Process Vessels

Types and Functions

Design Considerations
Sizing Criteria
Calculation Method
Specification Data Sheet
Process Vessels
Separation
Vapor/Liquid Separators
Liquid/Liquid Settlers
Fracrionators
Accumulation
Liquid Surge
Liquid Storage
Reaction
Reactors
Mixers
Types and Functions
Process Vessels
Vapor Liquid Separation
Process Vessels
Vapor Liquid Separation
Process Vessels
Orientation
Sizing
Internals
Design Temp
Design Press
Design Considerations
Process Vessels
Usually Horizontal for:
A vessel handling large amounts of liquid or a large liquid surge
volume
Large amounts of dissolved gas in liquid
Where water must be separated from hydrocarbon liquid

Usually Vertical for:
Gas-Liquid ratio high
Total gas volumes low
Vessel with small surge volume such as a compressor knock out
drum
Design Considerations
Orientation
Process Vessels
Vapor Velocity
Sizing Criteria
V
a
= Allowable Design Velocity
V
c
= Critical Entrainment Velocity, ft/s (a)
d
l
= Density of liquid. lb/cu.ft
d
g
= Density of Vapor, lb/cu.ft
F = Factor for Shape, Size and Internals
F Factors
Vertical/no internals 1.0
/with internals 1.5 2.0
Horizontal 1.7
Flash/Sharp Press Reduction 0.8
(a) Vc is based on Newtons Law for velocity of spherical particle falling
through motionless fluid
Process Vessels
Liquid Hold-up Time
Sizing Criteria
Minutes (a)
Feed to Heaters or Columns 10 (b)
Reflux to Column 5
Product Rundown 3 (c)
(a) Liquid volume between low and high levels
(b) For vessels 1.5 m and larger
Provide more surge for hot fractionator bottoms to
multistage pumps
(c) Higher for hot vessel bottoms on flow control

Process Vessels
Liquid Settling Velocity
Sizing: Liquid Settling Space
cP Phase, Continuous of Viscocity
Liquid of Difference Gravity Specific
inch/min Droplets, of Velocity Settling
8 . 20

S
V
S
V
Settling Velocity, inch/min
Water-Light Oils 12 6
Water-Heavy Oils 6 - 1
Wash Drums (Typical)
Process Vessels
Sizing: Liquid Settling
Hydrocarbon
Interface
Wash Liquid
Hydrocarbon
Outlet
Mix valve
Hydrocarbon
Intlet
Wash Liquid
Settling drum
Interface
level control
valve
Circulation pump
Fresh
wash
liquid
Spent
wash
liquid
LC
Process Vessels
Process Vessels
Process Vessels
Design Temperature and Pressure
Max/Min Operating
Design Pressure
Design Temperature
Wall Thickness
Process Vessels
Process Vessels
Process Vessels
Design Temperature and Pressure
Process Vessels
Design Temperature and Pressure
Process Vessels
Vessel Calculation
Define liquid & gas rates, properties, conditions
Establish liquid residence and water settling criteria
Calculate liquid volume & water settling space, and
establish total liquid space
1

Assume L/D, and determine trail vessel dimensions
Calculate vapor flow cross section area based on allowable
vapor velocity equation: V
a
= F V
c
and compare with
available area
2

Calculate water settling volume based on settling rate
criteria, or provide separate pot for water
Establish liquid and interface levels (max/min)
Repeat calc, as needed, for optimal vessel design

1
Increase by 10-15% for vapor flow space
2
Revise vessel size to match required/available vapor areas

Process Vessels
General Tips
Be sure to leave sufficient disengagement height
above demisters
For liquid/liquid separators, avoid severe piping
geometry that can produce turbulence and
homogenization. Provide an inlet diffuser and avoid
shear producing items, such as slots and holes
Avoid vapor entry close to a liquid level. Reboiler
vapor should enter the bottom of the fractionator at
least one tray spacing above high liquid level. Tray
damage can result if liquid is disturbed

Process Vessels
General Tips
Avoid extended nozzles or internal piping that the
operator can not see, if at all possible
Make sure items such as gauge glasses, level
controls, or pressure taps do nor receive an impact
head from an incoming stream
Check gravity decanters for liquid seal and vapor
equalizing line (syphon breaker)
For gauge glasses it is good to have a vent at the
top as well s a drain at the bottom. These should
be inline for straight-through cleaning.
Process Vessels
Typical Operating Problems
Liquid Level
Entrainment
Demisters
Vortexing
Foaming
Carryover