Simulation Study for Optimization of LSD

Stripper

Objective:

To optimize the current Stripper operating parameters to increase stripper

efficiency and to minimize the energy consumption in Stripper while
maintaining all LSD product parameters.

This simulation study basically aims at optimizing Stripping Steam and

Feed inlet temperature for the reduced Stripper top pressure from 4.5 to 4
kg/cm2_g for

Maximizing LSD yield

Minimizing HP steam consumption in Stripper feed pre-heat
exchanger (DDE-103) by reducing stripper feed inlet temperature.
Minimizing Stripping Steam

PFD:

Peng-Robinson
Thermodynamic Property
package was chosen for
the study and the
components were
selected from the design
package. The simulation
model was validated by
comparing the results

Operating parameters:

1. Stripper Top Pressure

2. Stripping Steam
3. Feed Inlet Temperature

Dependent Variable:

1. LSD Yield
2. H2S in LSD

Simulation Result:
This simulation study shows that though all parameters are equally
important but Steam is the most sensitive parameter and is having a very
severe effect on the H2S in LSD.

In 1st two cases, it was found that on reducing stripping steam from 2.35
TPH to 2.25 TPH at 4 kg/cm 2_g Stripper top pressure; there is a scope for
reducing feed inlet temp from 213 to 211 oC. Though LSD yield will come
down, but Water dew point at stripper top will also come down; hence LSD
yield can be maintained same or can be increased further by keeping H 2S
in limit. Hence there is a potential of saving 100 Kg/hour of MP
stripping steam and also HP steam in DDE-103.

In 3rd case, effect of increasing Stripping Steam and reducing feed inlet
temperature were analysed on the both dependent variable and the
results obtained were very interesting. In this case, on increasing stripping
steam H2S in LSD will come down to very low value. This will enable us to
decrease the feed inlet temperature to very low value. Though it will
reduce the LSD yield but that can be maintained by reducing the top
pressure. The study shows that for the same pressure of 4.5
kg/cm2_g, if Stripping Steam is increased to 3 and 5 TPH then
there is a potential of decreasing inlet temp to 200 and 180 oC
respectively from the current value of 213 oC. Hence we can
eliminate whole DDE-103 HP Steam exchanger which is used for
the preheating the stripper feed.

Effect of Feed Inlet Temp on LSD yield and H2S in LSD for
3 TPH /4.5 kg/cm2_g

Effect of Feed Inlet Temp on LSD yield and H2S in LSD for
5 TPH /4.5 kg/cm2_g
The simulation is also done for the stripper with reboiled steam,
but it was found uneconomical as the duty requirement in the
reboiler was very high. (~ 27 Mkcal/hour).

Conclusion:

The present simulation study suggests that, there is an opportunity

available for the optimization of Stripper and for minimizing the energy
consumption in DHDS unit. The further study for heat integration,
economics etc. is required for the better and realistic impact of the
operating parameters.