEX. into this tower.
efficiency mist eliminators will collect most of this
mist, but if too much, some will pass through.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 6
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
2. TYPICAL ALARM AND ACTION GUIDELINES – HRS
The instructions and actions given in the following table should only be used as a guideline for checking alarms and trips
within the HRS. It does not cover every possible cause for the alarms and trips listed.
The set points given below are typical and may not be exact for your plant.
The table below includes typical instrument and limit switches with either an alarm or interlock trip in the DCS associated with
its output. The values in your plant may vary slightly. Consult the detailed instrument list and material balance.
Heat Recovery Tower Pump Boot See Troubleshooting Section 1 See Troubleshooting Section 1
N/A
Acid Concentration Analyzer Fault
Heat Recovery Tower Pump Boot
N/A See instrument operating manual. See instrument operating manual.
Acid Concentration Analyzer Hold
1. Low 1st stage acid flow. 1. Increase acid flow to 1st stage.
2. Dilution water system 2. Check dilution water control valves.
High 1st Stage HRS Acid
99.3% H2SO4 malfunction. 3. Verify acid concentration in
Concentration
3. Transmitter or analyzer laboratory. Check analyzer
malfunction. function.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 7
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 8
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
80% Design Low Water Flow to HRS Diluter See Troubleshooting Section 1 See Troubleshooting Section 1
5.0 High BFW to Dilution Water Ratio See Troubleshooting Section 1 See Troubleshooting Section 1
N/A HRS Emergency Trip Alarm HRS emergency trip activated. See interlock actions.
High HRS Acid Circulating Pump
By Vendor
Motor Current See vendor manual. See vendor manual.
High-High HRS Acid Circulating
By Vendor
Pump Motor Current
See drawing High-High Heat Recovery Tower See Troubleshooting Section 1 See Troubleshooting Section 1
(62%) Pump Boot Level
See drawing High Heat Recovery Tower Pump See Troubleshooting Section 1 See Troubleshooting Section 1
(61%) Boot Level
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 9
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 10
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 11
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 02
TROUBLESHOOTING
Low HRS Diluter Acid Bypass Unblock line to prevent vacuum in HRS
150 °C Line blocked.
Temperature diluter on shutdown.
Low HRS Drain Pump Acid Inlet
60 °C Pipe empty. Shutdown HRS drain pumps.
Temperature
1. See interlock descriptions.
HRS Temperature Cross Trip, I-5, I- 2. Check operating data for source of
See Interlock
51, I-61, I-81, I-82, I-83, I-84, I-85, I- Leak in HRS heat exchanger temperature cross.
Description
86, I-87, I-88, I-89, I-91, and I-92 3. Inspect HRS heat exchanger for
acid leak.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
TRB 02 - 12
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
1. GENERAL
The following safety procedures are supplied as a guideline for plant personnel. It is not
intended to replace or to be used in lieu of regular, established safety practices.
Operation of the sulfuric acid plant can be hazardous if the plant is not operated,
controlled, and maintained properly. All personnel must comply with all safety rules and
regulations normally required for any acid plant. Proper safety equipment must be
provided. The plant is designed and engineered with safety interlock shutdown facilities,
safety showers, and other necessary normal controls of hazards. The chemical safety
data sheets in Appendix 4 outline various hazards and safety requirements.
A sulfuric acid plant is as safe as the operating personnel make it. Hazards that
normally exist include:
EXPLOSION
THERMAL BURNS
CHEMICAL BURNS
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
The time involved to develop and maintain a good safety program is not wasted. No one
enjoys being injured, and the expenses involved are much higher than might be obvious.
Learning and using proper safety practices and devices will make operating the acid
plant easier and safer.
1. Trace every pipeline. Learn the location and purpose of every valve.
2. Never attempt to light an oil or gas burner with a torch until the fan or blower has
been operating long enough to thoroughly purge any unburned gases left in the
system. Always assume delayed ignition is going to cause an explosion. If the
burner does not stay lit on the first attempt, purge the system before making a
second attempt. The combustion gases exiting from the start-up stack must
always be almost invisible. If they are not (i.e.--dark, sooty), shut off the burner
at once.
3. Never heat the boiler without first checking and confirming adequate water level.
Always make sure the blowdown valves are closed and all vents and drip valves
are open. Check all valves in the system. Be sure that all pressure gauge cocks
are open.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 1
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
4. Never open any valve under pressure quickly without specific instructions to the
contrary. The sudden changes in pressure or resulting waterhammer may cause
piping failure.
7. Never tighten bolts, nuts, or pipe thread under steam pressure. Never strike any
object under steam pressure.
3. ACID BURNS
In case of an acid burn, the Operator should quickly get under a safety shower and use
the full flow of water; the more water the better. A small amount of water will increase
the severity of the burn. Water should be used until all traces of acid have been washed
from the burn, normally for a minimum of 15 minutes. Alkaline solutions are not needed.
If used at all, they should be used only after all the acid has been washed from the burn.
Once the acid has been washed from the burn, it may be treated in the same manner as
a heat burn.
SAF 01- 2
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
k. One at grade near the HRS heater and HRS drain pump.
Before making any repair on a pipeline or on a flue or piece of equipment that may
contain acid, care should be taken to drain the equipment thoroughly. If a pump line is
involved, the pump should be stopped, the starting switch locked, and the valve suitably
closed. Any possible blockage of the line should be cleared. Maintenance personnel
should always have a water hose nearby, as many burns are avoided or made minor by
this simple precaution.
Rubber gloves designed for chemical plant service should be available to all personnel
working around acid plant equipment.
4. EYE PROTECTION
All operating personnel should wear goggles or eye shields when they are in an area
where acid is being circulated or pumped. This includes, in particular, the area around
the drying, absorbing, and HRS towers, acid coolers, all HRS equipment, acid storage
tanks, and loading platforms.
Goggles or shields must be worn when adjusting valves on acid lines, handling acid,
opening a line, or at any other time when there is even a remote chance of acid leakage
or splash. Always assume that an acid line is full.
A drinking fountain or eye-wash fountain with a liberal upward flow of water is desirable
and may be used to mitigate the severity of eye burns. If an Operator gets a drop of acid
in the eye, the Operator should position the eye directly over the fountain and thoroughly
flush it with water. Alkaline neutralizing agents should never be used for eye burns. It
cannot be emphasized too strongly that the best first aid measure for an acid burn is “A
LOT OF WATER AND QUICKLY!” (It is undesirable to use a drinking fountain that
supplies ice water. It is better to provide water that is not excessively cold.)
5. HAZARDS
1. Combustion of Fuels
The start-up burner furnished in this plant utilizes propane gas and diesel fuel as
fuel. The normal fire and explosion hazards associated with firing burners with
combustible fuel will exist if proper operation, control, and maintenance are not
maintained at all times. The possibility of equipment failures always exists.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 3
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
Waste heat boilers together with accessories and steam handling facilities are
included in this plant. The normal explosion hazard and steam hazards
associated with boilers and steam handling equipment will exist if proper
operation, control, maintenance, and observance of safety rules are not
maintained at all times.
3. Gas Fumes
Sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid fumes, and oxides of nitrogen normally
are not a hazard in a well operated and maintained acid plant, but all gas fumes
can be hazardous to personnel when proper plant conditions are not maintained.
The possibility of equipment failures always exists.
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas having a characteristic odor and a strong irritant
action of the eyes, nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. A concentration of 3
to 5 ppm is readily noticed and tasted, and one of 8 to 12 ppm causes irritation of
the nose and throat. Coughing and eye irritation are observed at about 20 ppm.
Higher concentrations are so irritating that voluntary exposure generally cannot
be endured. Proper respiratory devices should be available for entering areas of
high concentration and for emergency purposes.
Sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid vapors or mists exist as a fog in the air and are
irritating to the mucous membranes of the eyes and the respiratory tract. Proper
respiratory devices should be available for emergencies.
The oxides of nitrogen primarily irritate the respiratory tract, which mainly affect
the deep portion of the lungs. Nitrogen dioxide is a dangerous substance. It has
a characteristic odor at concentrations as low as 5 ppm and mild irritation of the
eyes, nose, and upper respiratory tracts occurs at concentrations of 10 to 20
ppm. There is very little change in the intensity of irritation with increase in
concentration. Continuous exposure can be quite harmful and can result in
edema and asphyxiation. Because of the delayed action of nitrogen dioxide, rigid
controls and strict supervision should be enforced where there is potential
exposure. A high flame temperature in the sulfur burner due to poor air flow may
generate nitrogen oxides. Proper respiratory devices should be available for
entering areas where high concentrations may accumulate and for emergency
purposes.
4. Catalyst Dust
During plant operations, the exposure to vanadium catalyst is practically nil and
is not a hazard. During plant shutdown, when personnel are engaged in handling
or screening the catalyst, a serious hazard results. Exposure to vanadium
pentoxide dust produces irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Knowledge of
the toxicology of vanadium is incomplete, particularly as to the chronic and
systemic effects. In order to reduce this exposure, it is recommended that the
catalyst be removed pneumatically from the converter and screened externally.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 4
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
In all cases, personnel should be protected throughout the exposure period with
approved respirators and eye protection. Instructions for screening catalyst are
given in Section 22.5.
Sulfuric acid is classified as a corrosive liquid. Care must be exercised in all handling
operations because it reacts with most metals and with water. In concentrations below
77.7 wt% H2SO4 (60° Be), it is highly reactive to metals and evolves hydrogen gas on
contact. In concentrations above 77.7 wt%, it is a strong oxidizing agent, reactive with
many organic materials and inorganic reducing agents to evolve considerable heat.
Sulfuric acid has a high affinity for water (hygroscopic) and decomposes many oxygen-
containing organic materials by dehydration. Addition of water to concentrated acid will
produce violent steam explosions and splattering.
Sulfuric acid solutions, particularly the more concentrated ones, rapidly destroy all body
tissues, causing serious burns and may be accompanied by shock and collapse.
Repeated exposure to low concentrations may result in dermatitis. Contact with the
eyes is especially hazardous, often causing severe damage or loss of sight.
Inhalation of the concentrated vapor from hot acid may be harmful since it causes
chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Cough and chronic bronchitis may
result from repeated exposures. Severe exposures may cause pneumonitis.
In cases of contact with sulfuric acid, the most important treatment is immediate flushing
with copious amounts of water. No neutralizing substances should be used until all of
the acid has been thoroughly washed away with water as otherwise the heat of
neutralization may enhance the burn. Readily available safety showers and eye wash
fountains are provided in the plant and must be regularly inspected by the Owner to
ensure good working order at all times.
Sulfuric acid by itself is not flammable, but the higher concentrations may cause ignition
by contact with combustible materials. Sulfuric acid may generate hydrogen in metal
piping, vessels, or storage tanks. Hydrogen-air mixtures are very explosive in the range
of 4 to 75% hydrogen by volume. No open lights, flames, sparks, or spark producing
tools should be permitted near containers of sulfuric acid. All electrical fixtures in these
areas should be vapor tight.
Contact of strong sulfuric acid with metallic sulfides can cause evolution of hydrogen
sulfide and ignition.
Sulfuric acid spills should be neutralized with lime or soda ash where possible and
flushed with copious quantities of water after ventilating thoroughly if inside a building. A
supply of water for wash down purposes should be available in areas where acid is
stored or handled.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 5
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
7. OTHER HAZARDS
Other hazards common to most chemical plants will also exist in this plant and should be
included in accident prevention plans. Some of the common regulations are outlined.
The proper tools for each job should be provided and used. Each Operator should wear
the proper safety equipment required for the job performed such as safety glasses,
safety goggles, face shields, acid hoods, hard shell hat, acid proof suit, rubber boots,
rubber hat, gloves, welding hood, respirators, etc. For welding, cutting, chipping,
grinding, jackhammering, etc., the Operator should use the proper applicable safety
equipment. Acetylene and oxygen gas cylinders should be safely stored and handled.
Fire extinguishers should be available in buildings, and periodically checked and ready
for use. All portable ladders should be secured at the upper end and blocked whenever
used. All workers including supervisors should be given a full understanding of the safe
job procedures and the requirements of the job. Hazard areas should be isolated by
barriers, screens, roping, and warning signs.
Workers should not blow dust or dirt from their clothing with oxygen or compressed air.
All electrical switches, starters, or disconnects should be locked out in the off position by
the worker performing the repair or adjustment to any piece of power-driven equipment.
All vessels or enclosed spaces should be drained, purged, ventilated, and checked for
safe entry before entering. Approved hand safety lamps should be used inside tanks
and in hazardous areas. Safety work and flame permits should be required. Rescue
and resuscitation equipment should be readily available. All power tools should be
adequately grounded.
A basic rule in sulfuric acid plant maintenance is that no work is to be performed on any
vessel, tank, pipeline, or other equipment which has contained acid without complete
draining, flushing, purging, and an explosiometer test on the gas indicating good
ventilation and a safe atmosphere.
Another cardinal safety rule in sulfuric acid plants is that all acid lines, even though they
have been drained, are considered to be full of acid and under pressure whenever
opened or flanges unbolted. This way all workers are wearing proper protective devices
and apparel and are above the piping in elevation so that acid pockets under hydrogen
pressure, if they exist, will drain out without contacting the workers. Any spills should
immediately be flushed with water from a readily available water hose. Some plants
require that acid valves be locked in the closed position when acid lines are un-bolted.
Other general rules may be added to these listed.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 6
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
Specific measures to be taken to eliminate or control each hazard listed in the above
analysis depends upon the Owner’s or Operator’s attitude for safety and local existing
safety requirements in the acid plant. The Owner’s or Operator’s personnel will start-up
and operate the plant. MECS representatives will adhere to all local safety rules and
regulations in force for the Owner’s plant while in the plant.
Safe working procedures are generally developed by a joint venture of the plant workers
and the Owner’s safety department. The responsibility for a good safety program rests
with plant management. All workers, operations, and maintenance should perform their
respective duties in accordance with the established safety practices and good
housekeeping requirements existing at the plant site. The recommendations included in
the analysis of hazards are the result of past acid plant experience. One of the most
important factors in efficient plant operation is good maintenance of all operating and
control equipment. Annual inspection of all equipment is recommended. The use of
proper materials of construction in making repairs is emphasized in an acid plant for
good accident prevention. The MECS representative in attendance at the plant start-up
will be available to discuss any safety matters on which the Owner may desire additional
information.
Hazards Identification
Listed below are a few additional personnel exposure items unique to the Heat
Recovery System.
5. Hydrogen Explosions
Large quantities of hydrogen (corrosion by-product) can be generated in
the stainless steel heat recovery tower if exposed to low acid
concentrations.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 7
Rev 0
30 May 2011
APPENDIX 03
SAFETY RULES
Protective Systems
Sample coolers are provided to cool the hot HRS acid prior to sampling.
An acid suit, acid boots, acid gloves, and safety shield with safety goggles
should be worn when taking acid samples, when level rodding the pump boot,
when draining strong acid from equipment, and when performing maintenance
on strong acid piping or equipment. In addition to the above safety equipment,
a respirator and safety harness must be worn when entering the heat recovery
tower.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to
others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
SAF 01- 8
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 04
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET INDEX
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MSD 01- 1
MONSANTO Company
____________________________________________________________________________________________
CHEMICAL NAME: Mixture of complex inorganic salts (oxosulfato vanadates) containing sodium, potassium and
vanadium salts on crystalline silica support
SYNONYMS: None
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
____________________________________________________________________________________________
* Hazardous chemical(s) under the criteria of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
# National Toxicology Program (NTP) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) listed carcinogen.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
____________________________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
WARNING!
CAUSES EYE AND RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION
MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION
MAY BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED
REPEATED AND PROLONGED INHALATION CAN CAUSE DELAYED LUNG DAMAGE
CANCER HAZARD - CONTAINS CRYSTALLINE SILICA WHICH CAN CAUSE CANCER
MONSANTO Material Safety Data Page 2 of 7
Sulfuric Acid Catalyst TYPE 516, TYPE 210, TYPE 11
TYPE LP-120, TYPE LP-110, TYPE LP-220, TYPE LP-1150
TYPE XLP-110, TYPE XLP-220 March 22, 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
EYE CONTACT: causes pain, redness and tearing based on toxicity studies on the components. Dust may cause
eye irritation as would any foreign material.
SKIN CONTACT: no more than slightly toxic or irritating based on toxicity studies. Dust grittiness may cause slight
irritation.
INHALATION: causes coughing, chest pain, runny nose and burning throat based on experience with the components.
Repeated and prolonged inhalation can cause delayed lung damage.
INGESTION: no more than slightly toxic. Significant adverse health effects are not expected to develop if only small
amounts (less than a mouthful) are swallowed.
IF IN EYES, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If easy to do, remove any contact lenses.
Get medical attention.
IF ON SKIN, immediately flush with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Get medical attention. Wash
clothing before reuse.
IF INHALED, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
IF SWALLOWED, rinse mouth thoroughly with water. NEVER GIVE ANYTHING BY MOUTH TO AN UNCONSCIOUS
PERSON. Get medical attention. Contact a Poison Control Center. Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by
medical personnel.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION: Product may evolve small volumes of sulfur trioxide gas if heated
above 805 degrees F.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: In case of fire, use water, dry chemical, CO2, or foam.
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT: Fire fighters and others exposed to products of combustion should wear self-contained
breathing apparatus. Equipment should be thoroughly decontaminated after use.
MONSANTO Material Safety Data Page 3 of 7
Sulfuric Acid Catalyst TYPE 516, TYPE 210, TYPE 11
TYPE LP-120, TYPE LP-110, TYPE LP-220, TYPE LP-1150
TYPE XLP-110, TYPE XLP-220 March 22, 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
In case of spill, sweep, scoop or vacuum and remove. Flush residual spill area with water. Keep out of sewers,
watersheds and water systems.
Refer to Section 13 for disposal information and Sections 14 and 15 for reportable quantity information.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Emptied container retains vapor and product residue. Observe all labeled safeguards until container is cleaned,
reconditioned or destroyed.
Eye Protection: Where there is significant potential for eye contact, wear chemical goggles and have eye flushing
equipment available.
Skin Protection: Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves and clothing to protect potentially exposed skin. Consult
glove manufacturer to determine appropriate type glove for given application. Wash contaminated skin promptly.
Launder contaminated clothing and clean protective equipment before reuse. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Respiratory Protection: Avoid breathing dust. Use NIOSH approved respiratory protection equipment when airborne
exposure limits are exceeded (see below). Consult respirator manufacturer to determine appropriate type equipment
for given application. Observe respirator use limitations specified by NIOSH or the manufacturer. Respiratory
protection programs must comply with 29 CFR 1910.134.
Ventilation: Provide natural or mechanical ventilation to control exposure levels below airborne exposure limits (see
below). If practical, use local mechanical exhaust ventilation at sources of air contamination such as open process
equipment.
* OSHA and ACGIH have not established specific exposure limits for this material. OSHA has established the
following limits for vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) respirable dust and fume. ACGIH has established the following limits
for vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) respirable dust.
OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV
0.5 mg/m3 (respirable dust) ceiling 0.05 mg/m3 8-hr TWA
0.1 mg/m3 (fume) ceiling
+ A2: The ACGIH has designated this component as an “A2" substance, thereby including it among industrial
substances suspect of carcinogenic potential for man. Worker exposure by all routes should be carefully controlled.
% OSHA and ACGIH have not established specific exposure limits for this material. However, they have established
limits for particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) and particulates not otherwise classified, insoluble (PNOC)
respectively, which are the least stringent exposure limits applicable to dusts.
OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV
15 mg/m3 (total dust) 8-hr TWA 10 mg/m3 (inhalable) 8-hr TWA
5 mg/m3 (respirable) 8-hr TWA 3 mg/m3 (respirable) 8-hr TWA
____________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: These physical data are typical values based on material tested but may vary from sample to sample. Typical
values should not be construed as a guaranteed analysis of any specific lot or as specifications for the product.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Industrial experience indicates that vanadium compounds, such as vanadates and vanadium oxides, are irritating to the
eyes, skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Productive cough, wheezing, difficulty in breathing,
chest pains, bronchitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, pneumonia, gastrointestinal tract
disturbances, kidney and heart effects have also been reported with excessive exposure to dust and fumes of
vanadium compounds.
MONSANTO Material Safety Data Page 5 of 7
Sulfuric Acid Catalyst TYPE 516, TYPE 210, TYPE 11
TYPE LP-120, TYPE LP-110, TYPE LP-220, TYPE LP-1150
TYPE XLP-110, TYPE XLP-220 March 22, 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Overexposure to dusts of the diatomaceous earth (silica) component of sulfuric acid catalyst may also cause
respiratory tract irritation. The diatomaceous earth contains crystalline forms of silica (quartz and cristobalite).
Repeated and prolonged inhalation of crystalline silica may cause a progressive pneumoconiosis (commonly known as
silicosis), a form of disabling lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis). Clinical signs and symptoms of silicosis include
cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and impairment of lung function. Impairment of lung function may be
progressive. In the usual case of silicosis, there is a slow deterioration of capacity for physical effort, decreased chest
expansion, and an increased susceptibility to tuberculosis and other respiratory infections. Studies have also shown
that quartz can cause cancer in animals, and there is some epidemiological evidence that quartz may be associated
with lung cancer observed in workers exposed to silica dust.
Toxicological Data
Monsanto has not conducted toxicity studies on these sulfuric acid catalysts. However, the following data were
developed on a similar sulfuric acid catalyst and are considered representative of these catalysts.
Components
Data from the scientific literature on the components of these sulfuric acid catalysts which have been identified as
hazardous chemicals under the criteria of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200):
Inhalation of silica dust may produce lung toxicity and adverse effects on the respiratory system. Data from the
available literature on crystalline forms of silica confirm the capacity of free crystalline silica to induce a fibrinogenic
response in lungs.
In addition to the adverse effects noted above, studies on a variety of laboratory animals (rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and
monkeys) using inhalation, as well as intratracheal, routes of exposure indicate the ability of crystalline silica to
produce silicosis similar to that seen in man, and confirm human experience that the presence of crystalline silica in
the lung increased susceptibility to infection. In laboratory studies, quartz produced malignant and benign tumors in
animals following inhalation exposure or placement in the lungs (pleural implants). Epidemiology studies in workers
exposed primarily to silica dust (predominantly the quartz form of silica) indicated excess mortality from lung cancers.
Crystalline forms of silica, which includes quartz and cristobalite, are classified as "carcinogenic to humans" by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC Monographs, Vol. 68). The IARC listing is based on their
determination that there is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of crystalline forms of silica in humans and
sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of crystalline forms of silica in experimental animals. Epidemiology studies
cited by IARC give indications of increased risk for lung cancer in a working environment contaminated with crystalline
silica, particularly in combination with other exposures.
Vanadium Salts
Reduced weight gains, and effects on liver, kidney and lungs have been reported in laboratory animals following
repeated oral administration of vanadates. Vanadium is also reported to interfere with a number of biochemical
processes.
MONSANTO Material Safety Data Page 6 of 7
Sulfuric Acid Catalyst TYPE 516, TYPE 210, TYPE 11
TYPE LP-120, TYPE LP-110, TYPE LP-220, TYPE LP-1150
TYPE XLP-110, TYPE XLP-220 March 22, 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Monsanto has not conducted environmental toxicity studies with this product.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Sulfuric acid catalyst is not a "hazardous waste" as that term is defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA), 40 CFR 261, "Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste”. Dispose of in accordance with local, state
and federal regulations. Consult your attorney or appropriate regulatory officials for information on such disposal.
Metal reclaimers are available to recover vanadium value from disposed material. This product should not be dumped,
spilled, rinsed or washed into sewers or public waterways.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
The data provided in this section is for information only. Please apply the appropriate regulations to properly classify
your shipment for transportation.
This product is not hazardous under the applicable DOT, ICAO/IATA, or IMDG regulations.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: The state of California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986
requires the following label on this product. WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer.
Refer to Section 2 for OSHA Hazardous Chemical(s) and Section 13 for RCRA classification.
MONSANTO Material Safety Data Page 7 of 7
Sulfuric Acid Catalyst TYPE 516, TYPE 210, TYPE 11
TYPE LP-120, TYPE LP-110, TYPE LP-220, TYPE LP-1150
TYPE XLP-110, TYPE XLP-220 March 22, 2002
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
REASON FOR REVISION: New product type Supersedes MSDS dated: February 20, 2001
Although the information and recommendations set forth herein (hereinafter "Information") are presented in good faith
and believed to be correct as of the date hereof, Monsanto Company makes no representations as to the
completeness or accuracy thereof. Information is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will
make their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Monsanto Company
be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon Information. NO
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE HEREUNDER WITH RESPECT TO
INFORMATION OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH INFORMATION REFERS.
Sulaccat.201
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
Make a record of the pressure drop across the mist eliminators before and after
the wash at the design flow conditions.
Construct two or three tanks out of 4-foot (1,200 mm) ID pipe or equivalent
material. Install overflow and drain lines on the tanks. The tanks should be
longer than the elements with their seal cups attached. Construct a hanger for
drying the elements after washing.
Fill the first washing tank with water, solvent or detergent. Keep 1 to 2 feet
(approximately 0.5 meters) of freeboard for immersing each element. Fill the
second tank with water for rinsing. Arrange to keep water running at
approximately 10 gpm (2 m3/h) in the second tank. Wash one element at a time.
Take the element out of the vessel using a crane or a forklift and lower it into the
first washing tank. Move the element gently up and down to provide some
agitation, but avoid jerking the element. Soak the element for approximately 15
minutes or until it is clean. Move the element to the second tanks and rinse for
approximately 15 minutes. After washing, hang the element on the hanger for
one to two hours to dry.
Prepare three tanks in series as instructed above. Add 500 lb (225 kg) of sodium
carbonate (soda ash) to the first and second tanks to make a 5% solution. Add
clean water to all three tanks. Keep one to two feet (approximately 0.5 meters)
of freeboard for immersing each element. Arrange to keep water running at
approximately 10 gpm (2 m3/h) in the third tank for rinsing. Wash one element at
a time. Remove the element from the vessel and remove the seal cup. Remove
the accumulated sulfate and wash the seal cup with water.
Immerse the element in the first washing tank. Make sure the element is
completely covered with soda ash solution. The solution will bubble due to CO2
evolution from the acid neutralization. Soak the element until bubbling stops,
usually 5 to 10 minutes. Move the element to the second tank and soak it for two
to three minutes to neutralize any remaining acid. Move the element to the third
tank and rinse it with running water for approximately 15 minutes. Hang the
element on the hanger for one to two hours to dry.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
Add soda ash to the first and the second tank as needed to keep the solution
alkaline. The first tank uses approximately 100 lb (50 kg) of soda ash per
element, and the second tank uses approximately 10 lb (5 kg) per element.
Prepare four tanks in series as instructed above. Add 500 lb (225 kg) of soda
ash to the first tank to make a 5% solution, and 100 lb (50 kg) of sodium sulfide
to the third tank to make a 0.5% solution. Add clean water to all four tanks.
Keep one to two feet (approximately 0.5 meters) of freeboard for immersing each
element. Maintain water running at approximately 10 gpm (2 m3/h) in the second
and fourth tank for rinsing.
Wash one element at a time. Remove the element from the vessel and immerse
it in the first washing tank filled with approximately 5% soda ash solution. Make
sure the element is completely covered with soda ash solution. The solution will
bubble due to CO2 evolution from the acid neutralization. Soak the element until
bubbling stops, usually 5 to 10 minutes. Then move the element to the second
tank and rinse with running water for 5 minutes. If the element is not
completely neutralized, H2S (hydrogen sulfide) gas may evolve, posing a
serious hazard. Be sure that there is no residual acidity in the fiber bed at
this point.
Move the element to the third tank filled with approximately 0.5% sodium sulfide
solution. The solution should bubble due to reaction between sulfur and sodium
sulfide. Soak the element in the sodium sulfide solution for 30 minutes. Move
the element to the fourth tank and rinse with running water for approximately 15
minutes. Hang the element on the hanger one to two hours to dry.
Add soda ash to the first tank to keep the solution alkaline. It will use
approximately 100 lb (50 kg) of soda ash per element. Add sodium sulfide to the
third tank as needed. It will use approximately 50 lb (25 kg) of sodium sulfide per
element.
After drying, install the elements on a clean dry tube sheet. Use new full face
1/4" thick fiberglass cloth impregnated with Teflon gaskets. Lubricate the screws
before torquing them properly with a torque wrench, following the tightening
sequence as shown in the original installation and maintenance instructions.
Proper installation is very important.
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
2.1 General
If repairs are made to the tower, it should be washed with water, neutralized with
a soda ash solution, and flushed again with water. (If the tower has a mist
eliminator installed, it will have to be washed and neutralized, to prevent acid
from dripping on the repair crew).
If no repairs are necessary, strong acid should be circulated through the system
as quickly as possible after the tower is washed to minimize possible corrosion
and deterioration of exposed metal and brickwork by water and weak acid.
a. Shut down the plant and allow the towers to drain as long as possible,
preferably for at least two hours.
b. Use the drain pump to drain the acid from the seal leg and base of the
tower back to the pump tank.
c. Disconnect the acid piping at the tower outlet and make a temporary
connection to the sewer for the effluent wash water. This may be done
by use of a 4" or 6" (100 or 150 mm) steel pipe, a section of flexible
hose, or a combination of flexible hose and pipe. A trough of sheet
metal, lined with roofing paper, has also been used for this job but is
much less desirable. A trough may also be constructed of wood.
e. Flush the tower thoroughly from the manholes using one or more fire
hoses without nozzles, or the equivalent. It is important that the water
be directed downward against the packing as much as possible. The
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
f. Remove the drain at the acid outlet. Reinstall the acid piping to the
pump tank and circulate strong acid as quickly as possible. In no event
should the tower be allowed to stand overnight before circulating strong
acid.
The first water to be flushed from the tower contains a lot of acid. It may be
necessary to run effluent water through a tank where an alkali, such as lime,
soda ash or caustic soda can be added.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
The ES mist eliminators provided are high efficiency flanged forward flow units.
In a conventional fiber bed, liquid draining on the downstream face of the fiber
bed is sometimes re-entrained in the exiting gas. This entrainment becomes
worse with higher loadings of mist and/or higher flow velocities.
The ES units include a patented layer of coarse fibers downstream of the finer
collecting fiber. Liquid that would re-entrain from the finer fiber bed is recollected
and drained in the re-entrainment layer.
The CS Series of mist eliminators are flanged, reverse flow units. They perform
with moderate to high efficiency and pressure drop. When they are used as an
alternative to mesh pads, a tubesheet is usually retrofitted into an existing vessel.
The CS Series is designed to be repackable.
The newer CS-IP and CS-IIP mist eliminator elements include an integral
reentrainment control layer downstream of the collecting fiber. This layer is
constructed of a special wire mesh and collects any reentrainment from the fiber
bed. The “P” designation refers to the wire mesh pad.
The CS-IBP and CS-IIBP (and older CS-IB and CS-IIB) mist eliminator elements
include an optional baffle screen impaction separator. The “B” designation refers
to the baffle screen. In high loading situations this pre-separator removes many
of the larger particles and reduces the center core of the element or may hang
down underneath the element inlet. A separate dip pipe and seal cup is provided
for each baffle screen. (The dip pipe location may require that a specific
minimum hole diameter be available in the tubesheet. See the element drawing
for this minimum diameter.)
3.3 Storage
When the elements are received at the job site, the crated elements should be
stored in a warehouse, covered with a tarp or plastic sheet. This must be done to
prevent the fibers from being saturated with water and dirt. The crates should be
stacked in a horizontal position. The stack should be no more than four crates
high.
3.4 Installation
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
Refer to the drawing details of the element and housing during the following
description. The element cage has been ruggedly built with a protected fiber
bed, but reasonable care should be exercised in handling. Careless handling of
the mist eliminator can result in filtration media damage that would lead to poor
performance. Two lift lugs are located at the top end of the element for hoisting
into place. Remove any waterproof paper from the element before hoisting it into
place. Avoid piercing the mist eliminator with any sharp object, and avoid
compressing the fiber bed.
The element flange is to be bolted to the tubesheet in the tank housing or tower
top. A gasketed seal is required, and it is vitally important that the flange be
tightly sealed. Any gas leakage around the flange materially reduces the overall
collection efficiency.
Full face gaskets are normally required for these elements, but Goretex joint
sealant may be used. To obtain a gas-tight seal, the following installation
procedure should be used.
1. Clean the mating surfaces of the element flange and tubesheet. Dirt and
scale provide leakage paths.
2. Install three socket set screws into the element flange approximately 120
degrees apart, or install three drift pins through the tubesheet. This
simplifies the alignment of the bolt holes.
3. Place the full face gasket on the tubesheet, or cut the Goretex 1/4 " joint
sealant to the length specified for the element size:
The placement of the joint sealant is important because it makes a very thin
gasket that widens as the cap screws are torqued. The flanges bend appreciably
as the cap screws are torqued and might come together without adequately
compressing the joint sealant if it is improperly placed. Remove the protective
backing tape carefully without removing the adhesive tape as the joint sealant is
firmly pressed into place. The adhesive strip holds the joint sealant in position.
To complete the seal, cross the ends near a bolt hole as indicated in Figure 1.
Hand flatten the ends.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 6
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
FIGURE 1
Check the cap screws once more to be sure they are fully torqued.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 7
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
FIGURE 2
TABLE 1
Bolt
Gasket Type Diameter Total Torque/Bolt Comments
Comments
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 8
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
3.5 Start-Up
Before starting the plant, be sure that all dust and debris has been removed from
the equipment and ductwork. When everything is clean, fill the seal(s) with
process liquid. Each seal cup must be filled with process liquid before start-up
so that the process gas will not have a direct bypass through the dip pipe. All
seal cups MUST be filled prior to start-up. If they are not, all collected
liquid will be re-entrained into the clean gas.
IMPORTANT:
Failure to fill all the seal cups, the tank sump seal, or trough-type distributor, etc.
will result in “dirty” gas bypassing plus the bypassing gas will blow out the
collected liquid that is trying to drain. Many start-up problems are a result of the
failure to fill the liquid seal.
3.6 Operation
Upon starting, the pressure drop across the mist eliminator should be checked.
For the first few hours the pressure drop will be lower than normal until normal
liquid holdup is reached in the fiber bed. The time required depends on the
amount of mist present in the gas.
Once the unit is on-line, it should be observed from time to time to see that
performance is satisfactory. Pressure drop across the unit and the
corresponding gas flow rates should be recorded once a day until stable
conditions are obtained. Thereafter, that data should be recorded every week or
when rates change.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 9
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
If, during continued operation, the pressure drop falls off appreciably, it may be
due to leaks across the gasket surfaces, erosion of the fiber bed in one or more
elements, or some other factor outside the equipment itself.
On the other hand, if the pressure drop increases during operation, it is a sign
that the fibers are becoming blinded. Such a condition can result from
entrainment in the gas of solids, tars or any foreign material that is not being
removed from the elements by natural irrigation.
If the pressure drop increases without leveling out at an acceptable value, the
unit should probably be cleaned. This decision can be made only after
inspection.
3.7 Maintenance
If damage to the element is suspected, the element should be pulled out of the
tubesheet for external inspection. The wet element weight is much heavier than
the weight when installed dry.
After cleaning, the element should be drained for several hours before putting
back into service.
Be sure when reinstalling the element to use a new spare gasket of the proper
material (see "Installation").
Elements and purchase orders are sent to different locations. Return elements
to the packing facility in the left-hand column below. Send correspondence and
purchase orders to the address on the right and include our MC-B number.
_____________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
Shipping containers for MECS Vanadium Sulfuric Acid Catalyst are tightly sealed when
received. The catalyst can be affected by moisture in the air or damaged by water;
therefore, the containers should never be opened until the converter is ready to be
packed.
The catalyst is sufficiently hard to withstand normal handling, and screening for dust
removal after shipment usually will not be required. However, if the catalyst has been
subjected to unusual shipping conditions, a small quantity of dust may be formed. Since
dust will tend to raise the resistance in the converter, the catalyst, if found necessary by
inspection, should be carefully screened before installation. This screening is best done
by passing the catalyst gently over a screen as the containers are opened for converter
packing. Workmen handling the catalyst should wear respirators and proper protective
equipment, as the dust may be irritating to the throat and lungs.
Screening of catalyst (if required) and packing of the converter should be done so far as
possible in dry weather and the operation should be completed expeditiously so as to
limit the duration of exposure to moist air.
In preparation for installation of catalyst, the inside of the converter, the converter cover
and all of the miscellaneous fittings used inside the converter should be brushed clean
of scale and dirt with a wire brush, and care should be taken that workmen clean their
shoes before entering the converter. All interior fittings should have been assembled in
the converter before beginning the installation of the catalyst to be sure that once begun,
the installation can proceed without undue delay for the fitting or parts.
After the slotted grids have all been installed, they should be pushed toward the center
of the converter and fitted together so that it is not possible for any of the ½” (13 mm)
quartz pebbles to fall through. Then two or three strands of pure fiberglass rope may be
used to caulk around the shell of the converter. No caulking should be used between
the slotted grid sections, as they must be placed to allow for some expansion.
Sometimes the converter shell is not truly cylindrical throughout or excessive openings
occur between the grids. In such cases, inserting a steel tee bar can close the
excessive opening between grids. Excessive openings around the shell may be closed
by spot welding and angle or bar to the shell immediately under the grid and then filling
the space with fiberglass rope. Depending on the detail design of the converter,
assurances need to be made to prevent gas bypassing.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 11
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
The solid partition plates must be carefully caulked between each plate, and between
the plates and the converter shell with several strands of pure fiberglass rope. It is
extremely important that no gas be able to pass these solid partition plates. Gas leaks
past these solid partition plates will cause poor temperature control and result in loss of
conversion efficiency.
Catalyst should be handled gently and not thrown in recklessly or dumped from a great
height. It is best handled in small containers or in the original containers (after re-
screening, if found necessary). After the specified amount of catalyst has been
placed, the layer should be carefully leveled to ensure uniform thickness in the
catalyst bed. Failure to level properly will cause excessive flow through “thin
spots” and may result in poor conversion. It is helpful to make three chalk marks
around the columns and around the wall of the converter at a uniform distance above the
grid. The bottom chalk mark represents the approximate top level of catalyst. The
second chalk mark, two inches above the first mark, represents the anticipated level of
the quartz pebbles over the catalyst. The third mark is placed two inches above the
second mark and serves as a reference if quartz pebbles cover the second mark.
Any of the bottom layers (except as noted for wet gas purification plants) may be packed
through access nozzles on the converter shell, without disturbing the others. Wide
boards or panels of plywood should be used as a working platform while leveling the
catalyst and installing the top layer of quartz. In no case should people be permitted to
step or lie directly on the catalyst. Care must be taken at all times that dirt, pieces of
wood, cloth, etc., do not get into the catalyst or the converter.
In cool, damp weather electric heat lamps or large size electric light bulbs can be used in
the converter to aid in keeping it dry while installing catalyst. Some types of heat lamps
will serve the dual purpose of supplying both heat and illumination. Before sealing on
the manhole covers, inspect to determine that all equipment has been removed and that
all parts of the converter are clean. Remove any dust that may have fallen through the
grids onto the division plates while installing the catalyst.
Any thermocouple protecting wells inside the converter must be located in their proper
places while the catalyst is being installed. They should be located exactly at the
dividing line between the catalyst and the quartz pebbles in each instance as shown on
the drawings. A handful of quartz may be placed under the end of the thermocouple well
to prevent the top of the thermocouple from being buried in the catalyst.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 12
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
It will be necessary to clean the catalyst in the converter because of increased pressure
drop due to dust and scale from various sources being carried in the gas stream to the
converter. An improper air filter or impurities in the sulfur will cause catalyst pluggage.
1. Cool the converter by blowing dried air though it until the temperature is low
enough to work safely. Normally 50-65 °C is sufficiently low, as the converter will
cool rapidly when it is opened to the point where it can be worked in comfortably.
If minimum shutdown time is desired, and if two manways are installed, both
manway covers may be removed and an exhaust fan installed in one while the
work is done through the other.
3. In the U.S., most catalyst is removed from the converter by vacuum. The
catalyst is collected in a cyclone-like vessel and fed by feeder onto a two-layer
mechanical screen that separates the quartz from the catalyst and screens in
one operation. The quartz and catalyst are collected in plastic bags or other type
of water-tight containers and stored until ready to return to the converter.
Catalyst should be stored indoors or protected outdoors in unfavorable weather
conditions.
The rate of catalyst removal from the converter should be controlled at 2,000 -
3,000 liters per hour to keep catalyst breakage at a minimum.
4. Before the catalyst layer is repacked, thoroughly clean the division plate under
the grids. This may be done from the manways, if provided, or by removing an
occasional grid to reach this area. The use of a vacuum cleaner is desirable, but
brushing with a soft brush is satisfactory. Any dust or dirt left on the division
plate may blow into the next layer of catalyst. Observe the condition of the
screens and clean out if they are plugged with bits of quartz and catalyst.
Normally these screens will not require cleaning, but cases have occurred where
after several cleanings, rough handling of the quartz has caused small pieces to
become lodged in these slots, causing added pressure drop. It is recommended
that an inspection be made of the caulking between the grids and the shell and of
the spacing between the grids to make certain there are no openings large
enough to allow quartz and catalyst to fall through the grids. Some division
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 13
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
plates are covered with insulating brick. This insulation brick should be
inspected and repaired if necessary.
5. Normally, the catalyst cleaning is contracted, and the contractor will supply the
vacuum unit with hoses, screens, etc., and a crew to operate the unit. The plant
owner will then supply a crew, with a supervisor, to handle the catalyst removal
and placement in containers.
16 mm x 16 mm Square or 14 mm x 25 mm Slotted or 14 mm x 38 mm
Slotted
To Separate XLP-220, XLP-110, LP-110 and LP-120 from Smaller Ring or Pellet
Catalyst, Use One or More of the Following Sizes:
6.4 mm x 50 mm Slotted
4.8 mm x 50 mm Slotted
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 14
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 15
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
From time to time, the main compressor in a typical sulfuric acid plant will accumulate
enough dust, dirt, and sulfate to cause balance or vibration problems with the wheel.
With the drying tower preceding the blower, the cause is normally a build-up of ferrous
sulfate. This is the corrosion product from the small amount of acid mist and vapor
condensation in the ducts that is carried through to the blower wheel. Most of this
material passes through the blower, but some of it clings to the wheel as a thin film.
As the film builds up, it becomes irregular and eventually causes imbalance to the
machine. This is frequently noticed after the plant has been down for a few hours
following a sustained operation period. A possible cause is that moist, ambient air
infiltrates the blower, allowing ferrous sulfate to partially hydrate and be thrown off when
the blower is restarted.
When washing the main compressor, the operators need to be aware of the precautions.
Whenever water is introduced into any part of a sulfuric acid plant, weak acid is created.
While materials of construction in the plant are very resistant to corrosion from strong
sulfuric acid, weak acid (below 90% H2SO4) is very corrosive. For blower washing, it is
important to complete the job as quickly as possible, minimize splashing, thoroughly
drain the equipment, and get the plant back to a dry condition as soon as possible so
that it can be restarted.
If the plant is in operation, it should be stopped, with a short blow-through to purge the
SO2 from the system. The blower should be washed, and the plant restarted as quickly
as possible. If the plant is down for other maintenance and the blower is to be washed,
this should be scheduled during the last few hours of the shutdown. This scheduling is
done to minimize the duration of exposure of the system to corrosive, weak sulfuric acid.
A typical procedure to wash the blower is to first prepare the wash solution of either
water or 2-5% soda ash solution. Open the scroll washing connection on the blower.
The drain in the containment sump surrounding the blower should be covered to prevent
the weak acid from draining to the oily water sewer system. A worker in protective
clothing can then spray the blower wheel with the hose provided. The wheel is rotated
by hand at the coupling. Most blowers also have an inspection port on the back side of
the casing, and the wheel can also be washed through that port. Typically, 15 to 20
minutes of washing on each side is enough to dislodge or dissolve all the scale and film
on the blower wheel. Rinse the blower with fresh water for a few minutes if a soda ash
wash solution is used. The blower casing is allowed to drain for the time taken to
replace the covers, and the unit is ready for restart.
The used wash solution, weak acid and dissolved ferrous sulfate is drained from the
blower through the drain connection. The containment sump can be emptied using a
portable sump pump. The portable sump pump should be connected to send the wash
solution to the effluent sump.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 16
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
1. Pump the tank as dry as possible. If the tank contained oleum, rinse it with 98%
H2SO4 after initially draining the tank to remove any residual SO3 vapor.
2. Remove the blank from the outlet and drain the tank as thoroughly as possible.
3. Flush the tank with high pressure water (250 - 350 kPag) from a large hose (fire
hose). Direct the stream of water at any deposits of sludge in the bottom of the
tank to break them up and flush them to the drain. Once washing starts, it must
be continued without interruption as quickly as possible until complete.
4. After the sludge has been flushed out, replace the bottom outlet and start filling
the tank with water. Sift in, do not dump in, sufficient lime or soda ash to keep
the solution in the tank alkaline. Keep the solution well agitated by mixing with
air. Change the location of the air pipe frequently to ensure thorough mixing of
the entire contents of the tank.
5. After the tank has been filled to the top and neutralized, add an extra 10 to 25 kg
of lime or soda ash and continue to mix for two to three hours. At the end of this
time, test the solution for alkalinity. If it is alkaline, then drain the tank. If the
solution is acidic, more lime or soda ash must be added and the mixing repeated.
6. After draining the tank, inspect its interior for deposits of sludge. If any sludge is
found, repeat items 4 and 5.
7. After the tank has been thoroughly cleaned, the air in the tank should be tested
with a combustible gas tester. If no combustible gases are found, it should be
safe to weld or cut the metal of the tank.
CAUTION: All the lines entering and leaving the tank should be disconnected or
blanked off before any work is started on the tank.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 01 - 17
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
1. Introduction
2. Equipment Description and Recommended Maintenance
HRS Boiler
HRS Acid Circulating Pump
HRS Diluter
HRS Instrumentation
HRS Tower and Mist Eliminator
HRS Heater
HRS Acid Piping
3. Troubleshooting Guide
4. Appendix
Planned HRS Shutdown (for Boiler Leak)
Procedure for Cleaning HRS Boiler (Acid Side)
Procedure for Cleaning HRS Heat Exchangers (Acid and Water Side)
Procedure for Tube-Plugging in HRS Heat Exchangers
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
1. INTRODUCTION
This section provides maintenance information for equipment in a new HRS (Heat
Recovery System) installation. This information should be supplemented by any vendor
maintenance instructions provided with each individual piece of equipment and
instrumentation included in the HRS.
All the equipment is important to efficient and reliable operation of the HRS, but some
components are more important than others. A list of the components, in order of their
importance, is as follows:
1. The HRS boiler is essential to operation of the HRS. Its failure will shut down both
the HRS and the entire plant until repairs or replacements are done.
2. The HRS acid circulating pump operation is essential to operation of the HRS. Its
failure will shut down both the HRS and the entire plant long enough to replace the
pump.
3. The HRS diluter vessel and water sparger are essential to operation of the HRS and
its failure will shut down both the HRS and the entire plant until it is repaired or
replaced.
5. HRS tower acid distributors must provide uniform distribution of acid to ensure good
SO3 absorption efficiency and low acid mist carryover from the HRS tower. Failure
to maintain good acid distribution may result in high SO2 emissions from the stack
(due to poor conversion in the final converter pass) and, over time, corrosion of
downstream equipment (due to acid mist carryover).
6. HRS mist eliminator performance is important to prevent high acid mist carryover
from the HRS tower. Failure to maintain good performance will, over time, result in
corrosion of downstream equipment.
7. The HRS Heater is important to provide maximum energy recovery in the HRS, but
its operation is not essential to HRS operation, since it can be temporarily bypassed
in the event of failure while the plant continues to run at reduced rate.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Section 2 describes each equipment item in the HRS and the recommended
maintenance actions for it (in the above order of importance). Maintenance actions are
divided into two categories--Routine Preventive Maintenance (during normal operation)
and Maintenance During Major Plant Shut-down (for periodic cleaning, maintenance,
catalyst screening, etc). Frequency intervals for Periodic Maintenance actions are at the
Owner’s discretion (unless noted). Section 3 summarizes troubleshooting actions
recommended to correct various operating problems in the HRS. The P & ID drawings
for the HRS are included in the back of the manual.
Equipment Description
The boiler is a horizontal kettle type with U-tube removable tube bundle and separate
external steam purifier drum. Strong acid from the heat recovery tower pump is cooled
from in the tube side of the U-tube bundle by generating medium pressure steam in the
kettle drum. The boiler consists of a carbon steel shell and tubes fabricated of special
MECS grade ZeCor 310M stainless steel.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
If corrosion is suspected at the inlet of the tubesheet, the tube bundle may be rotated
180° to maximize the boiler’s service life.
Note: Prior to removing any inspection nozzles or the exchanger channel, ensure
spare gaskets are available to replace the existing gaskets. When removing the
HRS boiler channel, the tapped studs holding the backing gasket in place (about
every fifth stud) must remain in place. It is very difficult to replace the backing gasket
if these studs are removed.
Inspect for any steam side or tube side fouling. A new set of heat transfer
performance data should be taken upon re-startup to establish baseline information.
Subsequent data will provided an indication of the fouling, if any.
Note: fouling on either side of the tubes should be negligible. If acid side fouling is
significant, it is a sign of poor dilution water treatment. See the Appendix of this
Manual for chemical cleaning of tubes (acid side only).
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Equipment Description
The pump is a vertical, submerged, Lewis pump made with special grade stainless steel
wetted parts and impeller. It circulates acid from the heat recovery tower pump boot
through the HRS boiler to the distributor of the heat recovery tower and crossflow to the
combination pump tank. The mechanical shaft seals are provided with dry air purge to
seal against operating process gas pressure. A water cooled bearing housing is used.
Ensure water is flowing through the cooling jacket on the bearing housing (check
water flow from bearing housing cooling jacket to open funnel). Check bearing
temperature on local RTD (recommended range is up to 70 °C).
Check for unusual noises or vibration.
Lubricate top ball-bearing every 3-6 months (refer to vendor’s manual).
Ensure purge air is flowing to the mechanical shaft seal (check local air flow meter).
Check that carbon grounding brush on pump shaft is electrically grounded.
Note: This may need to be done more frequently (between turn-arounds) if the pump
loses capacity or develops excessive vibration.
Note: The internal surface of the pump boot should be absolutely clean before the
pump is reinstalled—any small debris may jam the impeller due to tight clearances.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
The HRS acid diluter is an ASME B&PV Section VIII, Division I designed Teflon – lined
stainless steel vessel with a Teflon dilution water sparger. It is designed duty is to mix
99.6% sulfuric acid with dilution water (and 98.5% sulfuric acid crossflow during high
humidity operations) to produce sulfuric acid at 99.0% strength.
Monitor the acid weep hole piping on the HRS diluter for any acid leakage. This
piping is connected to the diluter between the Teflon liner and stainless steel shell.
Acid leakage indicates a failure in the integrity of the Teflon liner; the stainless steel
shell is corrosion resistant and will prevent leakage to the outside for some period of
time. Plans should be made to replace the diluter with the uninstalled spare at the
next opportunity (probably the next major plant shutdown) and repair the leaking
lining.
Blow-out the Y-strainer in the air supply piping to the sparger daily and verify
adequate air pressure at the pressure gauge (indicating adequate air flow).
Blow-out the Y-strainer in the dilution water supply piping to the sparger daily.
Check for severe vibration of the diluter. If this occurs, it may be due to inadequate
air flow mixing with dilution water to the sparger or to damage of the sparger.
Note: Do not drain the acid from the diluter unless the acid temperature is below
250 °F (121 °C), or the Teflon liner may be damaged.
Remove and inspect the diluter sparger for distortion, damage, or pluggage.
Replace if necessary.
Replace the diluter with the uninstalled spare if the Teflon lining has failed (i.e. acid
leakage from the weep hole piping).
Ensure that the double block and bleed valves in the dilution water supply have
functioned properly.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 6
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Note: this should only be done when main compressor is down and there is no internal
pressure in the HRS tower, to prevent acid blow-out through the sticking port.
Remove and inspect flow meter element for acid flow to HRS tower. Check for
pluggage and clean if necessary.
Check operation of HRS dilution water double block and bleed valves to make sure
water is prevented from flowing into HRS during shutdown.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 7
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Verify all interlock actions relating to low-low acid strength are ready to function if
activated.
The heat recovery tower is a vertical, cylindrical vessel, constructed of MECS ZeCor-
HRS alloy. The two packed sections (1st and 2nd stages) contain 76 mm chemical
porcelain saddles supported on a MECS ZeCor HRS alloy grid. A MECS distributor with
overflow downcomers is provided for acid distribution.
The bottom section of the tower and pump boot serve as the acid reservoir for the HRS
pump. One side drain and one bottom drain are provided.
Manways are provided for access to the tower base (from the pump boot platform), to
both distributor levels, and above the mist eliminator housing.
The Pump Boot Section is a horizontal, cylindrical tank, entirely constructed of special
MECS ZeCor HRS alloy. The boot has an eccentric flared section with a mounting
nozzle provided for the pump.
Check the drain on the catch pot at the outlet of the HRS tower (cold interpass heat
exchanger inlet) daily. Refer to Appendix 2 (Troubleshooting) of this manual for
discussion of possible problems and corrective actions.
Monitor pressure drop across the Y-strainer in the acid supply line to the HRS tower
2nd stage. Blow-out the strainer if pressure drop reaches 0.7 bar (should not exceed
this).
Measure wall thickness of tower shell and monitor corrosion rates at selected points
around the bottom reservoir section, pump boot, and the 1st stage distribution section
(where there is platform access) starting from the first day of operation and once per
month afterwards. Use a "D" meter or similar sonic measuring device (Krautkramer-
Branson is a well known manufacturer of "D" meters). The measurements should be
repeated at the same locations, which should be permanently marked, with
removable insulation plugs, because plate thickness will vary slightly.
Note: Wall thickness checks are especially important following any period of
operation with excursions outside the recommended acid strength range for the
HRS. Report any changes observed to MECS Inc.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 8
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Inspect and clean HRS tower acid distributor troughs and downcomers. Repair
downcomer pipes and glass inserts if necessary.
Inspect and clean base of tower (after complete drainage).
Inspect, clean, and repair (if necessary) outlet screen at tower bottom inlet to pump
boot.
Inspect Pump Boot internals including dip pipes and bubbler tubes. Access is
through the pump nozzle, while pump is removed for servicing.
Note: The internal surface of the pump boot should be absolutely clean before
reinstalling pump—any small debris may jam the impeller due to tight clearances.
In this plant, the HRS Mist Eliminators are installed in the top of the existing
Interpass Absorbing Tower and their function should be considered as part of the
HRS system.
Take a stick test at the HRS tower gas outlet weekly. Refer to Troubleshooting
Appendix 2 of this manual for discussion of possible problems and corrective
actions.
Monitor gas pressure drop across the mist eliminators (using a portable manometer
or pressure gage). See Troubleshooting Appendix 2 of this manual for discussion of
possible problems and corrective actions.
The HRS heater is a ZeCor-310M stainless steel shell and tube heat exchanger, which
receives hot acid from the exit of the HRS boiler (in the tubeside of the heater) and
discharges cooled acid to the existing acid plant The acid exchanges heat with boiler
feedwater from the deaerator to the HRS boiler.
Be vigilant for signs of a leak in the exchanger tubes. This will normally be of boiler
water into the acid. Leakage is indicated by high conductivity of the exit water from
either heat exchanger and by drop in acid concentration between the acid inlet and
exit. Since the leak will grow rapidly, early detection is imperative to prevent
total destruction of the tube bundle. In the event of leakage, the exchanger can
be bypassed and drained on the acid and water side for repair while the HRS
continues to operate at reduced rate.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 9
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Note: This requires installation of blanks in the acid inlet and outlet nozzles of the
heater to isolate it on the acid side. The reduced rate may be required to prevent
overheating of the common pump tank acid due to the increase in acid temperature from
the bypassed heater. Damaged tubes may be plugged using the plugging procedure.
Record acid and water inlet and outlet temperatures to determine heat transfer rates.
If heat transfer rates fall significantly, it is a sign of fouling (which is very unlikely in
these heat exchangers due to the purity of both the water and acid streams).
Check shell thickness with "D" meter or similar sonic measuring device
(Krautkramer-Branson is a well known manufacturer of "D" meters). It is
recommended that the location of the measurements be permanently marked on the
cooler, as plate thickness will vary slightly.
Open inspection ports in the shell and check tube thickness with "D" meter or special
OD calipers.
Open the inspection ports and manholes and check for signs of corrosion of
tubesheet and tubes. If the tubesheet area requires cleaning or exhibits non-uniform
corrosion, the channel should be removed for further inspection and cleaning.
Look for solids build-up or scaling/fouling on inside and outside of tubes. Chemical
cleaning may be required to restore rate of heat transfer. Check for sediment build-
up on top of tubes and bottom of shell. See the Appendix of this manual for cleaning
procedure.
Note: fouling on either side of the tubes should be negligible--if significant on the
water side, it is a sign of inadequate boiler water treatment.
Note: Prior to removing any inspection nozzles or the exchanger channel, ensure
spare gaskets are available to replace the existing gaskets.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 10
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
The main HRS acid circulating piping is ZeCor HRS alloy. All acid piping is insulated
and smaller lines (sample, drain, etc) are electric traced and insulated. All low points
are provided with drain valves and drain piping either to the pump boot or the drain
pump.
Note: Carbon steel should not be allowed to contact any ZeCor-310M piping to avoid
galvanic corrosion. 304 SS “poison pads” should be welded to the piping between the
piping and the carbon steel part.
Measure wall thickness of main circulation piping once per month at selected points
and monitor corrosion rates. Selected points should be in the sections between
pump and boiler and between dilutor and tower 1st stage. Use "D" meter or similar
sonic measuring device (Krautkramer-Branson is a well known manufacturer of "D"
meters). The measurements should be repeated at the same locations, which
should be permanently marked, with removable insulation plugs, because plate
thickness will vary slightly.
Note: Wall thickness checks are especially important following any period of
operation with excursions outside the recommended acid strength range for
the HRS.
Ensure electric tracing is functioning on all small sample lines, etc (where there is
stagnant acid, as shown on the Piping and Instrument Diagrams) during cold
weather to prevent freezing of acid.
Service and maintain all valves (packing glands, actuators) per vendor’s
recommended practice.
Inspect the HRS sample coolers for corrosion and replace with the spare if
necessary.
During plant shutdowns, the best way to ensure that weak acid is not being formed in
the piping (from atmospheric moisture) is to continue circulation of acid at or above
minimum strength (97% H2SO4). During periods of extended downtime when
circulation is stopped, be sure that all sections of piping are completely drained of
acid. Accumulation of weak acid in HRS alloy piping (and equipment) will result in
localized accelerated corrosion.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 11
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Action:Verify pump boot level is not low (causing cavitation). Inspect
and repair HRS acid circulation pump.
Operating Problem: High temperature in HRS circulating pump bearing.
Bearing cooling water flow OK.
B. HRS Boiler
Operating Problem: Suspected acid leak in boiler, indicated by low dilution water
flow, drop in acid strength across boiler (between strength
analyzers at HRS pump and HRS heater outlet), high boiler
outlet acid temperature, and/or high conductivity of boiler
blowdown.
Maintenance Action: Verify that low dilution water flow is not caused by upstream
steam leak which would be indicated by below-normal acid
concentration at HRS pump discharge analyzer.
If analyzer indication is normal, initiate emergency shutdown of
HRS and plant and follow the procedure for Planned HRS
Shutdown (for boiler leak) included in the Appendix of this
manual.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 12
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
C. HRS Diluter
Operating Problem: Excessive acid collection in HRS exit duct knock-out pot (>
four liters/day), or very spotty stick test in the duct following the
HRS tower.
Maintenance action: Verify HRS tower acid flows, concentrations, and temperatures
are correct.
Operating Problem: Stick test gives generally discolored stick, indicating SO3
slippage.
Maintenance Action: Verify acid strength to HRS tower is not too high or acid flow to
HRS tower is not too low.
Maintenance Action: Inspect and clean elements if pressure drop > 750 mm wg.
Cause could be sublimed sulfur or iron sulfate from unusual
corrosion upstream. Refer to mist eliminator element washing
procedure in the Appendix of this manual.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 13
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
4. APPENDIX
Operation with an HRS boiler internal leak for even a short period of one hour can cause
severe damage to the boiler and associated equipment. The plant must be shut down
immediately upon a boiler leak or when conditions indicate that the boiler is leaking.
Under normal operating conditions, the leak will be from the water (high-pressure) to the
acid (low pressure) side. This may cause steam generation in the acid side due to heat
of dilution. Over-pressure due to this steam generation is not likely since the acid side
pressure eventually reaches the water side pressure, causing water leakage to stop.
Both sides of the boiler are designed to handle full steam pressure.
HRS emergency shutdown interlocks are provided to protect the HRS from damage due
to low acid concentration. If an internal boiler leak develops, it will create conditions
which will trip the HRS shutdown interlocks. However, by the time these conditions are
reached, the boiler internals will probably already be severely damaged.
In addition to the shutdown interlocks, the plant is equipped with several other alarms
and process indicators that might indicate a possible boiler leak. In general there is no
direct method, under normal operating conditions, to positively know that abnormal
conditions are caused by a boiler leak or a condition elsewhere in the plant.
The operator must be constantly vigilant and aware of alarms or abnormal conditions
and must take prudent action if a leak is suspected to minimize damage. The operator
must evaluate the operating information at hand and decide whether to continue to
operate or actuate the HRS emergency trip button on the HRS panel if the interlock
system has not already shut the plant down.
Once the plant is down, the operator must determine if the boiler is in fact leaking or if
the indications were a false alarm caused by some other conditions in the plant.
The following alarms or indications could indicate a boiler leak before the
automatic shutdown interlocks are actuated:
Low acid concentration returning from the HRS diluter or low concentration
alarm.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 14
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Note that this can also be an indication of low acid strength in the common
pump tank acid to the diluter, a leak in the high pressure steam system, or
rising water level in the HRS boiler.
High conductivity HRS boiler blowdown. Extensive damage may already have
occurred when this indication is observed. This condition can occur when
the HRS Boiler is vented to atmosphere or at reduced pressure, permitting
acid flow to the water side of the boiler.
Based on the total operating conditions plus some of the above alarms, the
operator may determine that there is a high probability of a boiler internal leak. If
this situation occurs, the operator should actuate the HRS emergency trip button
on the HRS panel. Do not wait for an interlock trip condition to be reached.
Verify that all of the HRS emergency shutdown actions have been taken:
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 15
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
At the HRS diluter, close the dilution water and sparge air block valves.
Verify that the dilution water and sparge air bleed valves are open.
Restart the main blower and purge the plant with air for several minutes (this
will require bypassing the low-low acid flow to the HRS interlock).
Note: If weak acid (<96%) has formed in the HRS, steps should be
taken to vent hydrogen that may have formed as a corrosion product.
Open the manway at the top of the heat recovery tower to vent the tower
and pump boot as soon as possible after the main air blower has been
shutdown, using non-sparking tools. Check for residual hydrogen in
any vessel that is opened for maintenance or repair.
If the HRS tower acid concentration is below 97% but not below 90%, it
should be pumped to the owners combination or FAT pump tank using the
HRS drain pumps The HRS heater, and HRS pump boot should also be
drained, without cooling, using the HRS drain pumps. This is to stop
corrosion of the HRS by the hot, weak acid. The final, interpass, and drying
tower acid should be circulating in order to mix and cool the hot HRS acid
with the stronger, cooler, tower acid and prevent corrosion of the final,
interpass, and drying tower systems. The acid will eventually be
automatically pumped to product storage via the pump tank level controller.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 16
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Check acid concentration in the final tower pump tank and change out if it is
below 97%.
Study the operating data to determine if the indication of a leak is from the
HRS boiler or another cause. Check the common pump tank and the HRS
acid concentration recorders and historical trends, dilution and boiler
feedwater rates, acid temperatures, and compare acid concentration to
corrosion indicator readings. Look for plant upsets (other than an HRS boiler
leak) that could cause low acid strength (i.e. dilution water valve stuck in
open position, waste heat boiler, economizer, or superheater steam or water
leak).
Shut down the HRS drain pumps immediately after the boiler has been
completely drained on the water and acid side (as indicated by the pump
discharge pressure gage or sounds of pump cavitation).
This procedure is used only to verify the condition of the HRS boiler when an
examination of plant data indicates no probable damage to equipment or if the
shutdown was caused by an unknown event. If any plant data indicates doubt
about the boiler condition, proceed to Section 4.1.4. To determine whether there
is a boiler internal leak, do the following tests:
With the acid side completely drained, remove a section of acid drain line
adjacent to the main HRS boiler acid inlet line at the auto drain valve location.
Fill the boiler shell with water to the normal operating level and look for water
leaking out the section of drain line removed in step 1 above. If water is
leaking, prepare to isolate the HRS and inspect the HRS boiler (see 4.1.4
below).
If no water is leaking out the drain line in step 2 above, pressurize the boiler
shell with high pressure air by connecting a utility hose to the vent valve on the
steam separator. If water leakage appears, prepare to isolate the HRS and
inspect the HRS boiler (see Section 4.1.4 below).
If no water is leaking out the drain line in step 3 above, vent the steam drum
and replace the section of acid drain line.
Fill the HRS with 98.5% acid and restart the acid plant.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 17
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
Do the Phase 1 and Phase 2 HRS boiler leak tests in section 8 of the operating
manual, during the restart of the plant. If leakage is found, follow steps listed in
Section 4.1.4 below. If no leakage is found, continue with the start-up and
return to normal operation.
Completely drain the HRS, then open up and inspect for damage to the heat
recovery tower and piping system.
Replace the tube bundle with the spare bundle or repair it by plugging the
leaking tubes (using the tube plugging procedure in this Appendix).
Thoroughly drain the acid side of the boiler and then remove the acid side inspection
ports on the boiler head.
4.2.2 Verify that all tubes are open to fluid flow. Remove the channel and check tube
by tube by blowing compressed air through each tube.
4.2.4 Install fittings to mate with the chemical cleaning tank at the inspection ports.
4.2.5 Blind off the acid inlet and outlet to the boiler. Provide a drain at the acid inlet at
the low point to drain the cleaning solution when finished and a vent at a high
point to purge air from the system.
An alternate method used by one client is to blind the acid inlet line between the
pump and drain line. If this method is chosen, be sure to thoroughly drain the
acid line and disconnect the drain from the plant acid drain system.
4.2.6 Connect the chemical cleaning tank and pump to the fittings installed on the
boiler head.
4.2.7 Prepare a solution of soda ash or caustic in the chemical cleaning tank.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 18
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
One client started their wash with soda ash but switched to caustic as the
release of CO2 caused a lot of foaming in the cleaning pump tank. The
client reported that actual quantities of neutralizing chemical were
somewhat less than estimated below.
Basis: 1,050 STPD HRS boiler at 10,200 ft2 area – assume 1/16” film of
sulfate at the equivalent acid strength of 100% H2SO4. This volume of
acid equates to 3 tons of H2SO4.
Volume: The boiler head and tubes will hold about 1,000 gal (pipe run
not included)
4.2.8 Crack open the vent at the high point in the system. Start the chemical cleaning
pump and fill the system. Add additional quantities of neutralizing agents as
required to maintain the cleaning solution at a basic pH of about nine. Add
additional quantities of demineralized water to maintain the level in the chemical
cleaning tank. When all the air is purged from the system, close the vent valve.
Note: If the volume of the chemical cleaning tank is less than the volume
of the boiler and piping, throttle the cleaning pump discharge valve
while filling the system to maintain a constant level in the cleaning
tank. Do not batch fill the system. If an acid / water interface is left
standing in the system, high localized corrosion could occur.
4.2.9 Circulate the solution through the boiler for about 2 hours. Maintain a small
purge stream of cleaning solution at an appropriate discharge point to purge
sulfate sludge from the system. Stop the circulating pump, drain the solution
from the boiler, and inspect the boiler to see if all sulfate is removed. If required,
reconnect the chemical tank to the boiler and circulate the cleaning solution until
the boiler is clean.
4.2.10 When the boiler is clean and drained of the cleaning solution, flush the boiler with
copious quantities of demineralized water. Continue the water flush until the
purge stream is clear and the pH approaches the pH of demineralized water.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 19
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
4.2.11 Thoroughly drain the water from the acid side of the boiler and any acid pipe
used in the circulation scheme.
4.2.12 Remove all blinds and cleaning connections and reconnect the acid pipe. Close
all vents and drains.
Flow Scheme, Acid Side Cleaning of HRS Boiler
TO HRS
DILUTER
VENT BLIND
HRS BOILER
FROM HRS
PUMP
DRAIN BLIND
PURGE
CHEMICALS
DEMIN WATER
CHEMICAL
TO HRS CLEANING
DRAIN PUMP TANK
4.2.13 Fill the HRS pump boot with strong 98.6% + H2SO4 and circulate the acid through
the boiler. Refer to the MECS HRS Operating Instructions and follow the
procedures for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 boiler leak checks.
4.3 Procedure for Cleaning HRS Heat Exchangers (Acid and Water Side)
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 20
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
4.3.4 If calcium or phosphate scale is occurring, the tubes may be chemically cleaned
as follows:
Blank off water-side inlet and outlet nozzles.
Circulate inhibited formic acid solution of less than 12%
concentration at 65oC- 93oC.
Monitor concentration of circulating solution. If concentration drops
below 5%, add more inhibited formic acid to boost to near original
strength.
When acid strength stops diminishing, it is assumed that exchanger
is clean.
Drain acid solution and flush clean with water. Sometimes loose
scale will remain in the tubes after the acid wash. This can be
removed by light hydro-blasting (with water in tubeside only).
4.3.8 Circulate (pump) 2% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution through the cooler at
82oC- 93oC, using the nozzle N8A and the drain nozzle for connections.
Caustic stress corrosion cracking may occur if the above two guidelines are not
followed.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 21
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
In the event that the HRS boiler, or heater develops a leak in a tube, individual tubes can
be plugged (allowing operation with reduced surface area) using the following
procedure:
4.4.1 With channel cover plate removed, hydro-blast clean with de-mineralized water
all tube bore surfaces. Remove (blow dry) all residual hydro-blast water by use of
clean/dry compressed air. Mechanically clean (use only stainless steel wire
brush) tubes and face of tube-sheet to remove all remaining surface
contaminants (products of corrosion and any sulfate deposits).
4.4.2 Power-brush the entire face of tube-sheet, especially in weld repair locations, via
use of a powered rotary wire brush.
4.4.3 Wire brush clean bore of tube that is to be plugged, at least 600mm deep from
tube-sheet face.
4.4.4 Use rubbing alcohol to further clean tube end and tube-sheet in repair location.
Use cloth swabs to clean tube bore, same as wire brush depth. Suggest use of
shotgun type cleaning swabs.
4.4.5 Block repaired tube bore with “tampon”, approximately one foot from tube-sheet
face. This is to prevent liquid from entering backside during welding.
4.4.6 Use GTAW (TIG) welding process to weld plug(s). Avoid weld crater crack. Start
and stop arc on plug and not in weld seam or on tube-sheet. Weld repair is to be
done only when tube-sheet temperature is at least 21oC.
Note: Tack weld end of plug to piece of filler wire to hold in position during
weld out. Grind off to remove when finished. Liquid dye penetrant test and
visually inspect all repair welds. Any weld indication is to be totally ground out
and re-welded.
Hydro-test of repair welds is recommended. For this purpose, neutralize the shell
side of the heat exchanger and use de-mineralized, low chloride water on shell
side to conduct a hydro-test. Drain and blow- dry shell side completely. Hydro-
test pressure shall be same as that shown on the nameplate.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 22
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 05
HRS MAINTENANCE
30°
30°
PLUG
310s DETAIL
Plug Detail USE
UseZECOR®-310N
ER310
filler wire
WIRE
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MAI 02 - 23
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 06
PROCEDURE FOR MOTHBALLING H2SO4 PLANTS
1. GENERAL
Occasionally there is a need for a sulfuric acid plant to be shut down or idled for long
periods of time, with the expectation that it will be restarted at some future date. If the
plant is simply stopped and all acid drained from the systems, severe corrosion is likely
to occur, which will cause major expenses for replacement or repairs before it can be
restarted. This is a brief discussion of the major points to consider in preparing a sulfuric
acid plant for extended outages, to minimize the damage from the idleness, and to
minimize the costs for restarting the plant.
There are two basic types of layaway, or “mothballing”, that can be considered:
1. Shutdown with regular, but limited operator attendance and actions, for an
expected duration of a few months up to as much as two or three years.
2. Shutdown with no planned attendance for long and/or indefinite periods of time.
The principles to be followed for these two types of layaway are distinctly different. In
the first case, the plant will be kept “dry”, in that ambient moisture will be excluded from
essentially all major plant equipment. Strong acid is maintained in the pump tanks and
circulated regularly to ensure dryness of any air ingress. In the second case, all acid
and acidic sulfates are drained, neutralized, and washed out, and moist ambient air is
not excluded from plant equipment.
When the plant is stopped, it should be purged of all SO2 and cooled down by
blowing through, with normal drying tower acid circulation, and with the drying
acid concentration kept at 90% or above at ambient temperatures. When the
plant is near ambient temperature, the blower is stopped, and the air inlet is
blanked. Some plants will also “cap” the stack to exclude rainwater ingress. This
is helpful, but not usually mandatory.
If there is accumulated sulfate in the base of the stack, it should be cleaned out,
and the stack drain left open. The stack drain should also be rerouted to the
sewer instead of left to the pump tank to reduce the dilution from this source.
For the duration of the shutdown, strong acid, i.e. 90% or above, is maintained in
the drying and absorbing tower pump tanks at ambient temperatures. Acid is
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MOT 01 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 06
PROCEDURE FOR MOTHBALLING H2SO4 PLANTS
circulated at normal pumping rates through the piping system and over the
towers every second or third day (suggest three times per week as a workable
schedule). The acid concentration is checked regularly, and fresh 98.5% acid is
added as necessary to maintain 90% or above in all pump tanks.
1. Acid Coolers
Strong, cool acid exposure and a few hours’ circulation per week will not
cause undue corrosion to the stainless steel. The water side should be
drained, flushed with chloride-free water, and left open to drain.
2. Main Compressor
The main compressor rotor may be washed and removed from the casing
and stored in a dry warehouse, or it may be rotated by hand a few turns on
the same schedule as the acid pumping. It should not be “bumped”, or
power rotated unless the lubrication system has been kept warm and
running.
3. Converter
Catalyst in the converter may be screened and replaced, or it may be left as
is, depending on the status of the catalyst and the normal screening
schedule. Some owners have opted to keep a small dry air, or nitrogen
purge on the converter, but that is not required if the acid circulation
schedule is maintained as recommended above.
4. Steam System
The process side of the boiler, economizers, and superheaters will be kept
dry by the above procedures. The water, or steam side may be kept full of
cold boiler feedwater containing a suitable phosphate or other corrosion
inhibitor. Alternately, the water, or steam side of this equipment may be
allowed to “float” on the plant steam system. The level control system can
be reconfigured to blow down condensate that occurs as steam “backs” into
the system and condenses. This will keep this equipment relatively warm
and free from acid condensation on the process side.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MOT 01 - 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 06
PROCEDURE FOR MOTHBALLING H2SO4 PLANTS
6. Miscellaneous
Space heaters in all electrical motors should be kept energized to keep the
motors dry. At the time of restart, all motors should be “meggered” on all
phases to assure no shorts, prior to being started for the first time.
Instrumentation air systems should be kept “live” and blown out about once
per month. Analyzers should be removed from the process environment,
and stored in a dry warehouse. Other instrumentation will generally not
degrade over this period.
When the plant is stopped, it is cooled down by blowing through and maintaining
acid circulation in the strong acid towers, similar to case 1.
1. Converter
All catalyst and quartz is removed from the converter, screened, and stored
in plastic lined drums or sacks in a dry warehouse. The converter is swept
out and resealed.
It is nearly impossible to flush or neutralize all the acid in the pores of the
brick linings and ceramic packing materials; nevertheless, it is prudent to try
to do so. The best way is to fill the pump tank(s) with dilute caustic, or soda
ash solution (2 to 4%), and circulate for several days while monitoring and
maintaining the pH above 7.0. A hose can be hooked to the circulating
piping to provide a means for an operator (in proper protective gear) to
wash and neutralize surfaces above the normal irrigated zone. When no
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MOT 01 - 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 06
PROCEDURE FOR MOTHBALLING H2SO4 PLANTS
pH change is noted for a day or two, the system is drained, and the drains
are left open. They will continue to drip for several weeks.
3. Mist Eliminators
Due to the cost and vulnerability of stainless steel to weak acid corrosion,
complete removal of all ceramic materials, such as tower packings, support
beams, nozzle liners, etc. is recommended. These items can be
neutralized by immersion in dilute caustic and allowed to drain where the
acidic effluent is acceptable. The empty towers and pump tanks can be
hosed out vigorously with clean chloride-free water and allowed to drain.
5. Acid Coolers
6. Steam System
These are very difficult to protect. By their configuration and service, they
will normally collect acid sulfates on the lower tubesheets. If these sulfates
are not completely dissolved and removed, they will absorb ambient
moisture to form weak acid, and eventually dissolve the tubes just above
the tubesheet. The best way to remove the sulfates is to cut two large
“windows”, 1800 apart, each approximately ¼ circumference wide by 3’
high. These give the best access to this area for high pressure water
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MOT 01 - 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 06
PROCEDURE FOR MOTHBALLING H2SO4 PLANTS
8. Sulfur System
Sulfur storage tanks and pits can be left full or empty of sulfur, so long as
the steam coils are either kept hot, or drained and dried to prevent damage
from freezing weather. The same is true of the sulfur pumps and piping.
Most owners will opt to pull and clean the sulfur pumps, and store them
vertically in a warehouse or outdoors.
9. Miscellaneous
Electric motors can be left de-energized, with the understanding they will
have to be “meggered” prior to restart. There will be a chance that they will
have to be oven dried prior to re-energizing.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
MOT 01 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
GENERAL NOTE:
Throughout this section, there are references to chemical reagents and laboratory
equipment items by manufacturer and model number. Some of these may no longer be
available. If no longer available, substitutions of substantially equivalent chemicals or
lab equipment should be made.
Refer to MECS Standard Drawings 100-6-8 and 100-6-9 for the following gas tests.
1. The sample line should be flushed thoroughly with process gas before
proceeding with the test in order to obtain a sample representative of
operation at the time of the test.
2. Fill the shaker bottle approximately two-thirds full of water and add
about 5 ml of starch solution.
3. Bring the solution to a faint blue color by adding one or two drops of
N/10 iodine solution.
5. With all clamps and stopcocks closed, place the rubber stopper in the
test bottle.
6. Adjust the water level in the 250 cc. burette to the “zero mark” by raising
the water bottle with the glass stopcocks at the top and bottom of the
burette open.
7. Close the top stopcock and place the water bottle back on the table.
Make sure that all connections in the apparatus are tight.
8. Open the clamp on the sampling tube, adjusting it so that the gas
bubbles pass slowly through the solution in the bottle. Shake the bottle
continuously when gas is bubbling in to ensure complete SO2
absorption. Continue until the solution has changed to the same faint
blue color in step 3 above. Be careful not to over-run the end point.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
9. Close the clamp on the sampling line tightly when the end point has
been reached.
10. Raise the water bottle so that the water level in it is balanced against the
water level in the burette, and record the amount of air that has been
displaced in the burette.
12. Refer to the “Entrance Gas” section of Drawing 100-6-9 and to the
column headed by the temperature nearest that noted during the test.
Follow down this column until that number is found which is nearest to
the measured volume of air in the cylinder. Then read the
corresponding %SO2 from the table.
The water aspirator, which maintains a suction on the exit gas sampling line,
should be left running at all times in order to ensure a representative sample of
gas. If gas is flowing through the line, a slight suction will show on the
manometer.
In the Exit Gas Test apparatus, repeat the procedure listed in Section 1.1, but
use 1 ml of N/100 iodine solution instead of N/10 iodine solution in steps 3 and
4. Record the volume of air displaced and the temperature as before, and then
refer to the “Exit Gas” section of Drawing 100-6-9 for the %SO2.
For example, if the entrance gas was 8.5% and the exit gas was 0.05%, the
conversion efficiency would be 99.5%.
1.4 Solutions
The solution of N/100 iodine solution may be prepared with sufficient accuracy
by measuring 100 ml of the standardized N/10 iodine solution in a graduated
cylinder and then diluting this with water to 1,000 ml in a 1,000 ml graduated
cylinder.
All iodine solutions should be kept in a brown bottle and in a cool place.
Always replace the glass stoppers as soon as possible.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
Starch solution sours quickly due to bacterial and mold growth, which turns the
iodine solution brown instead of blue so that a clear end-point is not obtained.
Fresh starch solutions should be prepared weekly or even more often in warm
weather. However, if the starch solution is prepared as follows, it will keep for
months without deterioration or sensitivity loss.
Ingredients:
The Orsat gas analyzer is composed of a gas measuring burette with a leveling
bottle and three absorption pipettes for separate absorption of the gas
components (SO2, CO2, and O2). All glass joints and stopcocks should be
lubricated with a minimum amount of good stopcock grease to prevent gas
leakage. Mercury is normally used as a leveling fluid, but if its use is prohibited
by local plant regulations, manometer oil with a specific gravity of about 2 to 3
will give reasonably good results.
Orsat equipment having only one absorption pipette is frequently used at single
absorption sulfur burning plants to measure oxygen in the stack gas. The gas
sample actually used is the effluent from the Reich test that has had its SO2
content removed.
Single pipette Orsat equipment can be ordered from Fisher Scientific Co. as
No. 10-623, Type EF. Three pipette Orsat equipment should be ordered as
Fisher No. 10-605, Type B, but having the usual style pipettes replaced with
three No. 10-642 pipettes to eliminate contact with copper strips which will
otherwise be present.
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
The sample burette should be flushed thoroughly with the process gas to
obtain a representative test sample. When drawing the sample to be analyzed,
fill the sample burette with the mercury level in the burette and bottle equal
before closing the stopcock, so that the measured volume of gas will be at
atmospheric pressure.
The gas is to be analyzed for SO2, CO2, and O2 in that order. It is necessary to
maintain proper order, since the absorbing solutions are not selective in any
other order. For example, if CO2 were analyzed first, all of the SO2 would be
absorbed along with the CO2 in the potassium hydroxide solution.
The gas should be “pumped” through each of the pipettes until a constant
reading is obtained in the measuring burette. Each time a reading is to be
taken, the absorbing solution should be drawn up into the neck of the pipette,
the stopcock closed, and the reading taken with the mercury in the burette and
bottle at the same level. Record the decrease in gas volume after absorption
of each of the components. If the original gas sample is 100 cc, the difference
in readings will be the percent of each gas component. The balance of the gas
remaining in the burette after absorption is nitrogen.
1. Sulfur Dioxide
2. Carbon Dioxide
3. Oxygen
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
advisable to have two Orsat units on hand so that one can be cleaned or
repaired while the other is in service.
Most of the Orsat analyzer can be cleaned with water. The measuring burette
sometimes requires a good washing with dilute nitric acid and/or detergent.
The SO2 absorption pipette generally has to be cleaned with aqua regia.
If the mercury used in the measuring burette becomes dirty, it can gradually be
cleaned by washing with water in a separating funnel. Sometimes a wash with
dilute nitric acid is necessary followed with water washes.
Refer to the drawing “Apparatus for Determination of Acid Content of Acid-Dried Air or
Gas and Exit Gas in Contact Sulfuric Acid Plants” at the end of this section.
3.1 Extend a right-angle glass sample tube into the flue approximately one-third the
distance across it. The end of the tube should face into the gas stream. The
diameter of the tube, when sampling at the desired rate of 225 to 340 L/h,
should allow the same gas velocity entering the tube as the gas velocity in the
flue. The velocity in the flue may be calculated from the plant production rate
and the gas strength, or alternately determined by means of a Pitot tube. The
sampling connection may be made by welding a 25 mm coupling into the flue.
The sample tube may be held in place by means of a one-hole rubber stopper.
3.2 For removal of the acid particles from the sample, connect a series of filters
directly to the sample tube. Either of two types of filters may be used as
described below:
2. Gooch-type filtering funnels (E.H Sargent and Co., Cat. No. 6S-24485)
packed with acid washed, ignited, dry asbestos, supported in a
perforated porcelain plate in the bottom of the funnel may be used. The
asbestos should be packed tight enough to function efficiently but not
tight enough to seriously restrict gas flow. Two or three filters in series
should be used for dry air or gas, and four filters should be used for exit
stack gas. The end of the sample tube and the end of the stem of each
funnel should extend into the asbestos to the following funnel. A blank
acidity determination should be made on a portion of the asbestos
before using it.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
Glass filters are preferred because they are superior to asbestos filters for mist
removal, and they are simpler to use than asbestos filters. However, the
pressure drop through glass filters is usually great enough to require the use of
a vacuum pump or aspirator to draw sufficient gas flow through the testing
equipment.
3.3 To the end of the filter train, connect a flow meter. Also provide a thermometer
for measuring the temperature and a manometer for measuring the static
pressure of the gas passing through the meter. A gas meter (Sprague Type
175 laboratory test meter, Sprague Meter Company, Bridgeport, CT) or a
calibrated orifice flow meter may be used.
3.4 To draw the gas sample from the flue through the test apparatus, connect the
flow meter to either a vacuum pump or an aspirator operated with air or water.
A vacuum pump or aspirator is not required for tests on dry air or gas if the gas
pressure is great enough to force the sample through the apparatus.
3.5 The gas flow may be regulated by a screw clamp in the sampling line either
before or preferably after the filters. However, if a vacuum pump or aspirator is
used, the flow regulation screw clamp should be after the flow meter instead of
before or after the filters.
3.6 Allow the gas to flow through the apparatus at the calculated rate (225 to 340
L/h). Record the meter reading, temperature, and pressure periodically.
Maintain a steady flow.
3.7 The test on dry air should be continued for about 5 to 6 hours, or if the gas is
substantially acid-free, for 24 hours. The test on exit gas should be continued
for about 3 to 4 hours (700 to 1,150 liters).
3.8 At the end of the test, disconnect the flow meter. Carefully remove the sample
tube from the flue so that any acid that might have collected in the tube is not
lost.
3.9 Wash the acid from the inside of the sample tube.
3.10 Wash the filters, with suction, until the washings are acid free. Combine the
washings with the sample tube solution. To check whether the filter bulbs
caught all of the acid in the sample, the last bulb should be washed and titrated
separately.
3.11 If the gas tested contained any SO2, slowly boil the washings for 15 minutes to
remove any dissolved SO2.
3.12 Titrate the washings with standard NaOH (N/100 for dry air or gas, and N/20 for
exit gas) to a methyl red endpoint. Express the acidity as milligrams of H2SO4.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 6
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
3.13 Calculate the volume of the gas sample as cubic meters at standard conditions
(0 °C and 760 mm Hg).
3.14 Express the acid content of the gas as mg H2SO4 per cubic meter of dry gas at
standard conditions.
3.15 In order to interpret and compare test results, it is essential that any pertinent
operating data, including production rate and gas strength or the air or gas
volume, be reported along with the test results.
Refer to the drawing “Apparatus for Determination of Moisture Content of Acid-Dried Air
or Gas in Contact Sulfuric Acid Plants” at the end of this section.
4.1 Choose a convenient sampling location on the discharge side of the drying
tower. A 6 mm steel pipe with an all-iron gate valve close to the flue may be
used for the sample connection. Before making a test, clean the line
thoroughly to remove any acid or acid sulfate that might have collected in it.
Another suitable type of sampling connection may be made by welding a 25
mm pipe coupling to the flue and extending a glass sample tube through it.
The sample tube may be held in place by means of a one-hole rubber stopper.
4.2 For removal of any acid particles or other foreign material from the sample,
connect a filter to the sample line. Either of two types of filters may be used as
described below:
1. A Gooch-type filtering funnel (E. H. Sargent and Co., Cat. No. 8S-
24485) packed with acid-washed, ignited, dry asbestos supported on a
perforated porcelain plate in the bottom of the funnel may be used. The
asbestos should be packed tight enough to function efficiently but not
tight enough to seriously restrict the gas flow. If the air or gas contains
an appreciable amount of acid, two filters in series should be used.
The connection between the sample line and the filter should be made
with a minimum length of rubber tubing or preferably with no rubber at
all.
4.3 Allow several liters of gas to flow through the sample line and filter bulb to allow
the system to reach an equilibrium moisture condition with the gas sample.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 7
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
The gas flow may be regulated by the valve in the sample line and by a screw
clamp in the line after the filter. After blowing out the line and filter, close the
clamp at the end of the filter to keep the line and filter dry.
4.4 Connect to the filter two moisture absorption bulbs accurately weighed in
grams to four decimal places. Nesbitt bulbs (E. H. Sargent Co., Cat. No. S-
22025) are recommended because they can be closed easily and are large
enough in diameter to have a relatively low gas velocity through them during
the test. However, large, glass-stoppered U tubes may be used satisfactorily.
The bulbs may be packed as described below:
2. The bulbs may also be packed with a mixture of P2O5 and a carrier such
as Drierite (anhydrous calcium sulfate). This mixture is easy to handle
and does not “channel” easily.
Tightly packed areas might obstruct the flow of gas and are to be avoided.
Resistance through each bulb should be less than 250 mm w.c. when passing
140 liters per hour. The gas is drawn down the side tube and up through the
bulb. The stopcocks should be fastened with thin copper wire to prevent
blowing them out during the test. Use a minimum amount of stopcock grease
to prevent grease getting into the gas inlet and outlet arms. If a loss of weight
occurs in the second bulb, it is probably due to particles of the absorbing
material or of the glass wool being blown out of the bulb, and the glass wool
mat should be replaced.
If the moisture test is run on SO2 gas rather than air, several liters of the gas
to be sampled should be passed through the bulbs before weighing the first
time after being packed. The bulbs should be connected by a short piece of
rubber tubing that must fit snugly, be clean, and be free from cracks.
4.5 To the second moisture bulb, connect a flow meter. Also, provide a
thermometer for measuring the temperature and a manometer for measuring
the static pressure of the gas passing through the meter. A dry type gas meter
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 8
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
4.6 Very slightly open the gas flow screw clamp between the filter and bulbs, then
open the stopcocks on the moisture bulbs. This procedure keeps the bulbs
under a slight pressure so that they cannot absorb moisture from the exit line to
the flow meter.
Allow the gas to flow through the apparatus at about 140 L/h. The total sample
should be 425 to 575 liters. Record the meter reading, temperature, and
pressure periodically. Unless a vacuum pump or aspirator is used, the meter
pressure will be barometric pressure. Maintain a steady flow.
4.7 At the end of the test, close the moisture bulbs and then the flow rate regulation
screw clamp.
Reweigh the moisture bulbs. When weighing the bulbs before and after the
test, they should be cleaned carefully and desiccated. At least 90% of the total
increase in weight should occur in the first bulb. The bulbs can be used until it
is evident that the first bulb is not absorbing as much as 90% of the moisture.
Then, the second bulb can be used as the first bulb, and the first bulb can be
repacked for use as the second bulb. It is advisable to weigh the bulbs
immediately before and after the test.
4.8 Calculate the volume of the sample as cubic meters at standard conditions.
4.9 Express the moisture as milligrams of water per cubic meter of dry gas at
standard conditions.
4.10 In order to interpret and compare test results, it is essential that any pertinent
operating data, including production rate and gas strength or the air or gas
volume, be reported along with the test results.
This test is used as a quick, semi-quantitative measure of the number of acid particles
large than about 3 to 6 microns entrained in the air or gas leaving drying or absorbing
towers.
The test is conducted by inserting a clean, white, smooth surfaced, soft wood stick
across the full diameter of the gas duct for a period of one minute and visually observing
the number of black spots formed. Sticks are preferably White or Ponderosa Pine, 19
mm wide by 19 mm thick for rigidity, and approximately 1-½ to 2 times longer than the
duct diameter. In situations where only a few spots are found, it may be desirable to
increase the exposure time to 2 minutes. Longer times ordinarily should not be used
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 9
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
because the stick will tend to darken or turn almost black, particularly if traces of SO3 or
extremely fine acid mist are present, or if gas temperatures are high.
Where internal gas pressures are low, such as at final absorbing tower and drying
towers under suction, the stick is inserted through a 50 mm schedule 80 coupling
provided for this purpose. At drying or interpass absorbing towers operate under
pressure, a 38 mm gate valve should be connected to the coupling to avoid excessive
release of air or gas and entrained acid. The stick is quickly inserted through the gate
valve after allowing air or gas to blow free for a few seconds to remove accumulated
scale and acid. (CAUTION: Stand upwind of the valve and wear a face shield or
goggle, long sleeved shirt, and gloves.)
Where the test nozzle is located at or near a duct elbow, it should be positioned so that
sticks are inserted along or parallel to the axis of the duct downstream of the elbow. If
the test nozzle is located perpendicular to this axis, representative results may not be
obtained because of uneven gas flow distribution at the elbow. If the test nozzle in an
existing plant is not properly located, then several stick tests should be made with the
sticks inserted at different angles to check for uneven spray patterns.
An acceptably small amount of entrained acid will be evidenced by a few spots about the
size of a pin head (in the range of 0 to about 3 or 4 spots). One or two spots are
considered normal even after MECS Mist Eliminators or mesh pads, since some re-
entrainment always seems to occur.
If the number of fair sized black spots is intermediate between the two situations
described above, corrective action should still be taken, but it may be possible to
continue operating the plant if other control points and emissions are normal.
If large black spots are noted, grouped all at the center or at one side of the exposed
stick, it frequently indicates that acid drainage or condensate is being re-entrained from
a particular portion of the duct. Alternatively, a mesh pad or MECS Mist Eliminator just
upstream may have developed a hole, or the sample point may be located too close to
the tower outlet and thus be subject to a jetting effect (vena contracta).
Refer to the Lectrodryer Dewpoint Apparatus attachment at the end of this section.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 10
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
The Lectrodryer Dewpoint Apparatus is a simple means for determining the moisture
content of air and other non-corrosive gases at atmospheric pressure. The outer
container is a polished dense aluminum casing. The observation window is a two ply
safety glass. It is sealed in place with special cement. The polished cup is positioned
with a guide ring that insures that the cam locks on the cap will be properly engaged and
the cup assembly will be locked on an “O” ring.
6.1 Operation
2. Pass a sample flow of gas through the dewpoint apparatus. Adjust the
flow to about 140 L/h. This flow can be felt when blown against wetted
lips but is not readily felt by the hand.
4. After the sample has passed through the apparatus for about five
minutes in order to purge it completely, small amounts of crushed dry
ice should be added to the acetone while stirring constantly with the
thermometer.
6.2 Suggestions
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 11
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
It is suggested that the temperature of the acetone / dry ice mixture should be
lowered slowly in order to minimize any error due to temperature lag.
In measuring dew points, the surface of the polished cup should be clean and
free from any grease or dirt. If the surface is not clean, the appearance of the
dew may not be as sharp as desired and may cause errors. Sulfuric acid
vapors will etch the original polish. A fiberglass filter may be installed upstream
of the instrument.
The proper technique is usually gained only after some practice in making
these dewpoint determinations.
When polishing the cup, it is suggested that a soft optical tissue is used to
prevent scratching the surface.
Lectrodryer®
P.O. Box 2500
Richmond, KY 40476
859-624-2091
Fax: 859-623-2436
www.lectrodryer.com
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 12
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
Table 24-1
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 13
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
MECS has a testing service available to determine SO2 and O2 in gas streams. The
scope of this service is described in the attached brochure at the end of this section.
The Tyndall beam test may be used to detect the presence of water vapor in the SO3
gas streams and to locate the source of water such as a leaking superheater.
8.1 Dry the sampling flask or bottle in an oven for 2 hours at 200 °C. The flask or
bottle should be stoppered when allowed to cool in the atmosphere.
8.2 Connect the bottle to the sample point with a minimum length of tygon tubing.
The sample point can be at the outlet of the waste heat boiler, inlet and outlet of
the first pass, or the economizer outlets. Each piece of equipment may be
checked individually in this manner.
8.3 Purge the sample flask with SO2/SO3 gas for approximately 5 minutes. Stopper
the outlet and then the inlet of the sample flask.
8.4 Take the sample flask to a darkened room as quickly as possible and shine a
flashlight through the sample flask. If any moisture is present in the gas, the
light will reflect off the moisture particles showing a light beam (or fog) through
the bottle (Tyndall beam effect). This phenomenon may be likened to sunlight
shining through a darkened room that has dust particles floating in the air.
The above test is qualitative only and is not to be used as a quantitative determination of
moisture content.
If a darkened room is not readily available, a coat or blanket draped over the head of the
analyst can make an effective “hood” in which to check the sample. This usually
requires the assistance of another person.
If a 500 ml suction flask is not available, any convenient size glass bottle may be used,
but a two hole rubber stopper will have to be used as well as another glass tube for the
gas outlet.
If tygon tubing is unavailable, then rubber or neoprene may be substituted, but they are
quickly attacked by the SO3 and will have a relatively short life.
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 14
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
Equipment Required
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 15
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
9. ATTACHMENTS
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 16
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
B C D E E I
G F
LEGEND
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 17
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
B C C C G H
E D
LEGEND
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 18
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 07
PLANT TESTS
INFORMATION AND KNOW-HOW HEREON ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF MECS, INC. AND MAY NOT BE USED, REPRODUCED, OR
REVEALED TO OTHERS EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WITH OR OTHER WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MECS, INC.
TST 01 - 19
SO2 CONVERSION CHART
Drawing 100.6.8
REICH TEST FOR SO2
Drawing 100.6.9
MECS, INC.
PeGASyS
The MECS, INC. Portable Gas Analysis System (PeGASyS) was developed in the late 1980’s to
provide sulfuric acid producers with the means to fully characterize their plant operations. This
state-of-the-art gas analysis system was custom designed and fabricated in the MECS St. Louis
laboratories and has been widely applied in a variety of situations. Nearly 600 plants have been
evaluated with the use of the PeGASyS equipment, with numerous repeat tests. This analyzer
can be used to determine the SO2 and O2 levels in any available gas stream, whether the gas is
from the converter or a gas-gas heat exchanger. The inlet and outlet gas compositions for each
catalyst bed can be accurately determined and the results can assist in precisely modeling the
converter conditions. Then, the MECS Conventional and/or Cesium Catalyst requirements can
be determined based on the known operating conditions in the plant. The PeGASyS method for
characterizing the plant is much more reliable than thermocouple and Reich test information.
Experience shows that the system can provide an exceptional amount of information with little
time investment; it takes approximately 1 day to fully analyze one 4-pass converter. Heat
exchanger analyses are also a common application of the PeGASyS service; leaks on the order of
0.2% of the high pressure gas flow have been determined. The PeGASyS service has been
effectively applied to custom design numerous applications of MECSs Conventional and Cesium
Catalyst in plants worldwide. Optimum performance from the LP and Cs catalysts can be
obtained when the program is designed around the accurate and comprehensive data supplied by
the PeGASyS system.
The PeGASyS system consists of a highly specialized gas sampling system and the gas analyzer.
The analyzer equipment is generally set up near a control room or laboratory and occupies a
desk-sized space. A gas sample is taken from a slip stream of gas at a converter, heat exchanger,
or absorbing tower pressure tap (or any available sampling port). The gas sample is then
injected into the analyzer which accurately measures SO2 and O2 levels.
The generated results consist of an analysis report of the SO2 and O2 levels in each sample and a
conversion calculation for each specific converter sample based on the inlet gas to the first bed.
The custom software also calculates gas flow rates based on given production rates. Specialized
programs have also been designed to evaluate gas - gas heat exchangers, giving an estimate of
the amount of gas bypassing if the exchanger is leaking. Overall, the final report presents the
measured conversion through each pass, plus an evaluation of the stack SO2 emissions. These
results are then incorporated in a converter performance simulation using the MECS, Inc.
proprietary modeling software. Using both the PeGASyS results and the computer simulations,
it is possible to determine specific problems in the catalyst beds and/or heat exchangers. This
evaluation process represents a “step change” in converter performance determination and
provides the most accurate and reliable converter monitoring program available in the sulfuric
acid industry.
CT-004
- Page 2 -
MECS has also developed a semi-quantitative method for determining heat exchanger leaks
when the SO2 level is the same on both the shell and tube sides of the exchanger (a condition
which cannot be analyzed using PeGASyS). This gravimetric method determines the SO3 level
in the appropriate gas streams and generates a report which indicates the amount of SO3 leakage
in the exchanger. This method can also be utilized to determine the amount of SO3 slippage in
absorbing towers.
The PeGASyS service is available to all sulfuric acid producers worldwide. The service is
charged to the customer on a per diem basis plus travel expenses. Ideally, considering the high
cost of traveling outside of the U.S.A., it is desirable to coordinate PeGASyS visits to the various
plant sites in a single country or area during a 2-3 week period such that the equipment and
technical support could remain in the country and avoid multiple airline flights and customs
clearances. The PeGASyS equipment consists of an analyzer case and two (2) cartons
containing the calibration and chromatograph carrier gas cylinders. The cost for providing this
service is approximately $3000 (U.S.) per day plus travel and shipping/handling expenses.
Sulfuric acid plant personnel can take advantage of this unique service in order to optimize
current operations and accurately explore the use of the MECS Conventional and Cesium
Catalyst in their efforts to improve conversion and/or reduce SO2 emissions.
Attached please find several supporting documents of information regarding the MECS
PeGASyS analyzer system. These items are:
2. EXAMPLES OF PeGASyS RESULTS: These five (5) examples show PeGASyS data
for a variety of different plants and a typical heat exchanger. These data sheets are
produced automatically upon completion of the analysis work and provided to the
customer. A final summary report is prepared and submitted to the customer a few
weeks following the plant visit.
Please contact MECS if you require any further information on the PeGASyS service.
CT-004
MECS, INC.
Gas sampling points for the Portable Gas Analysis System (PeGASyS) testing are shown in the attached figure and
are described as follows:
A gas sampling point (pressure tap) should be located at the inlet to each catalyst bed. If possible, the sample lines
should be at or near ground level to allow for the safest possible gas sampling procedures. Ideal sample lines
should be approximately 10 mm O.D. stainless steel with a ball valve shut off .
Sample taps should be located at the inlet and outlet of the low-pressure side of any GAS-GAS heat exchangers.
The sample points may be at absorbing tower outlets or converter bed inlets. Sample tube sizes are specified in (1)
above. The inlet samples to the heat exchangers should be taken as close to the exchanger inlet as possible to insure
maximum gas mixing. Again, the sample valve positions should be at or near ground level to allow for the safest
possible gas sampling procedures.
Sample taps should be available for the final absorbing tower gas inlets and outlets. Ideally, the final absorbing
tower outlet sample should be taken upstream of the mist eliminators to insure positive pressure in the sample line.
a) The sulfuric acid plant should ideally be operating at the highest possible production rate in order to minimize
the effective catalyst loading in each bed. This situation allows for the most accurate determination of the actual
catalyst conversion efficiency in each pass.
b) Outside temperature should be above 32oF (0oC ) to insure that sample lines will remain free of frozen oleum.
c) In certain instances, a specialized SO3 absorption test is utilized to characterize a GAS-GAS heat exchanger
(usually a Cold Interpass Exchanger). An analytical balance (reading to 0.0001 gm) is required for this test.
d) A space the size of a large desk is required for the PeGASyS equipment setup. Power requirements call for
110 V or 240 V.
e) Plant operating data will also be required during the PeGASyS testing period. Catalyst bed inlet and outlet
temperatures, acid production rate (metric tons/day or short tons/day), stack analyzer SO2 level (if available), feed
gas SO2 level (if available), catalyst volumes in each bed, gas flow rate (Nm3/hr or SCFM; if available), sulfur
burner temperature (where applicable), sulfur burner feed air temperature (where applicable), converter diameter (m
or ft.), and any special dilution air situations (where applicable).
CT-004
MECS, INC.
CONVERTER PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
PLANT LOCATION: EX - U. S. A.
PLANT NUMBER: 1
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X
X KG/HR. LBS./HR. X CATALYST BED X
X ---------------------- X TEMPERATURES X
X SULFUR FEED RATE 3781.25 8336.27 X ------------ X
X SO2 EMISSIONS 147.73 325.69 X L/STPD BED F C X
X X ------ --- - - X
X LBS.SO2/STPD = 26.05 KG SO2/MTPD = 13.02 X 1 IN 799 426 X
X X 49.0 1 OUT 1114 601 X
X NM3/HR SCFM X RISE 315 175 X
X ---------------------- X 2 IN 838 448 X
X AIR TO SULFUR BURNER 27876.63 16405.74 X 35.9 2 OUT 932 500 X
X CONVERTER INLET GAS 27876.63 16405.74 X RISE 94 52 X
X CONVERTER OUTLET GAS 30931.09 18203.32 X 3 IN 828 442 X
X DILUTION AIR 6939.34 4083.88 X 42.5 3 OUT 847 453 X
X TOTAL AIR TO PLANT 34815.96 20489.62 X RISE 19 11 X
X X 4 IN 824 440 X
X PRODUCTION RATE = 300.00 SHORT TONS PER DAY X 48.4 4 OUT 837 447 X
X GAS COMPOSITION (UNCONVERTED BASIS) = X RISE 13 7 X
X 7.59% SO2, 13.36% O2 X 5 IN X
X X 0.0 5 OUT X
X NOTE: ALL GAS VOLUMES ARE BASED ON X RISE X
X DRY, SO3-FREE GAS. X X
X X 175.8 TOTAL 441 245 X
X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CT-004
MECS, INC.
CONVERTER PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
PLANT NUMBER: 2
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X
X KG/HR. LBS./HR. X CATALYST BED X
X ---------------------- X TEMPERATURES X
X SULFUR FEED RATE 24583.17 54196.90 X ------------ X
X SO2 EMISSIONS 126.69 279.29 X L/STPD BED F C X
X X ------ --- - - X
X LBS.SO2/STPD = 3.38 KG SO2/MTPD = 1.69 X 1 IN 779 415 X
X X 33.4 1 OUT 1101 594 X
X NM3/HR SCFM X RISE 322 179 X
X ---------------------- X 2 IN 885 474 X
X AIR TO SULFUR BURNER 164995.88 97102.09 X 39.2 2 OUT 1017 547 X
X CONVERTER INLET GAS 164995.88 97102.09 X RISE 132 73 X
X CONVERTER OUTLET GAS 139298.34 81978.77 X 3 IN 804 429 X
X DILUTION AIR 0.00 0.00 X 43.7 3 OUT 860 460 X
X TOTAL AIR TO PLANT 164995.88 97102.09 X RISE 56 31 X
X X 4 IN 788 420 X
X PRODUCTION RATE = 1800.00 METRIC TONS PER DAY X 55.0 4 OUT 829 443 X
X X RISE 41 23 X
X X X
X X X
X NOTE: ALL GAS VOLUMES ARE BASED ON X X
X DRY, SO3-FREE GAS. X TOTAL X
X X 171.3 RISE 551 306 X
X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CT-004
MECS, INC.
CONVERTER PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
PLANT LOCATION: U. S. A.
PLANT NUMBER: 1
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X
X KG/HR. LBS./HR. X CATALYST BED X
X ---------------------- X TEMPERATURES X
X SULFUR FEED RATE 5001.31 11026.06 X ------------ X
X SO2 EMISSIONS 42.28 93.22 X L/STPD BED F C X
X X ------ --- - - X
X LBS.SO2/STPD = 5.55 KG SO2/MTPD = 2.77 X 1 IN 745 396 X
X X 36.3 1 OUT 1108 598 X
X NM3/HR SCFM X RISE 363 202 X
X ---------------------- X 2 IN 799 426 X
X X 58.1 2 OUT 932 500 X
X CONVERTER INLET GAS 41816.44 24609.48 X RISE 133 74 X
X CONVERTER OUTLET GAS 36597.31 21537.96 X 3 IN 793 423 X
X DILUTION AIR 0.00 0.00 X 39.0 3 OUT 806 430 X
X TOTAL AIR TO PLANT 41816.44 24609.48 X RISE 13 7 X
X X 4 IN 801 427 X
X PRODUCTION RATE = 403.00 SHORT TONS PER DAY X 66.7 4 OUT 847 453 X
X X RISE 46 26 X
X X 5 IN X
X X 0.0 5 OUT X
X NOTE: ALL GAS VOLUMES ARE BASED ON X RISE X
X DRY, SO3-FREE GAS. X X
X X 200.1 TOTAL 555 309 X
X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CT-004
MECS, INC.
CONVERTER PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
PLANT LOCATION: U. S. A.
PLANT NUMBER: 2
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X
X KG/HR. LBS./HR. X CATALYST BED X
X ---------------------- X TEMPERATURES X
X SULFUR FEED RATE 5466.36 12051.33 X ------------ X
X SO2 EMISSIONS 35.02 77.20 X L/STPD BED F C X
X X ------ --- - - X
X LBS.SO2/STPD = 4.63 KG SO2/MTPD = 2.31 X 1 IN 820 438 X
X X 40.4 1 OUT 1029 554 X
X NM3/HR SCFM X RISE 209 116 X
X ---------------------- X 2 IN 847 453 X
X X 44.9 2 OUT 925 496 X
X CONVERTER INLET GAS 45206.99 26604.87 X RISE 78 43 X
X CONVERTER OUTLET GAS 39496.72 23244.31 X 3 IN 838 448 X
X DILUTION AIR 0.00 0.00 X 44.9 3 OUT 862 461 X
X TOTAL AIR TO PLANT 45206.99 26604.87 X RISE 24 13 X
X X 4 IN 815 435 X
X PRODUCTION RATE = 400.00 SHORT TONS PER DAY X 44.9 4 OUT 858 459 X
X X RISE 43 24 X
X X 5 IN X
X X 0.0 5 OUT X
X NOTE: ALL GAS VOLUMES ARE BASED ON X RISE X
X DRY, SO3-FREE GAS. X X
X X 174.9 TOTAL 354 196 X
X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CT-004
MECS, INC.
HEAT EXCHANGER EVALUATION
FILE: EXAMHIP1.HEX
CUSTOMER: EXAMPLE # 5
PLANT NUMBER: 1
_____________________
| |
| |<===== 1.762 % SO2
| HIGH PRESS. | 7.346 % O2
|-------------------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
0.651 % SO2 <=====| | | | | |<===== 0.550 % SO2
6.862 % O2 | | | | | | 6.808 % O2
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
|-------------------|
| |
| |
1.762 % SO2 <=====| |
7.346 % O2 |___________________|
CT-004
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 08
CHARTS AND TABLES
..
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHT 01 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 08
CHARTS AND TABLES
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHT 01 - 2
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 08
CHARTS AND TABLES
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHT 01 - 3
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 08
CHARTS AND TABLES
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHT 01 - 4
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 08
CHARTS AND TABLES
12.00
11.00
10.00
Vol % SO2
9.00
8.00
7.00
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHT 01 - 5
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 08
CHARTS AND TABLES
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other
written permission of MECS, Inc.
CHT 01 - 6
Manual
Manufacturing Chemists' Association Sheet
T-7
Specific Gravity determinations were made at 60° F., compared with water at 60° F.
From the Specific Gravities, the corresponding degrees Baumé were calculated by the following formula:
Baumé = 145 - 145 / Sp. Gr.
Baumé Hydrometers for use with this table must be graduated by the above formula, which formula should always be printed on the scale.
66° Baumé = Sp. Gr. 1.8354
1 cu. Ft. water at 60° F. weighs 62.37 lbs. avoirdupois.
Atomic weights from F.W. Clarke's table of 1901. O = 16.
H2SO4 = 100 per cent
H2SO4 O.V. 60°
O.V. 93.19 100.00 119.98
60° 77.67 83.35 100.00
50° 62.18 66.72 80.06
Acids stronger than 66° Bé should have their percentage compositions determined by chemical analysis.
* Calculated from Pickering's results, Journal of London Chemical Society, vol. 57, p. 363
Authorities - W.C. Ferguson; H.P. Talbot.
MANUFACTURING CHEMIST' ASSOCIATION
1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington 9, D.C.
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 09
PLANT NOTEBOOK AND OPERATING REPORTS
Operating data may be recorded on log sheets confined either to each operator’s duties
or to the physical division of the plant. The amount of data recorded will depend on the
owner’s specific requirements.
All essential data should be recorded at least every two hours, even if it is continuously
recorded on the DCS. All DCS values should be read more frequently, however, even
though the data recordings are only made at two hour intervals. Field instruments
should be recorded at least once per shift or after any major change in the process
conditions.
The important information from the operating log sheets is typically summarized in a
daily operating report. This report typically includes major plant utility and export
quantities, plant capacity, plant emissions, and product quality. Hardcopy forms for the
daily operating report should be initially prepared using a computer, printer, and copying
machine. The electronic version of the report may prove beneficial later as a timesaving
device, as additional or fewer data points than those suggested may be desired. Higher
quality printed forms can be made after it is determined exactly what data is to be
recorded.
At a minimum of once a month, the supervisor or plant engineer should take a detailed
pressure and temperature survey throughout the plant at all points where connections
have been provided. These readings should be carefully studied and compared with
pressure/temperature trends and with design setpoints.
The survey report should contain all operating data collected on the operating log sheets
and daily operating report, all additional temperatures and pressures throughout the
plant, total production rate, equivalent SO2 gas concentration, conversion efficiency,
setting of gas bypass valves, etc. All data should be obtained within a short period of
time to give a true simultaneous picture of plant operation. Also listed should be any
shutdowns, major repairs, unusual operating difficulties, rate changes, etc. The survey
data should be clearly marked with the plant rate and best estimate of the gas flow to the
information can be properly compared with other data sets.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
REP 01 - 1
Rev 0
30 May 11
APPENDIX 09
PLANT NOTEBOOK AND OPERATING REPORTS
As the total pressure drop through the plant increases with time, the maximum volume
that the blower delivers will decrease. Eventually, the plant will have to be shut down
and certain equipment cleaned if production is to be maintained at a maximum.
A continuous day-to-day and shift-to-shift operating log book should be available in the
control room wherein the operators keep a written log of daily operations and events,
and the supervisor enters all written instructions.
This operating manual is the property of MECS, Inc. Information and know-how herein are confidential and proprietary and may not be used, reproduced, or revealed to others
except in accordance with the terms of a contract with or other written permission of MECS, Inc.
REP 01 - 2