CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
1.1 HISTORY:
Ethylene Glycol (1, 2 ethanediol), HOCH2CH2OH usually called glycol is the
simplest Diol. Diethylene glycol and Triethylene glycol are Oligomers of Mono
ethylene glycol.
Ethylene glycol was first prepared by Wurtz in 1859; treatment of 1,2 dibromoethane
with silver acetate yielding ethylene glycol diacetate via saponification with
potassium hydroxide and in 1860 from the hydration of ethylene oxide. There to have
been no commercial manufacture or application of ethylene glycol prior to World
War-I when it was synthesized from ethylene dichloride in Germany and used as
substituted for glycerol in the explosives industry and was first used industrially in
place of glycerol during World War I as an intermediate for explosives (ethylene
glycol dinitrate) but has since developed into a major industrial product.
The use of ethylene glycol as an antifreeze for water in automobile cooling systems
was patented in the United States in 1917, but this commercial application did not
start until the late 1920s. The first inhibited glycol antifreeze was put on the market in
1930 by National Carbon Co. (Now Union Carbide Corp.) under the brand name
prestone.
Carbide continued to be essentially the sole supplier until the late 1930s. In 1940
DuPont started up an ethylene glycol plant in Belle, West Virginia based on its new
formaldehyde methanol process. In 1937 Carbide started up the first plant based on
Leforts process for vapor phase oxidation of ethylene oxide.
The worldwide capacity for production of Ethylene Glycol via hydrolysis of ethylene
oxide is estimated to be 7106 ton/annum [1, 2].
1.2 CHEMISTRY:
Compound contains more than one oly group is called Polyhydric Alcohol (Dihydric
alcohol) or polyols (Diols). Diols are commonly known as Glycols, since they have a
sweet taste (Greek, glycys= Sweet).

Dihydric alcohols because compounds contain two OH groups on one carbon are
seldom encountered. This is because they are unstable and undergo spontaneous
decomposition to give corresponding carbonyl compound and water.

Figure-1[10]
According to IUPAC system of nomenclature, IUPAC name of glycol is obtained by
adding suffix Diol to the name of parent alkanes.
HO OH
H--C---C--H
H H

HO--C---C--OH
H

H H
H--C---C--H
HO

OH

1, 2 Glycol

1, 3 Glycol

1, 4 Glycol

(- Glycol)

(- Glycol)

(- Glycol)

Glycols are Diols. Compounds containing two hydroxyl groups attached to separate
carbon in an aliphatic chain. Although glycols may contain heteroatom can be
represented by the general formula C2nH4nOn-1(OH) 2. [3, 4]
Formula

Common name

IUPAC name

CH2OHCH2OH

Ethylene Glycol

Ethane-1, 2-Diol

1.3 USES:
The following is a summary of the major uses of ethylene glycol:
1.3.1 Antifreeze

A major use of ethylene glycol is as antifreeze for internal combustion

engines. Solutions containing ethylene glycol have excellent heat transfer properties
and higher boiling points than pure water. Accordingly, there is an increasing
2

tendency to use glycol solutions as a year-round coolant. Ethylene glycol solutions are
also used as industrial heat transfer agents.

Mixtures of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are used for defrosting and

de-icing aircraft and preventing the formation of frost and ice on wings and fuselages
of aircraft while on the ground. Ethylene glycol-based formulations are also used to
de-ice airport runways and taxiways as de-icing agent.

Asphalt-emulsion paints are protected by the addition of ethylene glycol

against freezing, which would break the emulsion. Carbon dioxide pressurized fire
extinguishers and sprinkler systems often contain ethylene glycol to prevent freezing.
1.3.2 Explosives

Ordinary dynamite will freeze at low temperatures and cannot then be

detonated. Ethylene glycol dinitrate, which is an explosive itself, is mixed with

dynamite to depress its freezing point and make it safer to handle in cold weather.

Mixtures of glycerol and ethylene glycol are nitrated in the presence of

sulfuric acid to form solutions of nitroglycerin in ethylene glycol dinitrate, which are
added to dynamite in amounts ranging from 25 to 50%.
1.3.3 Polyester Fibers

The use of ethylene glycol for fibers is becoming the most important consumer

of glycol worldwide. These fibers, marketed commercially under various trade names
like Dacron, Fortel, Kodel, Terylene etc are made by the polymerization of ethylene
glycol with BisHydroxyEthyl Terephthalate (BHET).

These Polyester fibers are used for recyclable bottles.

1.3.4 Resins

Polyester resins made from maleic and phthalic anhydrides, ethylene glycol,

and vinyl-type monomers have important applications in the low-pressure

lamination of glass fibers, asbestos, cloth and paper.

Polyester-fiberglass laminates are used in the manufacture of furniture,

automobile bodies, boat hulls, suitcases and aircraft parts. Alkyd-type resins are
produced by the reaction of ethylene glycol with a dibasic acid such as o-phthalic,
maleic or fumaric acid. These resins are used to modify synthetic rubbers, in
adhesives, and for other applications.

Alkyds made from ethylene glycol and phthalic anhydride is used with similar
3

resins based on other polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol or pentaerythritol in the

manufacture of surface coatings. Resin esters made with ethylene glycol are used as
plasticizers in adhesives, lacquers and enamels.
1.3.5 Hydraulic Fluids

Ethylene glycol is used in hydraulic, brake and shock absorber fluids to help

dissolve inhibitors, prevent swelling of rubber, and inhibit foam formation.

Hydro lubes, which are water-based mixtures of polyalkylene glycols and

presses and die casting machines, and in airplane hydraulic systems because of their
relatively low viscosity at high pressure. An added advantage of primary importance
is that these hydro lubes are inflammable.
1.3.6 Capacitors

Ethylene glycol is used as a solvent and suspending medium for ammonium

perborate, which is the conductor in almost all electrolytic capacitors.

Ethylene glycol, which is of high purity (iron and chloride free), is used

because it has a low vapor pressure, is non-corrosive to aluminum and has excellent
electrical properties.
1.3.7 Other uses

Ethylene glycol is used to stabilize water dispersions of urea-formaldehyde

and melamine-formaldehyde from gel formation and viscosity changes. It is used as

humectants (moisture retaining agent) for textile fibers, paper, leather and
adhesives and helps make the products softer, more pliable and durable.

An important use for ethylene glycol is as the intermediate for the

manufacture of Glyoxal, the corresponding dialdehyde. Glyoxal is used to treat

polyester fabrics to make them permanent press.

Ethylene glycol derivatives mainly ether and ester are used as absorption

fluids, Diethylene Glycol is used as a softener (Cork, adhesives, and paper) dye
additive (Printing and stamping), deicing agent for runway & air craft, drying agent
for gases (natural gas).

Triethylene glycol is used for same purpose as Diethylene glycol.

Poly (ethylene glycol) with varying molecular masses and numerous uses in

Pharmaceutical industry (Ointments, Liquids and tabletting) and cosmetic industry

(cream lotion, pastes, cosmetic sticks, soaps). They are also used in textile industry
4

(Cleaning and dyeing agents), in Rubber industry (lubricating & Mold parting agents),
in ceramics (bonding agents and plasticizers).[3,4]

CHAPTER II
PROPERTIES
2.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
Monoethylene glycol and its lower polyglycols are clear, odorless, colorless,

syrupy liquid with a sweet taste.

It is a hygroscopic liquid completely miscible with many polar solvents, such

as water, alcohols, glycol ethers, and acetone.

Its solubility is low however in non polar solvents, such as benzene, toluene,

dichloroethane, and chloroform. It is miscible in ethanol in all proportion but

insoluble in ether, completely miscible with many polar solvents, water, alcohols,
glycol ethers and acetone. Its solubility is low, however in nonpolar solvents, such as
benzene, toluene, dichloromethane and chloroform.

It is a toxic as methyl alcohol when taken orally.

Ethylene glycol is difficult to crystallize, when cooled; it forms a highly

viscous, super-cooled mass that finally solidifies to produce a glasslike substance.

The widespread use of ethylene glycol as an antifreeze is based on its ability

to lower freezing point when mixed with water. [3, 4]
Table 2.1 Physical Properties. [1, 2]
Sr.

Physical Properties

no.
1.

Molecular formula

C2H6O2

2.

Molecular weight

62

3.

Specific gravity at 20/20oC

1.1135

4.

Boiling point oC at 101.3 KPa

197.60

5.

Freezing point oC

-13

6.

Heat of vaporization at 101.3 KPa; KJ/mol

52.24

7.

Heat of combustion (25oC) MJ/mol

19.07

8.

Critical Temp. oC

372

9.

Critical pressure, KPa

6513.73

10.

Critical volume, L/mol

0.1861

11.

Refractive index,

1.4318

12.

Cubic expansion coefficient at 20 oC, K-1

0.62 10-3

13.

Viscosity at 20oC; mPa S

19.83

14.

Liquid density (20oC) gm/cm3

1.1135

15.

Flash point, oC

111

16.

Auto-ignition temp in air oC

410

17.

Flammability limits in air; vol%

Upper

53

Lower

3.2

2.2 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

Ethylene Glycol contains two primaries OH groups. Its chemical reactions are
therefore, those of primary alcohols twice over. Generally, one OH group is attacked
completely before other reacts.
2.1.1 Dehydration

With Zinc chloride, it gives Acetaldehyde

HOCH2CH2OH

CH3CHO + H2O

(Ethylene Glycol)

(Acetaldehydes)

On heating alone at 500 oC, it gives Ethylene oxide.

With H2SO4 it gives dioxane which is important industrial solvent.

2.1.2 Oxidation
Ethylene glycol is easily oxidized to form a number of aldehydes and carboxylic acids
by oxygen, Nitric acid and other oxidizing agents.
The typical products derived from alcoholic functions are Glycolaldehyde
(HOCH2CHO), Glycolic acid (HOCH2COOH), Glyoxylic acid (HCO-COOH), Oxalic
Acid (HOOCCOOH), formaldehyde & formic acid.

With HNO3 oxidation it yields nos. of substance as one or both primary OH

groups may be oxidized to aldehydes and these carboxylic groups.

6

HNO3
HOCH2CH2OH

[O]
HOCH2CHO

(Ethylene Glycol)

[O]
HOCH2CH2COOH

(Glycol aldehydes)

CHOCOOH

(Glycolic acid)

(Glyoxylic acid)
[O]
HOOC-COOH
(Oxylic acid)
[O]

HNO3
HOCH2CH2OH

[O]
HOCH2CHO

(Ethylene Glycol)

[O]
CHOCHO

(Glycol aldehydes)

CHOCOOH

(Glyoxal)

(Glyoxylic acid)

2.1.3 Other reactions

The hydroxyl groups on glycols undergo the usual alcohol chemistry giving a wide
variety of possible derivatives. Hydroxyls can be converted to aldehydes, alkyl
halides, amides, amines, azides, carboxylic acids, ethers, mercaptans, nitrate esters,
nitriles, nitrite esters, organic esters, peroxides, phosphate esters, and sulfate esters.

Reaction with sodium at 50 oC to form monoalkoxide and dialkoxide when

temperature is raised.
Na at 50 oC

Na at 160 oC

HOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2ONa

NaOCH2CH2ONa

(Ethylene Glycol)

(Mono Alkoxide)

(Di Alkoxide)

Reaction with Phosphorus pentahalide (PCl5) it first gives Ethylene

chlorohydrins and then 1, 2 dichloroethane. PBr5 reacts in same way.

PCl5

PCl5

HOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2Cl

(Ethylene Glycol)

(Ethylene chlorohydrins)

(1, 2-Dicholorochlorohydrins)

With Phosphorus trihalide (PBr3) to form responding dihalide

PBr3

PBr3

HOCH2CH2OH
(Ethylene Glycol)

ClCH2CH2Cl

HOCH2CH2Br

BrCH2CH2Br

(Ethylene Bromohydrins)

(1, 2-Dibromohydrins)

With HCl in two step reaction, form ethylene chlorohydrins at 160 oC and

second forms 1, 2 dichloroethane at 200oC.

160 oC

200 oC
7

HOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2Cl

(Ethylene Glycol)

ClCH2CH2Cl

(Ethylene chlorohydrins)

(1, 2-Dicholorochlorohydrins)

The largest commercial use of ethylene glycol is its reaction with dicarboxylic

acids (1) to form linear polyesters. Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) (2) is
produced by esterification of teraphthalic acid to form BisHydroxyEthyl Terephthalate
(BHET) (3). BHET polymerizes in a transesterification reaction catalyzed by
antimony oxide to form PET.
2HOCH2CH2OH
+
HOOC

COOH

(2)

(1)

Sb2O3

H*

COOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2OOC

OOC

*H

COOCH2CH2

+ HOCH2CH2OH

n
(3)

Ethylene glycol esterification of BHET is driven to completion by heating and

removal of the water formed. PET is also formed using the same chemistry starting
with dimethyl Terephthalate and ethylene glycol to form BHET also using an
antimony oxide catalyst.

Ethylene glycol also produces 1, 4-dioxane by acid-catalyzed dehydration to

Diethylene glycol followed by cyclization. Cleavage of Triethylene and higher glycols

with strong acids also produces 1, 4-dioxane by catalyzed ether hydrolysis with
subsequent cyclization of the Diethylene of the Diethylene glycol fragment.
Diethylene glycol condenses with primary amines of form cyclic structures, e.g.,
methylamine reacts with Diethylene glycol to produce N-methylmorpholine.

HOCH2CH2OCH2CH2OH

CH3NH2

CH3

+ 2H2O

Ketones and aldehydes react with ethylene glycol under acidic conditions to
8

(6)

Form 1, 3-dioxolanes cyclic ketals and acetals.

HOCH2CH2OH

+ RCOR+

R'

H2O

(7)

Ethylene glycol reacts with ethylene oxide to form di, tri, tetra and

polyethylene glycols.

Ethylene glycols is stable compound, but special care is required when

ethylene glycol is heated at a higher temperature in presence of NaOH, which is

exothermic reaction at temperature above 250 oC of evolution of H2 (-90 to -160
KJ/Kg).[1,3,4]

CHAPTER III
LITERATURE SURVEY
The literature survey has been done with an aim to obtain information concerning
Ethylene Glycol and its production from number of sources. Such information sources
9

include chemical abstracts, periodicals and books on chemical technology, handbooks,

encyclopedias and internet websites. The literature survey yielded a lot of information
on Ethylene Glycol. A brief review of information obtained from the literature survey
is presented hereafter.
During the project many Journals, Manuals and Hand book have been sited The
manufacturing process have been taken from Chemical Engineering Journal
107(2005), 199-204. The selectivity and other process parameters have been taken
from Chemical Engineering Journal 107(2005), 199-204. The demand growths,
Major producer in India & World have been taken from Internet.
3.1 DERIVATIVES OF MONO ETHYLENE GLYCOL:
In addition to Oligomers ethylene glycol dervative classes include monoethers,
diethers, esters, acetals, and ketals as well as numerous other organic and
organometalic molecules. These derivatives can be of ethylene glycol, Diethylene
glycol, or higher glycols and are commonly made with either the parent glycol or with
sequential addition of ethylene oxide to a glycol alcohol, or carboxylic acid forming
the required number of ethylene glycol submits.
3.1.1 Diethylene Glycol:
Physical properties of Diethylene glycol are listed in Table. Diethylene glycol is
similar in many respects to ethylene glycol, but contains an ether group. It was
originally synthesized at about the same time by both Lourenco and Wurtz in 1859,
and was first marketed, by Union Carbide in 1928. It is a co product (9 - 10%) of
ethylene glycol produced by ethylene oxide hydrolysis. It can be made directly by the
reaction of ethylene glycol with ethylene oxide, but this route is rarely used because
more than an adequate supply is available from the hydrolysis reaction.
Manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins and polyols for polyurethanes consumes
45% of the Diethylene glycol. Approximately 14% is blended into antifreeze.
Triethylene glycol from the ethylene oxide hydrolysis does not meet market
requirements, which leads to 12% of the Diethylene glycol being converted with
ethylene oxide to meet this market need. About 10% of Diethylene glycol is converted
to morpholine. Another significant use is natural gas dehydration, which uses 6%. The
remaining 13% is used in such applications as plasticizers for paper, fiber finishes,

10

and compatiblizers for dye and printing ink components, latex paint, antifreeze, and
lubricants in a number of applications.
3.1.2 Triethylene Glycol:
Triethylene glycol is a colorless, water-soluble liquid with chemical properties
essentially identical to those of Diethylene glycol. It is a co product of ethylene glycol
produced via ethylene oxide hydrolysis. Significant commercial quantities are also
produced directly by the reaction of ethylene oxide with the lower glycols.
Triethylene glycol is an efficient hygroscopicity agent with low volatility, and about
45% is used as a liquid drying agent for natural gas. Its use in small packaged plants
located at the gas wellhead eliminates the need for line heaters in field gathering
systems as a solvent (11 %) Triethylene glycol is used in resin impregnants and other
additives, steam-set printing inks, aromatic and paraffinic hydrocarbon separations,
cleaning compounds, and cleaning poly (ethylene Terephthalate) production
equipment. The freezing point depression property of Triethylene glycol is the basis
for its use in heat-transfer fluids.
Approximately 13% Triethylene glycol is used in some form as a vinyl plasticizer.
Triethylene glycol esters are important plasticizers for poly (vinyl butyral) resins,
Nitrocellulose lacquers, vinyl and poly (vinyl chloride) resins, poly (vinyl acetate) and
synthetic rubber compounds and cellulose esters. The fatty acid derivatives of
Triethylene glycol are used as emulsifiers, emulsifiers, and lubricants. Polyesters
derived from Triethylene glycol are useful as low pressure laminates for glass fibers,
asbestos, cloth, or paper. Triethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of alkyd resins
used as laminating agents and adhesives.
3.1.3 Tetra ethylene Glycol:
Tetra ethylene glycol has properties similar to Diethylene and Triethylene glycols and
may be used preferentially in applications requiring a higher boiling point, higher
molecular weight, or lower hygroscopicity.
Tetra ethylene glycol is miscible with water and many organic solvents. It is a
humectants that, although less hygroscopic than the lower members of the glycol
series, may find limited application in the dehydration of natural gases. Other
possibilities are in moisturizing and plasticizing cork, adhesives, and other substances.

11

Tetra ethylene glycol may be used directly as a plasticizer or modified by

esterification with fatty acids to produce plasticizers. Tetra ethylene glycol is used
directly to plasticize separation membranes, such as silicone rubber, poly (Vinyl
acetate), and cellulose triacetate. Ceramic materials utilize tetra- ethylene glycol as
plasticizing agents in resistant refractory plastics and molded ceramics. It is also
employed to improve the physical properties of cyanoacrylate and polyacrylonitrile
adhesives, and is chemically modified to form Polyisocyanate, polymethacrylate, and
to contain silicone compounds used for adhesives.
Tetra ethylene glycol has found application in the separation of aromatic
hydrocarbons from nonromantic hydrocarbons (BTX extraction). In general, the
critical solution temperature of a binary system, consisting of a given alkyl-substituted
aromatic hydrocarbon and tetra ethylene glycol, is lower than the critical solution
temperature of the same hydrocarbon with Triethylene glycol and is considerably
lower than the critical solution temperature of the same hydrocarbon with Diethylene
glycol. Hence, at a given temperature, tetra ethylene glycol tends to exact the higher
alkyl benzenes at a greater capacity than a lower polyglycols.
3.2 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION:
Pure anhydrous ethylene glycol is not aggressive toward most metals and plastics.
Since ethylene glycol also has a low vapor pressure and is non caustic. It can be
handled with out any problems: it is transported in railroad tank cars, tank trucks, and
tank ships. Tanks are usually made of steel: high grade materials are only required for
special quality requirements. Nitrogen blanketing can protect ethylene glycol against
oxidation.
At ambient temperature, aluminum is resistant to pure glycol. Corrosion occurs,
however, above 100oC and hydrogen is evolved. Water air and acid producing
impurities (aldehydes) accelerate this reaction. Great care should be taken when
phenolic resins are involved, since they are not resistance to ethylene glycol.

3.3 SHIPPING DATA FOR ETHYLENE GLYCOL:

Weight per Gallon at 20C

9.29 lb

Coefficient of Expansion at 55C

0.00065

Flash Point, Tag Closed Cup

260F
12

Net Contents and Type of Container

1Gallon Tin Can 9.0 lb

5Gallon DOT 17E, Pail 47 lb

55Gallon DOT 17E, Drum 519 lb

3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECOLOGY:

Ethylene glycol is readily biodegradable, thus disposal of waste water containing this
compound can proceed without major problems. The high LC 50value of over 10000
mg/lit account for its low water toxicity.
3.5 PRODUCT SAFETY:
When considering the use of ethylene glycol in any particular
application, review and understand our current Material Safety Data
Sheet

for

the

necessary

safety

and

environmental

health

information. Before handling any products you should obtain the

available product safety information from the suppliers of those
products

and take the necessary steps to comply with all

precautions regarding the use of ethylene glycol. No chemical

should be used as or in a food, drug, medical device, or cosmetic, or
in a product process in which it may come in contact with a food,
drug, medical device, or cosmetic until the user has determined the
suitability of the use. Because use conditions and applicable laws
may differ from one location to another and may change with time,
Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the
information are appropriate for Customers use [5, 6]

13

CHAPTER IV
MARKET SURVEY
4.1 ECONOMIC ASPECTS:
Ethylene glycol is one of the major products of the chemical industry. Its economic
importance is founded on its two major commercial uses as antifreeze and for fiber
production. Since Ethylene glycol is currently produced exclusively from ethylene
oxide production plant are always located close to plant that produce ethylene oxide.
The proportion of ethylene oxide that is converted to Ethylene glycol depends on
local condition, such as market situation and transport facilities. About 60% of total
world production is converted to ethylene glycol.
About 50% of the ethylene glycol that is used as antifreeze. Another 40% is used in
fiber industry. Consequently the ethylene glycol demand is closely connected to the
development of these two sectors In view of the increasing price of crude oil,
alternative production method based on synthesis gas is likely to become more
important and increasing competitive.
4.2 LEADING PRODUCERS IN WORLD:

BASF, Geismer, La. (America).

DOW, Plaquemine, La .(America)

OXYPETROCHEMICALS, Bayport, Tex .(America)

PD Glycol ,Beaumont, Tex. (America)

SHELL, Geismer,La. (America)

TEXACO ,Port Neches, Tex.(America)

UNION CARBIDE, Taft,La.(America)

BP Chemicals, Belgium, (West Europe).

IMPERIAL Chemicals Ind. United Kingdom, (West Europe)

BPC (NAPTHACHIMIE),France , (West Europe)

STATE COMPLEXES ,USSR, (West Europe)

PAZINKA, Yugoslavia, (West Europe)

EASTERN PETROCHEMICAL CO. Saudi Arabia, (Middle East)

National Organic Chemical, India, (Asia).

14

Mitsubishis Petrochemicals, (Japan)

4.3 LEADING PRODUCER IN INDIA:

India Glycol, Uttaranchal (North India).

Reliance Industries Ltd. Hazira (Gujarat).

Indian Petrochemical Corporation Ltd, Baroda (Gujarat).

NOCIL, Thane.

SM Dye chem. Pune.

4.4 MEG PRICE TREND:

Table 4.1 MEG Price Trend
Sr. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Year
2004
2005

November

Month
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
1st week
2nd week

Price(US$/MT)
1095
988
1045
1095
1095
971
734
736
808
836
883
883
830
822

4.5 DEMAND SUPPLY BALANCE (IN KT):

Table 4.2 Demand supply balance (In KT)
MEG
Capacity
Production
Imports
Exports
Demand
Demand Growth %

2002
590
548
11
8
551

2003
615
647
64
29
682
24%

2004
654
691
106
104
750
10%

2005
830
833
103
133
803
7%

2006
830
830
90
60
860
7%

4.6 QUALITY SPECIFICATION:

Since ethylene glycol is produce in relatively high purity difference in quality are not
accepted. The directly synthesized product meets high quality demands (fiber grade).
The ethylene glycol produce in the wash water that is use during ethylene oxide
production is normally of a somewhat inferior quality (antifreeze grade). The quality
specifications for mono ethylene glycol are compiling in table-2. [5, 6]
15

Table 4.3 Quality Specification OF Ethylene Glycol

DESCRIPTION

FIBER GRADE

INDUSTRIAL GRADE

Color, Pt-Co, max

10

Suspended matter

Substantially free

Substantially free

Diethylene glycol, wt.% max

0.08

0.6

Acidity, as acetic acid, wt%

0.005

0.02

max
Ash, wt% max

0.005

0.005

Water, wt% max

0.08

0.3

Iron, ppm wt max

Chlorides, ppm wt max
Distillation range, ASTM at

0.07

0.05

760mm Hg:
IBP, C min
DP, C max
Odor
UV transmittance, % min at:
220 nm
250 nm
275 nm
350 nm
Specific gravity, 20/20C
Water solubility, 25C

196
200
Practically none
70
90
98
1.1151-1.1156
Completely miscible

196
199

70
90
95
99
1.1151-1.1156

CHAPTER V
PROCESS SELECTION AND DESCRIPTION
5.1 MANUFACTURING PROCESSES:
Up to the end of 1981, only two processes for manufacturing ethylene glycol have
been commercialized. The first, the hydration of ethylene oxide, is by far the most
important, and from 1968 through 1981 has been the basis for all of the ethylene
glycol production.
Manufacturing process involves laboratory methods and industrial methods.
5.1.1 Laboratory methods: [3, 4]
16

By passing Ethylene in to cold dilute Alkaline permanganate solution i.e.

Oxidation of Ethylene to Glycol

By hydrolysis of Ethylene Bromide by boiling under reflux with aqueous

sodium carbonate solution. This reaction mixture is refluxed till an oily globule of
ethylene bromide disappears. The resulting solution is evaporated on a water bath and
semi solid residue is extracted with ether-alcohol mixture. Glycol is recovered from
solution by distillation. The best yield of glycol (83-84%) can be obtained by heating
ethylene bromide with potassium acetate in Glacial acetic acid.

Ethylene glycol can be produced by an electrohydrodimerization of

formaldehyde.

An early source of glycols was from hydrogenation of sugars obtained from

formaldehyde condensation. Selectivity to ethylene glycol was low with a number of

other glycols and polyols produced. Biomass continues to be evaluated as a feedstock
for glycol production.
5.1.2 Industrial methods: [1, 2, 7, 8]

The production of ethylene glycol by the hydration of ethylene oxide is

simple, and can be summarized as follows: ethylene oxide reacts with water to form
glycol, and then further reacts with ethylene glycol and higher homologues in a series
of consecutive reactions as shown in the following equations.

17

H2C
O

O
O
H
H
Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene Oxide
CH2

H2C

+ H2C

CH2

CH2

H2C

+ H2C

O
H

O
H

CH2
O
H

CH2
O
H

O
H
H2C

CH2

Diethylene Glycol
CH2

CH2

CH2

H2C

O
H

O
H

CH2

H2C

+ H2O

CH2

CH2

CH2

CH2

CH2

Triethylene Glycol

CH2
O
H

Ethylene oxide hydrolysis proceeds with either acid or base catalysis or uncatalyzed
in neutral medium. Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis activates the ethylene oxide by
protonation for the reaction with water. Base-catalyzed hydrolysis results in
considerably lower selectivity to ethylene glycol. The yield of higher glycol products
is substantially increased since anions of the first reaction products effectively
compete with hydroxide ion for ethylene oxide. Neutral hydrolysis (pH 6-10),
conducted in the presence of a large excess of water at high temperatures and
pressures, increases the selectivity of ethylene glycol to 89-91%. In all these ethylene
oxide hydrolysis processes the principal byproduct is Diethylene glycol. The higher
glycols, i.e., Triethylene and Triethylene glycols, account for the remainder.
Although catalytic hydration of ethylene oxide to maximize ethylene glycol
production has been studied by a number of companies with numerous materials
patented as catalysts, there has been no reported industrial manufacture of ethylene
glycol via catalytic ethylene oxide hydrolysis. Studied catalyst include sulfonic acids,
carboxylic acids and salts, cation-exchange resins, acidic zeolites, halides, anionexchange resins, metals, metal oxide and metal salts. Carbon dioxide as a co catalyst
with many of the same materials has also received extensive study.
18

Ethylene glycol was commercially produced in the United States from

ethylene chlorohydrins which was manufactured from ethylene and hypochlorous

acid. Chlorohydrins can be converted directly to ethylene glycol by hydrolysis with a
base, generally caustic or caustic/bicarbonate mix. An alternative production method
is converting chlorohydrins to ethylene oxide with subsequent hydrolysis.
CH2

CH2

HOCH2CH2Cl

+ HOCl

NaOH

HOCH2CH2Cl
HOCH2CH2OH

(8)

NaCl

(9)

NaCl

(10)

O
HOCH2CH2Cl

Ca(OH)2

CH2

CH2

O
CH2

CH2

+ H2O

HOCH2CH2OH

(11)

Du Pont commercially produced ethylene glycol from carbon monoxide,

methanol, hydrogen, and formaldehyde until 1968 at Belle, West Virginia. The
process consisted of the reaction of formaldehyde, water, and carbon monoxide with
an acid catalyst to form glycolic acid. The acid is esterified with methanol to produce
methyl glycolate. Subsequent reduction with hydrogen over a chromate catalyst yields
ethylene glycol and methanol. Methanol and formaldehyde were manufactured on site
from syngas.

CO

CH2O

HOOCCH2OH

CH3OOCCH2OH

H2 O

H+

CH3OH

H2

HOOCCH2OH
CH3OOCCH2OH

Cr2O3

HOCH2CH2OH

+
+
+

NaCl

(12)

H2O

(13)

CH3OH

(14)

Coal was the original feedstock for syngas at Belle; thus ethylene glycol was
commercially manufactured from coal at one time. Ethylene glycol manufacture from
syngas continues to be pursued by a number of researchers.

Ethylene glycol can be produced from acetoxylation of ethylene. Acetic acid,

oxygen, and ethylene react with a catalyst to form the glycol mono and diacetate.
Catalysts can be based on palladium, selenium, tellurium, or thallium. The esters are
19

hydrolyzed to ethylene glycol and acetic acid. The net reaction is ethylene plus water
plus oxygen to give ethylene glycol. This technology has several issues which have
limited its commercial use.
CH3COOH

+ CH2

CH2

O2

Te2Br2

CH3COOCH2CH2OH + CH3COOCH2CH2OOCCH3

CH3COOCH2OOCCH3

3 H2O

2 HOCH2CH2OH + 3 CH3COOH

(15)
(16)

The catalysts and acetic are highly corrosive, requiring expensive construction
materials. Trace amounts of ethylene glycol mono-and diacetates are difficult to
separate from ethylene glycol limiting the glycols value for polyester manufacturing.
This technology (Halcon license) was practiced by Oxirane in 1978 and j1979 but was
discontinued due to corrosion problems.
Ethylene glycol can be manufactured by the transesterification of ethylene

carbonate. A process based on the reaction of ethylene carbonate with methanol to

give dimethyl carbonate and ethylene glycol is described in a Texaco patent; a general
description of the chemistry has also been published.
O

C
O

2 CH3OH

Zr2Cl4

HOCH2CH2OH

CO(CH3O)2

(18)

Selectivity to ethylene glycol are excellent with little Diethylene glycol or higher
glycols produced. A wide range of catalysts may be employed including ion exchange
resins, zirconium and titanium compounds, tin compounds, phosphines, acids and
bases. The process produces a large quantity of dimethyl carbonate which would
require a commercial outlet.

Oxalic acid produced from syngas can be esterified and reduced with

hydrogen to form ethylene glycol with recovery of the esterification alcohol.

Hydrogenation requires a copper catalyst giving 100% conversion with selectivity to
ethylene glycol of 95%.
HOOCCOOH
ROOCCOOR

2 ROH

4 H2

ROOCCOOR
Cu

HOCH2CH2OH
20

2 H2O
2 ROH

(20)
(21)

The Teijin process, which has not been commercialized to date, produces

ethylene glycol by the reaction of ethylene with thallium salts in the presence of water
and chloride or bromide ions. The major by-product in the reaction is acetaldehyde.
A redox metal compound (such as copper) oxidizable with molecular oxygen is added
to the reaction medium to permit the regeneration of the thallium salt.

The DuPont process, based on feeds derived from synthesis gas (CO and

formaldehyde), became economically obsolete because of low-priced ethylene. With

the high price of oil and natural gas, there has been increasing interest in coal
gasification to produce fuel and also synthesis gas for petrochemical manufacture. In
1976, Union Carbide announced that a process for the production of ethylene glycol
from synthesis gas was being developed for commercialization in the early 1980.The
proposed reaction was based on using a rhodium-based catalyst in tetrahydrofuran
solvent at 190-230C and high pressure (3400 atm). The equi molar mixture of CO
and H2 would be converted mainly to ethylene glycol and by-product glycerol and
propylene oxide. Methanol, methyl formate, and water would also be produced.[10]
5.2. PROCESS SELECTION:
The process selection is based on different advantages and parameters of the industrial
methods.
5.2.1 Comparison of different Processes:
Hydration of ethylene oxide is an industrial approach to glycols in general, and
ethylene glycol in particular. Ethylene glycol is one of the major large-scale products
of industrial organic synthesis, with the world annual production of about 15.3
million t/yr in 2000. Hydration of ethylene oxide proceeds on a serial-to-parallel route
with the formation of homologues of glycol:

Table 5.1 Comparison of different Processes

SR.

PROCESSES

PARAMETER

CATALYST

NO

ADVANTAGES/DISA
DVANTAGES

21

1.

Hydrolysis

of 1) Non- catalytic

Ethylene Oxide

Yield

1)Non

Use large excess water

98% Catalytic

to increase the yield

Selectivity: 98%
Temp:105oC
Pressure

which leads to high

2)

Catalytic: energy consumption

: Sulfonic acids, 1) Use less excess water

1.5MPa

Carboxylic

2) catalytic:

acids and salts, energy consumption

Yield

95% Ion-exchange

Selectivity: 90% resins,

2.

3.

4.

Pressure :

halides, Metal temp & pressure

1-30 bar

oxide

from

Temp: 200oC

CO,H2,CH3OH

Pressure:

&

100atm

Metal salts.

the

Non Catalytic

highly corrosive.
very low yield &

solution

very costly
High
pressure

Cromate
Catalyst

process
Discontinued now a
day

from

or ammonium

Low yield

reaction

selectivity

Alkali

Temp:180oC

&

and 4) Acid catalyst makes

Formaldehyde
Ethylene glycol Yield :98%
ethylene Selectivity: 95%

low

3) permit use of low

Low selectivity
halide Give high yield and

salt.

Pressure:13bar

6.

yield

zeolites,

chlorohydrins
Ethylene glycol Yield : 90-95%

Transesterificati

High

to

Acidic selectivity

Ethylene Selectivity: 75%

carbonate

5.

2)

leads

Temp:200oC

Ethylene Glycol Yield :50%

from

which

selectivity
Utility saving
Extra

Zirconium

purification

cost
& Produced

large

on of ethylene

titanium

amount

carbonate.

compound.

byproducts

Esterification of Yield : 70%

Copper

High conversion but

Oxalic acid and Selectivity: 90%

catalyst

catalyst removal is

Reduction with

very difficult.

H2
22

of

7.

Direct one stage Selectivity: 65%

Rhodium

synthesis

catalyst

increase this process

Ethylene glycol 190-230oC

(Homogeneous

will become more

from syn gas

catalyst route.)

economical.

of Temp:
Pressure:
3400atm

As

crude

prices

Use of very high

pressure
Not

prove

to

be

indirect route may

be viable or not.
Catalyst

is

sensitive
8.

Hydrolysis

of Yield : 90%

Pd complexes

glycol diacetate. Selectivity: 95%

very
and

expensive.
Very low conversion

pdcl2+NaNO3

Temp: 160oC
Pressure:
2.4MPa
H2O+C2H4O

Ko

C2H4O + HOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2OH

Ki

HO (CH2CH2O)2 H

---------------- (1)

---------------- (2)

Where k0,and k1 are the rate constants.

Now all ethylene and propylene glycols is produced in industry by a non catalyzed
reaction. Product distribution in reaction (1) is regulated by the oxide/water ratio in
the initial reaction mixture. The distribution factor b = k1/k0 for a non catalyzed
reaction of ethylene oxide with water is in the range of 1.92.8. For this reason large
excess of water (up to 20 molar equiv.) is applied to increase the monoglycol yield on
the industrial scale. This results in a considerable power cost at the final product
isolation stage from dilute aqueous solutions. i.e. energy consumption for the
distillation of large amount of excess water is high. Also the selectivity of ethylene
oxide hydrolysis is low i.e. 10% is converted to Diethylene glycol and tri ethylene
glycol.
23

One of the ways of increasing the monoglycol selectivity and, therefore, of decreasing
water excess is the application of catalysts accelerating only the first step of the
reaction (1). There are much research has been carried out to improve this process.
The search for better catalyst is an objective for increase the selectivity and decrease
the excess water. As evident from the kinetic data the distribution factor b = k1/k0 is
reduced -0.10.2 at the concentration of some salts of about 0.5 mol/l. This enables to
produce monoethyleneglycol with high selectivity at waterethyleneoxide molar ratio
close to 10.
5.2.2 Catalyst:
A cross-linked styrenedivinylbenzene anion exchange resin (SBR) in the HCO3/
CO3- form, activated by anion exchanging with sodium bicarbonate solution used as
catalysts. (Dow Chemical produced anion-exchange resins: DOWEX SBR). The
ethylene oxide hydration process in a catalytic fixed-bed tube reactor was studied .The
properties of initial resins are summarized below:
Functional group
Total exchange capacity (equiv./l)
Particle size (mm)

:
:

- [PhN (CH3)3] +
1.4

0.3-1.2

5.3 PROCESS DESCRIPTION:

This process produced mono ethylene glycol by the catalytic hydrolysis of ethylene
oxide in the presence of less excess of water. After the hydrolysis reaction is
completed the glycol is separated from the excess water and then refined to produce
mono ethylene glycol (MEG). The process is devided in to five different sections.
5.3.1

MEG reaction unit:

Ethylene oxides mixed with recycle water and pumped to glycol reactor where it is
reacted with water at 1050C &1.5 MPa in the presence of catalyst. The Reactor is
Catalytic Plug flow Fixed bed type. The reaction volume consists of two phase, the
liquid phase and ionite (catalyst) phase. The liquid streams through catalyst bed in a
plug flow regime. The catalytic and non catalytic ethylene oxide hydration takes place
in the ionite phase, and only non catalytic reaction takes place in the liquid phase. The
distribution of the components of the reaction mixture between liquid and ionite
phases is result of the rapid equilibrium. The glycol reactor operate at approximately

24

1.5MPa.pressure which is supplied by the reactor feed pump. The reactor effluent
goes to the evaporation unit for the evaporation of excess water.
5.3.2

MEG evaporation unit:

The glycol evaporation system consists of multiple effect evaporation system(three

effects). The reactor effluent flows by difference in pressure from one evaporator to
the next the water content of glycol is reduced to about 15% in the evaporators. The
remaining water is removed in drying column, the pressure of the system is such that
the reactor effluent is maintained as a liquid and is fed as such in to the vapor portion
of the first effect evaporator.
Evaporation in the first effect is accomplished by 12Kg/cm2 (g) pressure steam. The
overhead vapor from the first effect is used as heating media in the second effect. The
steam condensate from the first effect is goes to the medium pressure condensate
header.
The overhead vapor from the second effect is used as heating media in the third effect.
The third effect operated under vacuum. The vacuum is maintained by using steam jet
ejector. The bottom of the third effect containing 15% water is fed to crude glycol
tank via glycol pump, which is then fed to the drying unit. The condensate from first
two effects and the vapor from third effect containing water and some amount of
glycol are fed to the glycol recovery unit.
5.3.3 MEG drying unit:
The concentrated glycol from the third effect is containing approximately 15% water.
Essentially all the water is removed from the aqueous ethylene glycol solution in the
drying column. Normally the drying column is fed from the crude glycol tank. The
drying column operated under vacuum which is maintained by steam jet ejector.
Drying column bottom which are free from water are transferred by column bottom
pump to MEG refining column. Where the MEG is separated from the higher glycol,
Water vapors leaving the top of the drying column are fed to MEG recovery unit for
glycol recovery. (An inert gas line is provided at the base of the drying column for
breaking the vacuum).
5.3.4

MEG refining unit:

Drying column bottoms essentially free of water are fed to the MEG refining column.
(PACKED COLUMN). About 15% of the feed to the MEG column enters as vapor
due to flashing. MEG product is withdrawn from the top of the column. Some MEG is
purged in the overhead to the vacuum jets to reduce the aldehydes in the product. The
25

MEG column bottoms primarily di-ethylene glycols are pumped from the column
bottom to the storage tank. The MEG column operates at a pressure of 10mmHg (A).
The vacuum is maintained by MEG column ejector system. The MEG column
condenser is mounted directly on the top of the MEG column.
5.3.5

MEG recovery unit:

The MEG leaving along with water from the Top of the multiple effect evaporator &
drying column are recovered in the MEG Recovery Column (PLATE COLUMN). The
column is operated under Atmospheric pressure.MEG leaving from the bottom of the
column and the water leaving from the top of the column are Recycle to reactor.

CHAPTER VI
MATERIAL BALANCE
Material balances are the basis of process design. A material balance taken over
complete process will determine the quantities of raw materials required and products
produced. Balances over Individual process until set the process stream flows and
compositions. The general conservation equation for any process can be written as
Material out = material in + accumulation

26

For a steady state process the accumulation term is zero. If a chemical reaction is
taking place a particular chemical species may be formed or consumed. But if there is
no chemical reaction, the steady state balance reduces to:
Material out = Material in
A balance equation can be written for each separately identifiable species present,
elements, compounds and for total material. [10]
6.1 BASIS:
Basis: 100000TPA
The process is planned and developed as a continuous process. A plant is operated for
24 Hours per day and 333 per year.
No of working days = 333days
Capacity =

1000000
333

= 300.3 T/days
= 201.47 Kmol/hr.
6.2 MOLECULAR WEIGHT (KG / KMOL):
Ethylene Glycol

: 62

Water

: 18

Carbon Dioxide [CO2]

: 44.01

Water [H2O]

: 18

Nitrogen [N2]

: 28

6.3 MATERIAL BALANCE OF INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT:

This is the amount of MEG obtained from the distillation column,
So assuming that 99% of MEG in the feed to the Distillation column (Refining
Column) is obtained in the distillate & also 93% of MEG in feed to the Recovery
Column is recovered from Recovery Column.

Kmol of MEG in feed to the distillation column

= 204.70 Kmol/hr.
6.3.1 Reactor:
27

Ethylene Oxide = 9190.54 Kg

= 208.876 Kmols
Water

Mono Ethylene Glycol = 204.7Kmols

= 12691.4 Kg

REACTOR

Water = 1881.972 Kmols

= 33875.496Kg

Temp. = 100 0C

= 37597.68 Kg
= 2088.76 Kmol

Conversion = 100 %

Higher glycol = 2.088 Kmol

= 221.328Kg

Pressure = 1.5-2MPa

In the reactor following reaction take place

C2H4O +

H2O

HOCH2CH2OH

(Ethylene oxide) (Water)

--------- (1)

(Mono Ethylene Glycol)

C2H4O + HOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2OH

(Ethylene oxide) (Mono Ethylene Glycol)

--------- (2)

(Higher Glycol)

As selectivity = 98%
Moles of undesired product formed =

204.70
98

= 2.088 Kmol
Moles of MEG to be produced from reactor = 206.788kmol
Moles of ethylene oxide reacted by reaction I
= 206.788 Kmol.
Moles of ethylene oxide reacted by reaction I I
= 2.088 Kmol.
Total Moles of ethylene oxide reacted = 206.788 + 2.088
= 208.876 Kmol.
As conversion = 100%
[6]
Moles of ethylene oxide charged = 208.876kmol
From the literature we know that the ratio of WATER TO ETHYLENE OXIDE =10
Amount of water fed to reactor = 2088.76 Kmol. (Including excess)
From the reaction moles of water reacted = 206.788 Kmol.
28

M.B.ON WATER:
Moles of water fed = Moles of water reacted + Moles of water unreacted
2088.76

206.788 + Moles of water unreacted

Moles of water unreacted = 1881.972kmol

M.B.ON MEG:
Moles of MEG in the product = 206.788 2.088
= 204.7 Kmol
Table 6.1 Material balance over reactor
Component
Ethylene oxide
Water
Mono Ethylene Glycol
Higher Glycol

In, Kg
9190.54
37597.68
-

Out, kg
33875.496
12691.4
221.328

6.3.2 Triple Effect Evaporator:

Consider the water content of glycol is reduced to 15% i.e. 85% of water is to be
removed.
Consider triple effect evaporator as single unit.
Amount of water removed

= 0.851881.972
= 1599.6762 Kmol.
= 28794.1715 Kg

Total quantity of water at the top = 1599.6762 Kmol.

= 28794.1716 kg.
Remaining 15% water are still in the bottom along with the MEG and Higher glycol.

Amount of water in the bottom

= 1881.972-1599.6762
= 282.2958 Kmol.
= 5081.324 Kg

There is some quantity of glycol carry over along with water from the top of
evaporator.
Amount of glycol carry over along with water from 1st effect
W1= 8285.66kg
MEG = 165.58kg
29
H2O = 8120.08kg

= 165.58 kg

F = 2088.76 Kmol
= (46788.224 kg)
M.E.G = 204.7Kmol
= 12691.4 Kg
Water =1881.972 Kmol
= 33875.496Kg

1st effect evaporator

To 2nd effect evaporator

Pressure = 7 kg/cm2
Temp = 159 oC

Amount of glycol carry over along with water from IIst effect = 189.139kg
W2= 9689.31kg
MEG = 189.139kg
H2O = 9500.171kg

Temp = 141 oC
Pressure = 3.5 kg/cm2
To 3rd effect evaporator

2nd effect evaporator

From 2nd effect

evaporator

To MEG Recovery column

Y= 1610.8012kmol

Amount of glycol carry over along with water from IIst effect = 335.064 kg

W3= 11508.96kg
MEG = 335.064kg
H2O = 11173.89kg

From 3rd effect

evaporator

3rd effect evaporator

Pressure = 0.25 kg/cm2
Temp = 118 oC
30

To MEG Refining
column
X = 477.9588
Kmol

To MEG Recovery column

Y= 1610.8012kmol

(Finding using VLE calculation)

Total amount of glycol carry over along with water = 689.783 Kgm.
=11.125 Kmol
Total quantity (water +MEG) leaving from the top of effect = 1599.6762+11.125
Y = 1610.8012 Kmol.
TAKING OVERALL M.B
F=Y+X
2088.76 = 1610.8012 + X
X = 477.9588 Kmol.
(Total quantity leaving from the bottom of last effect)
Table 6.2 Material balance over Triple effect evaporator
Component
Water
MEG
HG

In, Kg
33875.496
12691.4
221.328

Liquid phase
5081.355
12001.617
221.328

Out, Kg
Vapor phase
28794.141
689.783
-

6.3.3 Drying Column:

Y= 289.295 Kmol
= 5537.385 kg
MEG = 456.061kg

F = 477.9588 kmol
= 17304.2585 kg
MEG = 12001.606kg

Drying column
Pressure = 0.21 kg/cm2

H2O = 5081.324 kg.

Temp = 87 oC

H2O = 5081.324 kg
.

X = 188.306 Kmol

HG = 221.328kg.

= 11766.873 kg
MEG = 186.218kmol
= 115453545kg
HG = 2.088 Kmol
= 221.328kg

Consider all the water are removed in the drying column

31

Amount of water removed

= 5018.324 Kgm
= 282.295 Kmol.

There is some quantity of glycol carry over along with water from the top of drying
column
Amount of glycol carry over along with water from drying column = 456.061kg
=7.3558 Kmol.
(Finding using VLE calculation)
Total quantity leaving from top of drying column
= (Amount of water +Amount of MEG)
= 282.295 +7.3558
= 289.65 Kmol.
TAKING OVERALL M.B
F =Y+X
477.9588 = 289.65 + X
X = 188.306 Kmol.
(Total quantity leaving from the bottom of drying column)
Now ,
Total amount of MEG leaving along with water during evaporation of water
= (Amount of MEG leaving from top of
TEE + Amount of MEG leaving from
top of drying column)
= 689.783+456.061
= 1145.844 Kgm.
= 18.4813 Kmol.
Amount of feed to MEG Recovery column
= (Amount of MEG leaving along with
water during evaporation + Amount of
water removed)
= 18.4813+1881.973
= 1900.451 Kmol.
Table 6.3 Material balance over drying column
Component

In, Kg

32

Out, Kg
Liquid phase
Vapor phase

Water
MEG
HG

5081.324
12001.606
221.328

11545.3545
221.328

5081.324
456.061
-

6.3.4 MEG Refining Column (Packed Column):

D= 184.54 Kmol
= 11448.8616 kg
MEG = 184.355kmol
(0.999.high purity)

F = 188.306 Kmol
= 11766.873 kg

MEG refining column

Pressure = 10 mmHg

MEG = 186.218kmol
=11545.545kg

HG = 0.18454kmol

Temp = 93.2 oC

HG =2.088kmol
= 221.328kg

W = 3.766 Kmol
= 317.664 kg
MEG = 1.8523kmol
HG = 1.9136kmol

Assuming 99% recovery, of total MEG feed to distillation column, is obtained in the
distillate.

Kmol of MEG in Distillate

= 188.306 0.99 x 0.98891

= 184.355 Kmol / hr.
= 11431.0818 Kg/hr.

Kmol of Distillate

(D)

= 184.355 / 0.999
= 184.54 Kmol / hr.

Avg. M.W. of distillate

= (0.999 x 62) + (0.001 x 106)

= 62.044 kg / Kmol.

Amt. of Distillate (D)

= 184.54 x 62.04
= 11448.8618 kg / hr.

Amt. of HG in Distillate

= 184.54 x 0.001
= 0.18454 Kmol / hr.
= 0.18454 x 106
= 19.561 kg / hr.

Kmol of feed (F)

= 188.306 Kmol / hr.

33

= 11766.873 kg/hr
TAKING OVER ALL M.B.
F=D+W
188.306 = 184.54 + W
W = 3.766 Kmol /hr.
M.B. ON MEG
F x (Xf MEG) = D x (Xd MEG) + W x (Xb MEG)
188.306 x 0.9889 = 184.54 x 0.999 + 3.766 x Xb MEG
Xb MEG = 0.4918 (mol.fr.of MEG in Bottoms)
XbHG = (1- 0.4918)
= 0.5081 (mol.fr.of HG in Bottoms)

Kmol of MEG in Bottoms

= 0.4918 x 3.766
= 1.8521 Kmol / hr

Mol. Weight of MEG = 62 kg/Kmol

= 114.831 kg/hr.

Kmol of HG in Bottoms

= 0.5081 x 3.766
= 1.9135 Kmol / hr.

Mol. Weight of HG =106 kg/Kmol

= 1.9135 x 106
= 202.83 kg/hr.
Table 6.4 Material balance over Refining packed column
Component
MEG
HG

In, Kg
11545.545
221.328

Out, Kg
Vapor phase
11430.01
19.56124

Liquid phase
114.8426
202.8416

6.3.5 MEG recovery column (Plate column):

D= 1881.97kmol
= 11766.873 kg
MEG =1.88kmol
H2O =1880.08kmol

F = 1900.451kmol
= 35021.339 kg

MEG recovery column

MEG = 18.481kmol
=1145.844kg

Plate column

H2O =1881.97kmol
= 33875.496kg.

34

W = 18.481kmol
=1205.55 kg
MEG = 17.122kmol
H2O = 1.3584kmol

Assuming 99.9 % of total water in feed to distillation column is obtained in the

distillate.

Kmol of Water in Distillate

= 1881.97 x 0.999
= 1880.08 Kmol / hr

Kmol of Distillate

(D)

= 1880.08 / 0.999
= 1881.97 Kmol / hr.

Avg. M.W. of distillate

= (0.999 x 18) + (0.001 x 62)

= 18.044 kg / Kmol.

Amt. of Distillate (D)

= 1881.97 x 18.044
= 33958.266 kg /hr

Amt. of MEG in Distillate

= 1881.97 x 0.001
= 1.88 Kmol / hr
= 1.88 x 62
= 116.56 kg/ hr.

Amount of feed ( F )

= 1900.451 Kmol/hr
= 35021.339 kg/hr.

TAKING OVERALL M.B.

F = D+ W
1900.451 = 1881.47 + W
W = 18.481kmol / hr
M.B. ON WATER
F x (Xf H) = D x (Xd H) + W x (Xb H)
1900.451 x 0.99 = 1881.97 x 0.999 + 18.481 x Xb W
Xb W = 0.0735 (mol.fr.of Water in Bottoms)
Xb MEG = 1- 0.0735
= 0.9264 (mol.fr.of MEG in Bottoms)

Amount of MEG in Bottoms

= 18.481 x 0.9264
35

= 17.122 Kmol / hr
= 17.122 x 62
= 1061.56 kg/hr.

Kmol of Water in Bottoms

= 18.481 17.130
= 1.3584 Kmol / hr
= 1.3584 x 18
= 143.99 kg/ hr.

Table 6.5 Material balance over Recovery plate column

Component
Water
MEG

In, Kg
33875.496
1145.844

Liquid phase
24.4512
1061.546

Out, Kg
Vapor phase
33841.44
116.56

Table 6.6 Overall material balances

Equipment
Reactor

Triple

Component

Ethylene oxide
Water
MEG
HG
effect Water

In, kg
9190.54
37597.68
33875.496

Out, Kg
Liquid phase
Vapor phase
33875.496
12691.4
221.328
5081.355
28794.141

evaporator
MEG
HG
Drying column Water
MEG
HG
MEG refining MEG

12691.4
221.328
5081.324
12001.606
221.328
11545.545

12001.617
221.328
11545.3545
221.328
114.8426

689.783
5081.324
456.061
11430.01

221.328
33875.496

202.8416
24.4512

19.56124
33841.44

1145.844

1061.546

116.56

column
HG
MEG recovery Water
column
MEG

36

CHAPTER VII
ENERGY BALANCE
The first law of thermodynamics demands that energy be neither created nor
destroyed. The following is a systematic energy balance performed for each unit of
the process. The datum temperature for calculation is taken as 0C.
The different properties like specific heat, heat of reaction, heat of vaporization, etc.
are taken to be constant over the temperature range.
7.1 REACTOR: [9,11]

Mono Ethylene Glycol = 204.7Kmols

= 12691.4 Kg
Ethylene Oxide = 9190.54 Kg
= 208.876 Kmols
Water

= 37597.68 Kg
= 2088.76 Kmol

REACTOR

Water = 1881.972 Kmols

= 33875.496Kg

Temp. = 100 0C
Conversion = 100 %
Pressure = 1.5-2MPa

Higher glycol = 2.088 Kmol

= 221.328Kg

In the reactor following reaction take place

C2H4O +
(Ethylene oxide)

H2O

HOCH2CH2OH

(Water)

(Mono Ethylene Glycol)

C2H4O + HOCH2CH2OH

HOCH2CH2OH

(Ethylene oxide) (Mono Ethylene Glycol)

Table 7.1 Heat capacity and Enthalpy data
COMPONENT
H 0
( kj
f 298

IN
Ethylene oxide

------------- (1)

(Higher Glycol)

kmol

-77704
37

------------ (2)

C p ( kj

kmol k

99.106

Water
OUT
MonoEthyleneGlyocol
Di-EthyleneGlyocol
Water

-285830

75.673

-454800
-285831
-562570

75.673
189.39
441.602

Assume reference temp. = 250C

7.1.1

Enthalpy of formation of reaction

For first reaction

H 0 f H 0 fp H 0 f R
= [-454800] - [-(77704) + (-285830)]
= -91266 KJ/ Kmol of EO Reacted
= -91266 x 206.788
= -18.872 x 106 KJ / hr

H 0

For second reaction

H 0 fp H 0

f R

= [-562570] [(-77704) + (-454800)]

= -30066 KJ/ Kmol of EO Reacted
= -30066 x 2.088
= -62.77x103 KJ / hr
Total enthalpy of formation

= (-18.872 x 106 ) + (-62.77x103 )

= -18.9347 x 106 KJ / hr

Enthalpy of reactants
As reactants are added at 250C, so, its Enthalpy becomes 0.
Enthalpy of products

H p m C p MEG m C p WATER (mCp) HG T

= [ ( 204.7 x 189.39) + ( 1881.972 x 75.673 ) + (2.088 x 441.60) ] ( 105 25 )

= 14.5683 x 106 KJ / hr
Enthalpy of reaction
H R0 H p H 0

H R

= (14.5683 x 106) + (-18.9347 x 106) - 0

= - 4.3043 x 106 KJ / hr
38

So, it indicates that it is an exothermic reaction.

So, to control temp. Inside the reactor, cooling water is passed on shell side to remove
the heat.
Assuming cooling water entered at 25 o C and leave at 45 o C
Q

= m x Cp x T

- 4.3043 x 106

= m x 75.79627 x 20
= 2.8394 x 103 Kg / hr (cooling rate) [9,11]

7.2 TRIPPLE EFFECT EVAPORATOR:

Water to be evaporated = 28794.716Kg/hr
Total feed wF = 46788.224 Kg/hr
The balances applying to this problem are:
First effect:

wS S + wF (tF t1) Cp = w1 1
W1= 8285.66kg
MEG = 165.58kg
H2O = 8120.08kg

F = 2088.76 Kmol
= (46788.224 kg)
M.E.G =Second
204.7Kmol
effect:
= 12691.4 Kg
Water =1881.972 Kmol
= 33875.496Kg

1st effect evaporator

w1 1 + (wF w1) ( t1 t2) Cp = w2 2
Pressure = 7 kg/cm2

To 2nd
effect evaporator

W2= 9689.31kg

Temp = 159 oCMEG = 189.139kg

H2O = 9500.171kg

Temp = 141 oC
From 2nd
effect
evaporator

To 3rd effect
evaporator

Pressure = 3.5 kg/cm2

2nd effect evaporator
To MEG Recovery column
Y= 1610.8012kmol

Third effect:

w2 2 + (wF w1-w2) (t2 t3) Cp = w3 3

W3= 11508.96kg
MEG = 335.064kg
H2O = 11173.89kg

From 3rd effect

evaporator

rd

3 effect evaporator
Pressure = 0.25 kg/cm2
To MEG Recovery column

Temp
= 118 oC
Material balances:
w1 + w2 + w
3 = w1-3
Y= 1610.8012kmol
39

To MEG Refining
column
X = 477.9588
Kmol

tF = 1050C
Consider steam is entered at 12 kg/cm2 so Ts = 190.8250C
(After finding boiling point of solution)
Also last effect operates at a vacuum of 0.25 Kg/cm2
So t3 = 106.15oC (steam temp at 0.25 kg/cm2)
Consider for forward feed multiple effect evaporator pressure differences between
effects will be nearly equal.
So average pressure difference

= 385.056 KPa /effect

Table-7.2 Breaking up the total pressure difference:

Pressur

Steam or

, KJ/Kg

, KJ/Kg

e, KPa

vapor

(Steam)

(MEG)

temp. C
Steam chest, 1st

1179.69

TS= 190.82

S = 2210.8

794.63

t1=175.17

1 = 2244.1

1 = 982.935

409.57

t2=152.585

2 = 2284.0

2 = 1001.15

24.53

t3= 106.155

3 = 2379.1

3 =1022.317

effect
Steam chest,
2nd effect
Steam chest, 3rd
effect
Vapor to
condenser
7.2.1 First effect:
Cp avg. = xiCpi
= 4.196 KJ/Kg o K
avg = 2016.38 KJ/Kg
WSS + wF (tF t1) Cp = w11
(WS x 1973.62) + (46788.224 x - 70.17 x 4.196) = w1 x 2016.38

w1 = 0.9787WS 6830.42

----------------------------- (1)

7.2.2 Second effect:

Cp avg. = xiCpi
= 4.105 KJ/Kg o K
avg

= 2088.28 KJ/Kg

40

w11 + (wF w1) (t1 t2) Cp = w22

w1 X 2016.38 + (46788.224 -w1) (175.17-152.585) x 4.05 = w2 2088.28
Put value of w1 from equation (1) and finally

w2 = 0.9022WS 4245.22 ---------------------------- (2)

7.2.3 Third effect:
Cp avg. = xiCpi
= 3.873 KJ/Kg o K
avg = 2207.35 KJ/Kg

w22 + (wF w1-w2) ( t2 t3) Cp = w33

w22088.28 + (46788.224 w1 w2) (152.585 106.155)3.873 = w3 2207.35
Put value of W2 from equation 2 and finally we get

w3 = 0.70WS 697.42 ----------------------------------- (3)

Taking overall Material balances:

w1 + w2 + w3 = w1-3
0.9787WS 6830.42 +0.9022WS 4245.22 + 0.70WS 697.42 = 28794.1716 +
689.783
WS = 15.445 x 103 Kg/hr ( steam rate is required.)
From above equations we calculated,

w1 = 8285.66 Kg/hr
w2 = 9689.31 Kg/hr
w3 = 11508.96 Kg/hr
Now , Enthalpy out from the bottom of the last effect,
Tbottom = 122oC

Trefrence = 25oC
T = 97oC.

Enthalpy out from Bottom = (mCpT )MEG + ( mCpT )WATER + ( mCpT )HG
= [(12001.606 x 3.077) + (5081.324 x 4.378) + (221.328 x 4.1032)] x 97
= 5.828 x 106 KJ / hr

41

7.3 DRYING COLUMN:

Y= 289.295 Kmol
= 5537.385 kg
MEG = 456.061kg
H2O = 5081.324 kg
.

F = 477.9588 kmol
= 17304.2585 kg
MEG = 12001.606kg

Drying column
Pressure = 0.21 kg/cm2

H2O = 5081.324 kg.

Temp = 87 oC

HG = 221.328kg.

X = 188.306 Kmol
= 11766.873 kg
MEG = 186.218kmol
= 115453545kg

Toperating = 87 oC

Trefrence = 25 oC

HG = 2.088 Kmol
= 221.328kg

Hence T = 62oC.
Poperating = 0.25 kg /cm2
Enthalpy in = 2.802 x 106 kJ / hr
7.3.1 Enthalpy out from Top
= ( m )water + ( m )MEG +( mCpT )
= [(5081.324 x 2366.1) + (456.061 x 1109 .75)] + [289.65 x 75.2 x 64]
= 12.529 x 106 kJ / hr
7.3.2 Enthalpy out from Bottom
= (mCpT )MEG + ( mCpT )HG
= [(186.218 x 187.90) + (432.72 x 2.088)] x 62
= 2.225 x 106 kJ / hr
Total Enthalpy out

= Enthalpy out from (Top + Bottom)

= 12.529 x106 + 2.225 x 106
= 14.75 x106 kJ / hr

= Total Enthalpy out - Enthalpy of feed

42

Enthalpy of feed = 5.828 x 106 kJ / hr

Q = 14.75 x106 +5.828 x 106
= 8.926 x 106 kJ / hr
Amount of steam required,
Consider the steam enter at 2 kg/cm2 & 118.719oC
Steam = 2205.82 kJ / kg
Q = m steam
8.926 x 106 = m x 2205.82
m = 4046.6 kg / hr (Rate of steam)
D= 184.54 Kmol

7.4 MEG REFINING COLUMN:

= 11448.8616 kg
MEG = 184.355kmol
(0.999.high purity)
HG = 0.18454kmol

F = 188.306 Kmol
= 11766.873 kg
MEG = 186.218kmol
=11545.545kg

MEG refining column

Pressure = 10 mmHg
Temp = 93.2 oC

HG =2.088kmol
= 221.328kg

W = 3.766 Kmol
= 317.664 kg
MEG = 1.8523kmol
HG = 1.9136kmol

7.4.1 for top:

Ttop = 91.8 oC Trefrence = 25 oC
T = 66.8 oC
Poperating = 10 mmHg
Cpmean of MEG = 189.70 kJ / kmol oK
Cpmean of DEA = 441.6 kJ / kmol oK
43

Total Enthalpy out with Distillate = (mCpT ) MEG + (mCpT )DEG

= [(184.355 x 189.70) + (0.18454 x 441.6)] x 66.8
QD = 2.341 x 106 kJ / hr
Reflux Ratio = 0.71 (finding using Mc Cabe & Thiel Method)
i.e. L/D = 0.71
L = 0.71D
Vapor formed at the top V = L + D
= 0.71D + D
= 0.71 x 184.355
V = 315.247 kmol / hr
Reflux L = 0.71D
= 0.71 x 184.355
L = 130.89 kmol / hr
Enthalpy out with vapor:
QV = latent heat + sensible heat associated with that vapor
= m + (mCpT)
MEG = 68.578 x 103 kJ / kmol
DEG = 72.067 x 103 kJ / kmol
AVEG = 68.58 x 103 kJ / kmol
QV = [(315.247 x 68.58 x 103) + (315.247 x 188.298 x 66.8)]
= 25.58 x 106 kJ / hr
Enthalpy out with Reflux:
QReflux = ( mCpT )Reflux
= [ 130.89 x 188.551 x 66.8 ]

44

= 1.6485 x106 kJ / hr
Condenser load, QC :
= QV ( QReflux + QD )
= [(25.58 x 106 ) (1.6485 x106 + 2.341 x 106 )]
= 21.595 x 106 kJ / hr
Assuming cooling water enters the condenser at 25oC & leave at 45oC
QC = (mCpT )cooling water
21.595 x 106 = m x 75.7962 x 20
m = 11.63 x 103 kg / hr (Rate of cooling water)
7.4.2 For bottom:
Tbottom = 94.6 oC

= 69.6 oC

Cpmean of MEG = 188.531 kJ / kmol 0K

Cpmean of DEG = 443.2 kJ / kmol 0K
Enthalpy out with Residue, QResidue = ( mCpT )liq
= [(1.8528 x 188.531) MEG + (1.9136 x 443.2) DEG] x 69.6
= 83.34 x 106 kJ / hr
Reboiler Load:
Reboiler heat load is determined from a balance over complete system
QB + QFeed = QD + QW + QC
QFeed = 2.252 x 106 kJ / hr
QB

=
=

(21.595 x 106 + 83.34 x 106 - 2.252 x 106 + 2.341 x 106 )

21.794 x 106 kJ / hr

Amount of steam required,

Consider the steam enter at 2 kg/cm2 & 118.719oC

45

steam = 2205.82 kJ / kg
QB = m steam
21.794 x 106 = m x 2205.82
m = 9.88 x 10 3 kg / hr ( Rate of steam )
7.5 MEG RECOVERY COLUMN:

D= 184.54 Kmol
= 11448.8616 kg
MEG = 184.355kmol
(0.999.high purity)

MEG recovery column

F = 188.306 Kmol

HG = 0.18454kmol

= 11766.873 kg

Plate column

MEG = 186.218kmol
=11545.545kg
HG =2.088kmol
= 221.328kg

W = 3.766 Kmol
= 317.664 kg
MEG = 1.8523kmol
HG = 1.9136kmol

7.5.1 For top:

Ttop = 194oC

Trefrence = 25oC

T = 169 oC
Poperating = 760 mmHg
Cpmean of MEG = 197.24 kJ / kmol oK
Cpmean of H2O

= 76.55 kJ / kmol oK

Total Enthalpy out with Distillate = (mCpT )MEG + (mCpT ) WATER

= [(1881.08 x 76.55) + (1.874 x 197.24)] x 169
QD = 24.40 x 106 kJ / hr
Reflux Ratio = 0.51

(finding using Mc Cabe & Thiel Method)

i.e. L/D = 0.51
L = 0.51D
46

Vapor formed at the top V = L + D

= 0.51D + D
= 0.51 x 1881.97
V = 2841.77kmol / hr
Reflux L = 0.71D
= 0.51 x 1881.97
L = 959.80 kmol / hr
Enthalpy out with vapor:
QV = latent heat + sensible heat associated with that vapor
= m + (mCpT)
MEG = 1023.184 kJ / Kg

H2O = 2231.8 kJ / Kg

AVEG = 40.195 x 103 kJ / kmol

QV = [(2841.77 x 40.195 x 103) + (2841.77 x 197.24x 169)]
= 208.95 106 kJ / hr
Enthalpy out with Reflux:
QReflux = (mCpT) Reflux
= [959.80 x 76.67 x 169]
= 12.43 x106 kJ / hr
Condenser load
QC = QV ( QReflux + QD )
= [(208.95 106 ) (12.43 x106 + 24.40 x 106 )]
= 172.12 x 106 kJ / hr
Assuming cooling water enter the condenser at 25oC & leaves at 45oC
QC = (mCpT )cooling water
172.12 x 106 = m x 75.7962 x 20
47

m = 113.63 x 103 kg / hr (Rate of cooling water)

7.5.2 For bottom:

Tbottom = 198 oC Trefrence = 25oC
T

= 173 oC

Cpmean of MEG = 197.6285 kJ / kmol 0K

Cpmean of H2O = 76.607 kJ / kmol 0K
Enthalpy out with Residue:
QResidue = ( mCpT )liq
= [(17.122 x 197.6285) MEG + (1.3584 x 76.607 )DEG ] x 173
= 603.39 x 103 kJ / hr
Reboiler Load:
Reboiler heat load is determined from a balance over complete system
QB + QFeed = QD + QW + QC
QFeed

= ( mCpT )feed
= [(18.481 x 187.97) MEG + (1881.97x 74.51) WATER] x 80
= 143.71x 103 kJ / hr

Reboiler load
QB = [( 603.39 x 103 + 172.12 x 106 + 24.40 x 106 ) (143.71x 103) ]
= 196.97 x 106 kJ / hr
Amount of steam required,
Consider the steam enter at 2 kg/cm2 & 118.719oC
steam =2037.51 kJ / kg
QB = m steam
196.97 x 106 = m x 2037.51
48

m = 97.67 x 10 3 kg / hr ( Rate of steam )

[9,11]

CHAPTER VIII
REACTIONS KINETICS & THERMODYNAMICS

8.1 REACTOR KINETICS:

E. O = 9190.54 Kg
= 208.876 Kmols
Water = 37597.68 Kg
= 2088.76 Kmol

REACTOR
Temp. = 50 0C
Conversion = 100

Product =2088.76 kmol

= (46788.224 kg)
M.E.G = 204.7Kmol
= 12691.4 Kg
Water =1881.972 Kmol
= 33875.496Kg
H.G = 2.088 Kmol
= 221.328Kg

%
Here,
FAO

208.876 Kmol/hr

9190.544 Kg/hr

V0

10.649 m3/hr

FAO

= CAO V0

208.87 = Cao x 10.649

CAO

= 19.6136 Kmol/m3

= 19.6136 mol/lit

Similarly,
CBO

= 5.555 Kmol/m3

55.555 mol/lit

Now, Rate of reaction is given by

d (C2H4O) =

{K0([H2O] + b [Gyi]) + Kct [HCO3]} X

{{[H2O] + p [Gyi]}x [Oxide]}

dt
Where,
Gyi

= concentration of reactant (mol/lit)

[H2O] = concentration of water (mol/lit)

49

[Oxide] = concentration of oxide (mol/lit)

b = distribution factor =2.8
p = 1.88
d (C2H4O)

rA

= {K0(CB + b (CA + CB)) + Kct [HCO3] } X

{(CB + p (CA + CB)) x [CA]}

dt
Rate constant Ko is given by,
K0

exp [9.077 9355]

T

where T = temperature o K
K0

exp [9.077 9355]

378

= 1.5627 x 10-7

K0

L2

L2

= 0.0005625

mol2. Sec

mol2. hr

Similarly catalyst Rate constant Kct is given by,

Kct

= exp [18.24 10574]

T
= 5.926 x 10-5

Kct

L2

= 0.21334

mol2. Sec

L2
mol2. hr

Now,
CAO XA =

CBO XB

19.6136 XA
1

55.555 XB
1

XB = 0.3530 XA
- rA

={ K0[(CBO(1 0.3530 XA)) + 2.8 (CAO (1 XA) + CBO (1 0.3530 XA))]

+ Kct [0.25]} x {[CBO (1 0.3530 XA) + 1.88 [CAO (1 XA) + CBO (1
0.3530 XA)]}x CAO (1 XA)}

- rA

={ 0.0005625 [55.555 (1 0.3530 XA)) + 2.8 (19.6136 (1 XA) +

55.555 (1 0.3530 XA)] + 0.05533} x {55.555 (1 0.3530 XA) +
1.88 [19.6135 (1 XA) + 55.555 (1 0.3530 XA)]}x
50

19.6136 (1 XA)}

Table-8.1 Different value of XA and finding corresponding rate (-rA),

XA =
-rA =
(1/rA)
(lit.hr
/mol)

0.1
654.5

0.005

0.2
532.40

0.3
424.57

0.4
330.131

0.5
248.286

0.6
178.2369

0.7
119.1836

0.8
70.31

0.9
30.86

0.98
53.60

0.0018

0.0023

0.00302

0.00402

0.00561

0.0084

0.01

0.03

0.186

From the above data plotting a XA Vs (

1
) & finding the area under he curve at
rA

Xa = 0.98

Fig-4 Reactor volume Chart

AREA UNDER THE CURVE = 0.01227
Plug flow equation related to volume is given by [15]
XA

FAO

d XA
0

- rA

XA

d XA

=Area under the curve

51

- rA

Area under the curve = 0.01227

V
FAo

V
V

0.01227

= 2562.90 lit
= 2.56 m3

Now we have

Empty volume in bed

Total bed Volume

1 Empty volume in bed

Total bed Volume

Total Bed Vol Empty volume in bed

Total bed Volume

But Total Bed Empty volume in Bed = Volume of Catalyst.

1 =

Volume of Catalyst
Total bed Volume

1 =

Volume of Catalyst
2.56 m3

Consider = 0.6
Total Volume of Catalyst = 1.024 m3
8.2 THERMODYNAMICS
As we know the Gibbs free energy is given by following equation
G = -RT lnK
Where K = Kequ = (ka * kb)/ (kc * kd)
From reaction,
ka and kb are rate constants for the products.
Similarly kc and kd are rate constants for the reactants. But assuming reaction is
exothermic and irreversible; the values of kc and kd will not be in consideration to
finding out equilibrium rate constant.
Hence, Kequ is given by
Kequ = ka kb

52

Enthalpy, Gibbs free energy and specific heat data are below at reaction temperature
100 0C in the form of functional group. [11]
-O- group: Cp = 19.28 KJ /.Kg K, G = -15.38 KJ / Kg K
H = -1467.62 KJ /.Kg K
-CH2- group: Cp = 20.43 KJ /.Kg K, G = -3.87 KJ / Kg K
H = -1516.94 KJ /Kg K
-OH- group: Cp = -1.83 KJ /.Kg K, G = -36.785 KJ / Kg K
H = 96.75 KJ /.Kg K
H2O: G = -8.728 KJ / Kg K

G total = G product - G reactant

C2H4O

H2O

HOCH2CH2OH

(Ethylene oxide) (Water)

(Mono Ethylene Glycol)

G = [(-81.31)]-[(-23.12) + (-8.728)]
G = - 49.53 KJ/Kmol K
Ka = exp [-(-49.53) / (8314*373)]
Ka =1.00
ln(K2/K1)= E/R[(1/T1)-(1/T2)]

--------- (1)

[15]

ln(9.5/8)= E/8.314[(1/368)-(1/373)]
T2 reaction at 100 oC= 373K
T1 reaction at 95 oC=368K
0.26236 = 6.2382* E *10-6
E = 7.52*E*-7 J/mol

53

CHAPTER IX
MAJOR EQUIPMENT DESIGN
9.1

DESIGN OF REACTOR AS A SHELL & TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER :

Consider the reactants are flow on tube side and cooling water are on shell side
Catalysts are fill inside the tube.
9.1.1 Process Design: [22]
Consider length of tube
Diameter of tube

= 4m
= 2.5 cm

Volume of one tube

(d)2 (L)
4
(2.5 x 10-2)2 (4)
4
1.9634 x 10-3 m3

=
=
=

Table-9.1 Properties at arithmetic mean temperature.

Props.
Cp

Shell Side
(Water) (30oC )
5.1865 (KJ/Kg oK)
9 x 10-4 (Kg/m.Sec)
0.62 (w/m.oK)
995.40 (Kg/m3)

No. of tube

=
No. of tubes

Tube side
(Ethylene oxide + H2O) (65oC)
4.840 (KJ/Kg oK)
4.187 x 10-4 (Kg/m.Sec)
0.54 (w/m.oK)
973.09 (Kg/m3)

Volume of reactor
Volume of one tube
2.56
0.001963

1304 Nos.

Area of tube per pass:

Atp

=
=

Atp

(d) 2 (Ntp)
4
(2.5 x 10-2)2 (1304)
4
0.64 m2
54

 Velocity:
m

U = Atp
m = 12.996 Kg/Sec

Now,

=
NRe

12.996
973.09 x 0.64

0.02 m/sec
=
=

Now,

NRe

AO

=
=
=

AO

du
x (1 )

(2.5 x 10-2) x (0.02) x (973.09)

(4.187 x 10-4) x (1 -0.6)
2905.09
Nt x x d xL
(1304) x x (2.5 x 10-2) x (4)
409.66 m2

Shell diameter:
CL Aox ( PR 2 xdo)
0.637
L
Ctp

0.5

Ds
=
Consider the Triangular pitch
CTP
=
0.9
CL
=
0.7
Take PR

=
=

Pube pitch ratio

1.25

Ds

0.637

Ds

1.123 m

409.66 x (1.25)2 x (2.5 x 10-2)

4

0.7
0.9

Now, No. of tubes that can be accommodate

Nt

__(Ds)2

0.875 CTP

(PR)2 (d)2

CL
=

____(1.123)2

0.875 0.9

(1.25)2 (0.025)2

0.7
=

1452.8 > Total No of tube that is required.

Shell side H.T.C :

( hoxDe)
k

DexGs

= 0.36 x

0.55

Cpx
x
k

55

0.333

x b
w

0.14

0.5

For triangular pitch

De

4 3 PT2 d2
2

4
d

Pitch ratio

= PR
1.5=

De

PT
d

PT
0.0025

PT

= 0.03125 m

4 3 (0.31252 x (2.5 x 10-2)2

2

4
x 0.0025

De =

As

0.018 m

Gs =

m
As

DsxCxB
PT

=
=
=

PT do
0.03125 0.025
0.00625

=
=
=

0.4 Ds
0.4 x 1.125
0.45

As

1.123 x 0.00625 x 0.45

0.03125

As

= 0.101 m2

Gs

=
Gs

m
As

12.996
0.10
= 128.58 Kg/m2.sec

From the above equation,

56

(hox 0.018)
0.62

0.018 x128.58
0.36 x

9 x10 4

ho

0.55

5.1865 x103 x9 x10 4

x
0.62

1825.04

0.333

x 1

0.14

w
m 20 k

Tube side H.T.C:

Nu

0.023 (NRe)0.8 (Pr)0.4

hixdi
k

0.8
= 0.023 x ( 2905.09) x (

(Cp ) 0.4
)
k

hix 0.025
( 4.84 x103 x 4.187 x10 4 ) 0.4
= 0.023 x ( 2905.09) 0.8 (
)
0.54
0.254

hi

672.163

w
m 20 k

Over all H.T.C

1
Uo

1
1

0.005

ho
hi

=
=

Uo =

1
1

0.005
1825.08 672.163

142.133

w
m 20 k

Now,
Total H.T area available = 409.66 m2
Rate of H.T. is given by
Q

= UAT

(1.1956 x 106) =
A

117.03 x A x 20
420.59 m2 > A available

Tube side pressure drop :

Tube side pressure drop is given by
P

gc x ()3 x Dp x

150 (1 )

=
(1 ) (G)2

+ 1.75

Nre

(P/Z) (1) (0.6)3 (1.2 x 10-3) x (973.09)

57

150 x (0.4)

+ 1.75

(0.4) (19.4608 )2
P
Z

2905.09

1.063 KN /m2 < 30 - 40 KN/m2

Shell side P:
P

f x (Gs2) x (Nb + 1) x Ds

2 x x Dex s
f

exp [(0.57 0.19 ln (Res)]

exp [0.57 0.19 ln(2571.6)]

= 0.3977

= 1

Nb

= L/B = 4 / 0.45
= 8.88 9

P =

0.3977 x 128.58 x (9 + 1) x 1.123

2 x 995.40 x 0.018 x 1

P =

15 N / m2

9.1.2 Mechanical Design:[23,24,26]

Internal pressure inside the reactor = P = 1.5 MPa = 1.5 MN/m2
Design pressure = Pd = 1.05 P
= 1.05 x 1.5
= 1.575 MN/m2
Vessel is IS: 2002-1962 Class 2B Vessels,
So, allowable stress =98.1 M N / m2
Welding joint efficiency factor = J = 0.85
Shell Design:
Thickness of Vessel based on internal pressure,
t

Pd
D
C
2 f J Pd

1.575 x 1.123

+ 0.2

2 x 98.1 x 0.85 - 1.575

= 12.7 mm
But standard shell thickness available in the the market = 14 mm
58

So

ts = 14 mm

9.2 DISTILLATION COLUMN (PACKED COLUMN):

D= 184.54 kmol
= 11448.8616 kg

D
I
S
T
I
L
L
A
T
I
O
N

F = 188.306 kmol
= 11766.873 kg
MEG = 186.218kmol
=11545.545kg
HG =2.088kmol
= 221.328kg.

MEG =
184.355kmol
(0.999.high purity)
HG = 0.18454kmol

W = 3.766 kmol
= 317.664 kg
MEG = 1.8523kmol
HG = 1.9136kmol

Steam

Condensate

PROCESS DESIGN:
Let ,
Mole fraction of MEG

XF= 0.9889
XD = 0.999
XW = 0.4918

9.2.1 Nos of theoretically stages

Use McCabe Theile method for determining the theoretical stages.
McCabe Theile Method: [17,21]
Assumption:
Binary mixture separation between MEG & DEG.
P
So, at top

= total pressure of the system = 10 mmHg

Psat MEG = 1.334 KPa

59

Psat DEG = 0.1331 KPa

top

So,

Psat MEG / Psat DEG

1.334 / 0.1333

= 10.077
Psat MEG = 1.4757 KPa

Now at bottom

Psat DEG = 0.1673 KPa

bottom = Psat MEG / Psat DEG

So,

= 1.4757 / 0.1673
= 8.8174
Thus, average

= { top x bottom }0.5

= {10.007 x 8.8174}0.5

average = 9.3933
Now we have the equation
Y = X / {1+ (-1)}
From the above eqn we can generate the vapor- liquid equilibrium data given as
follow.
Table-9.2 Vapor-Equilibrium data
X 1 0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

Y 0 0.51069 0.70134 0.80102 0.8623 0.9037 0.9337 0.9563 0.9740 1

Now plotting x-y diagram & Using McCabe Theile method for determining the
theoretical stages.
no. of theoretical stages = 18
9.2.2 Packed Column Diameter And Column Height:
The necessary data required is as follows :
Reflux Ratio

= 0.71

Feed

= saturated liquid (assume)

Kmol of Feed F

= 188.306 kmol

Kmol of Distillate D

= 184.54 kmol
60

Kmol of Bottom W

= 184.54 kmol

Liquid density L

= 954 Kg/m3

Vapor Density G

= 2.099Kg/m3

Liquid Viscosity

= 2.2 x 10-3 Kg/m s

No. of theoretical stages = 18 ( from vapor liquid Equilibrium

diagram) Owing to its low pressure drop per theoretical stage metal Pall Ring is often
preffered to other packings for vacuum distillation.
Here, L/D =0.71
L = 131.0234 Kmol / hr
Vapor rate = V = L+D
= 184.54 + 131.0234
= 375.5634 Kmol / hr.
Mass flow rate of vapor
Mg =

(375.5634 x 62.044)
(3600)

M g = 6.4726 Kg /s
Mass flow rate of liqid
131.0234 x 62.044
3600

Ml =

M l = 2.2581 Kg /s
Flow parameter
X

Ml
Mg

g l

--------------------------- (2)

Where, X = flow parameter

Ml = Mass flow rate of liquid = 2.2581 Kg/s
Mg = Mass flow rate of vapor = 6.4726 Kg/s
g = Density of vapor
l = Density of liquid

=2.099Kg/m3
=954 Kg/m3

From equation (2)

=

2.2581
6.4726

2.099
(954 2.099)

X = 0.01638
61

By using plot of flooding and Pressure drop.

X

Ml
Mg

g l

V/S

G 2 f P l0.1

Here column is operated under vacuum, plot value at X = 0.01638

Take, P 50

m 2 ref.
m

We get Y = 0.0125
Y

G 2 f P l0.1

----------------------------------------- (3)

Owing to its low-pressure drop, the metal pall ring is used as a packing for vacuum
distillation,
Pall Ring (Metal):
Size: 38 mm (1.499)
Packing Factor fp (m-1) = 131
Deigned H.E.T.P. (m) = 0.5425
= Viscosity of liquids = 2.2 x 10-3 Kg/m s
g = Density of gas = 2.099 kg / m3
l = Density of liquid = 954 kg / m3
G' in kg / m2. s
From equation (3)
Y
G'2

G 2 f P l0.1

= [(0.0125 x 2.099 x (954 2.099)] / [131 x (2.2 x 10-3) 0.1 ]

G'2 = 0.3515 kg / m2 s
G = 0.5929 kg / m2 s
Taking vapor mass velocity as 60% if flooding velocity.
Hence, Area of tower =
At

Mg
0.6 G

62

= 6.4726 / (0.6 x 0.5929)

= 18.19 m2
At

2
D
4
= 18.19

Diameter of tower = D = 4.81 5 m

Total height of packed bed,
Z = No.of theoretical stages x H.E.T.P.
HETP = height equivalent to one theoretical plate
For pall ring metal (1.5) H.E.T.P. = 0.5425
Z = No .of theoretical stages x H.E.T.P.
Z = 18 x 0.5425
Z = 9.765 m
= 10 m
In packed tower, height of each bed is approximately its diameter.
Hence, 2 beds of 5 m heights are provided.
Spacing between each bed is = 2 m
Hence, total spacing = 0.5 x 3 = 1.5 m
Taking both disengaging space and distribution space = 2 m
Hence total height of tower

10 + 2 + 2

= 14 m
MECHANICAL DESIGN [23, 24, 26]
9.2.3 Shell Design:
Shell Thickness (based on external pressure):
Diameter of tower = Di = 5m
Height of column = 14 m
Pressure inside column is vacuum.
Outside pressure is 1 atm = 0.1 MN /m2
Hence design pressure = Pd = 0.1 x 1.05
= 0.105 MN /m2
Shell is I.S. 2825-1969
Allowable stress = f = 98.1 MN /m2
Welding joint efficiency factor = J = 0.85
Thickness of shell,

63

The inside depth of the end can be calculated from the following correlation,
hi = Ri -

Ri Di / 2 x( Ri Di / 2 2ri

Ri = 5m
Di = Do =5m (initial approximation)
ri = 0.1 x Ro
= 0.5m
hi = 5 -

(5 5 / 2) x (5 5 / 2 2 x0.5)

= 0.9686 m
Effective length of tower W/O stiffner = (Tangent to Tangent length + 2/3 x hi)
= 12 + 2/3x 0.9688
= 12.6459m
Do / L = 5/ 12.6459
= 0.3953
K value corresponding to this = 0.246 & m =2.43
Modulus of elasticity E = 1x 105 MN/m2
Corroded shell thickness,
P = KxE x (t/Do)m
0.105 = 0.246 x 1 x 105 (t/4)2.43
t = 0.02467 m
Take standard thickness = 26 m
t = 26 m
Checking for plastic deformation,
1

P = 2x f x t/Do x 1 [1.5U (1 0.2 Do / l ) / 100 x (t / Do)]

U = 1.5 % (take for new vessel)
1

P = 2 x 98.1 x 4.82 x10-3 x 1 [1.5 x1.5(1 0.2 x0.3953 / 100 x0.00482)]

= 0.2446 0.105 MN/m2

9.2.4 Head Design:

Selecting Torispherical head
Outside diameter of shell,
Do = Di + 2 ts
= 5 + 2 (0.026) = 5.052 m
So, Ro = 0.9 Do
64

= 0.9 x 505.2
= 454.68 cm
Temperature = Td

= T + 50 oC
= 95 + 50
= 145 oC

Table-9.3 Head thickness

t(cm)

Ro / t

Ro / 100t

Factor B

(assumed)
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

P=
factB
14.22 xRo / t

378.9
349.75
324.77
303.2

3.78
3.49
3.24
3.03

4400
4500
4800
5000

0.7402
0.8201
0.9421
1.051 Pdesign

So, we take thickness of head t = 1.5 cm

Consider 2mm corrosion allowance,

th = 1.5 +0.2
th = 17 mm
Standard thickness available

th = 18 mm

9.2.5 Check For Stresses In MEG Column [Design Of Vertical Column]:

DATA:
Vessel Type = Class 1

Pdesign =1.05 MN/m2

Total Column height = 14 m
Column Diameter = 5m
Skirt height = 4 m
Packing Type = 38mm Metal Pall ring
Column MOC = SS304
Wind Pressure = 1000 N/m2
Weight of attachments (ladder + pipes + liquid distributor) = 1373.4N
liquid = 1113.2 Kg/m3 =10.917 x 103 N/m3
Head = Torispherial
Head thickness =18mm
Tdesign = 145o C
65

Permissible Stress =91.8 MN/m2

s = 78480 N/m3
Insulation = Asbestos
in = 5.64*103 N/m3
tin =50 *10-3 m
Shell thickness without corrosion allowance = 26
= 0.026m
Do = 5.052m
Vessel is Located in non seismic zone
Determination Of Longitudinal Stresses:

Axial Stress due to pressure

p = P x Do / 4 x ts
= 1.05 x 5.052 / 4 x 0.026
= 51.005 MN/ m2
Axial Stress Due to dead Load up to X m
(a) Stress due to Shell weight s
fs = Ws / x D x ts
Ws = weight of shell = x D x t x s x X
fs = x D x t x s x X / x D x ts
=

s x X
= 0.7848 X MN / m2

( b) Stress due to insulation in

in = tin x in x X/ ts
= 0.05 x ( 5.64*103 ) x X / 0.026
in = 0.01084 X MN / m2
(c ) Stress due to liquid and packing load in column
Volume of bed = x D2x H /4
= x 52 x 10

= 196.3495 m3
Consider void fraction for packing = 0.5
Liquid hold up = Vb x

66

= 196.3495 x 0.5
= 98.1747 m3
Weight of liquid = Vl x l
= 137.44 x 954
= 93658 kg
= 918.511 x 103 N
Total weight of packing = packed bed volume x density of packing
= x D2x H /4 x p
= x52x 10 /4 x 430
= 83.43 x 103 kg
= 824.08 x 103 N
l = Weight of (liquid + packing) / x D x ts
Weight of ( liquid + packing) =Weight of liquid + total weight of packing
= ( 918.511 x 103 + 824.08 x 103 )
= 1.7465MN
l = 1.7465 x X / x ( 5.052) x( 0.026 )
= 4.243 x X MN/m2
( d ) Stress due to attachments
Weight of head = /4 x D2 x thead x s
= 0.785 x ( 5.052 )2 x ( 0.018 ) x ( 784480 )
Whead =0.02831 MN
Weight of ladder + liq distributor = 1373.4 x X N
a = Whead + (Wladder & liquid distributor) / x Di x t
= 0.02831 + 0.0013734 x X / x ( 5 ) x (0.026)
a = 0.06931 + 0.003362 x X MN/m2
Total dead load stress
dead = s + in + l + a
= 0.7848 X + 0.01084 X + 4.243 X + 0.06931 + 0.003362 X
dead =0.06931 +4.3246 xX N/m2

67

Longitudinal Stress due to dynamic loads

The axial Stress due to wind load in self supporting tall vessel,

The total load due to wind acting on the bottom and upper part of thr vessel are
determined by
Pw = K1 x K2 x Pwindpress x H x Do ( insulated )
Where,
Pw = wind pressure = 1000 n/m2
K1 = coefficient depending upon the shape factor = 0.7 for cylindrical surface
K2 = coefficient depending upon the period of vibration of the vessel
= 1 if period of vibration is 0.5 sec or less
=2 if period of vibration is exceed 0.5
Do( insulated ) = Di + 2 tin
Period of Vibration is given by
T = 6.35 x 10-5 x ( H / D )1.5 x ( W / t ) 0.5
H = L + Skirt height
W = total weight
Now,
Weight of shell
Ws = x Dits x L x s
= (3.14) x (5) x (0.026) x ( 14 ) x (78480)
Ws = 0.4487 M N
Weight of insulation
Win = x D x tin x L x in
= ( 3.14 ) x ( 5 ) ( 0.05 ) x ( 14 ) x ( 5.64*103 )
Win = 0.06266 MN
Weight of ( liquid + packing) = 1.7465 MN
Weight of attachment = Weight of two heads + Weight of ladder, pipes, liq distributor
= 2 (0.02831) + 1.3734 x 10-3
Wa = 0.058 N
Total Weight = WS + Win + W (liquid + packing) + Wa
= 0.4487 + 0.06266 + 1.7465 + 0.058
W = 2315.86 KN
H = L + Skirt height
= 14 + 4
68

H = 18 m
a) Period of Vibration
T = 6.35 x 10-5 x ( H / D )1.5 x ( W / ts ) 0.5
T = 6.35 x 10-5 x ( 18 / 5.052 )1.5 x ( 2315.86 / 0.026) 0.5
T = 0.127 sec < 0.5 sec

K2 =1
K1 = 0.7 for cylindrical vessel
b) Wind load
Pw = K1 x K2 x Pwindpress x H x Do ( insulated )
Do( insulated ) = Di + 2 tin
= 5 + 2 (0.05)
Pw = ( 0.7 ) x ( 1 ) x ( 1000 ) x ( X ) x ( 5.1 )
Pw = 3.571 x X KN / m

Do = 5.1 m

Bending moment
i.e Wind moment at the base of the vessel due to wind load is given by
Mwind = { Pwmd x H }/2
= 3.571 x X x X /2
Mwind = 1.785 x X2 KN m
Resulting bending stress
i.e Wind Stress in axial direction is given by
wind = 4 x Mwind / x ts x D2
= 4 x ( 1.785 x X2) / 3.14 x ( 0.02 6) x ( 5.052 )2
wind

= 0.00349 x X2 MN/m2

Calculation of Resultant longitudinal stress :

Tensile stress on upwind side at X m from top

tensile = -p - dead + wind
f (max) = f x J
= 98.1 x 0.85
= 83.385 MN/m2
Substituting f max for f tensile
83.385 = 0.00349 X2 - 4.3246X - 0.0693 51.005
Solving this equation
69

0.00349X2 4.3246 X -134.46 = 0

ax2 + bx + c =0
By Solving equation
X = 1496.59 >>> 18m
So This design is Ok
Compressive stress on downwind site at X m from top
Down wind side ,
f compression =p + dead +wind
compressive = 0.125 x E x ( t / Do )
= 0.125 x ( 2 x 105) x ( 0.026 / 5.052 )
= 128.661 MN/m2
Equating maximum value of f comp.
128.661 = 0.00349X2 4.3246 X+ 0.0693 51.005
Solving this Equation
0.00349X2 4.3246 X -77.5867 = 0
ax2 + bx + c = 0
X = 18.683
>>> 18 m
So, This design is ok.
9.2.6 Skirt Support Design For MEG Column:

The minimum weight of vessel with two head and the shell is given by
Wmin = Ws + 2 Whead
= 0.4487 + ( 2x 0.03831)
Wmin =0.50532 MN

The maximum weight of vessel with two head and the shell is given by
Wmax = Wmin + Winsulation + Wattachment + W( liquid + packing )
= 0.50532 + 0.062665 + 0.058 + 1.74657
Wmax = 2.37248 MN

Period of Vibration is given by

At minimum dead weight
Tmin = 6.35 * 10-5 x ( H / D )1.5 x ( Wmin / ts )0.5
= 6.35 * 10-5 x ( 18 / 5.052 )1.5 x ( 505.32 / 0.026 )0.5
Tmin = 0.059 sec < 0.5 sec
K2 =1
K1 = 0.7 for cylindrical vessel
At maximum dead weight

70

Tmax = 6.35 x 10-5 x ( H/ D )1.5 x ( Wmax / ts )0.5

= 6.35 x 10-5 x ( 18 / 5.052 )1.5 x ( 2372.48 / 0.026 )0.5
Tmax = 0.13 sec < 0.5 sec
K2 = 1
K1 = 0.7 for cylindrical vessel

Minimum and maximum wind moments are computed by

Maximum and minimum Wind load
Pw = K1 x K2 x ( Pw ) x H x Do (based on insulation thickness)
Do = Di + 2 x tin
= 5+ 2 x ( 0.05 )
= 5.1 m
For minimum Weight condition Do = 5.052 m
For maximum Weight condition Do = 5.1 m ( insulated )
Pwmin = 0.7 x ( 1 ) x ( 1000 ) x ( 18 ) x ( 5.052 )
= 63.665KN
Pwmax = ( 0.7 ) x ( 1 ) x ( 1000 ) x ( 18 ) x ( 5.1 )
= 64.26 K N
Wind moment
Mwind = Pw x H / 2
Mwindmi = 63.665 x 18 / 2
= 572.89 KN m
Mwinsmax = 64.26 x 18 /2
= 578.34 KN
Wind stress
wind
wind min
wind max
dead,min
dead max

= 4 x Mwind / x Di2 x tsk

= 4 x 572.89 / 3.14 x ( 5 )2 * tsk
= 30.277 / tsk KN / m2
= 4 x 578.34 / 3.14 x ( 5 )2 tsk
= 29.4821 / tsk KN / m2
= Wmin / x Di x tsk
= 0.50532 / 3.14 x 5 x tsk
= 0.0328 / tsk M N / m2
= Wmax / x Di x tsk
= 2.37248 / ( 3.14 ) x ( 5) x tsk
= 0.151 / tsk MN / m2

Maximum tensile stress without any eccentric load is given by

tensile = windmin - deadmin
71

Take J = 0.7 for double weld joint

tensile = permissible x J
= 98.1 x 0.85
= 83.385 MN/m2
tensile = windmin - deadmin
83.385 = windmin - deadmin
83.385 = 0.0328 / tsk + 0.030277 / tsk
tsk = 3.11 x10 5 m
Maximum tensile stress without any eccentric load is given by
compressive in skirt wall = 0.125 E tsk / Do
= 0.125 (2 x105) tsk / 5.052
= 4948.53 tsk
compressive in skirt wall
= windmax + deadmax
4948.53 tsk = 0.02948 / tsk + 0.151 / tsk
tsk = 6.054 mm
But minimum corroded skirt thickness = 8mm (as per IS : 2825-1969)
Skirt thickness tsk = 8
Table-9.4 Specification for Distillation Column (Packed column)
SR.
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

PARAMETER

DESCRIPTION

Tower MOC
Tower ID
Tower OD
Shell thickness
Shell head thickness
Height of tower(Without support)
Height of packed Bed
Type of Head
No. of Beds of packing
P/Z Selected
Tower Support
Skirt MOC
Skirt Height
Skirt thickness
Type
MOC
Bulk Density
HETP

72

SS304
5m
5.052 m
26 mm
18mm
14m
10 m
Torrispherical
2 , each of height 5 m
50 N/M2/m
Skirt Support
SS304
4m
8 mm
Pall Ring
Metal (S S)
430 kg/m3
0.5425m

CHAPTER X
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL

10.1 WHY REQUIRED?

Instruments are provided to monitor the key process variables during plant operation.
Instruments monitoring critical process variables will be fitted with automatic alarms
to alert the operators to critical and hazardous situations.
The primary objectives of the designer when specifying instrumentation and control
schemes are:
10.1.1 Safe Plant Operation:
To keep process variables within known safe operating limits.
To detect dangerous situations as they develop and to provide alarms and
Automatic shutdown systems.
To provide interlocks and alarms to prevent dangerous operating procedures.
10.1.2 Production Rate and Quality:
To achieve the designed product output.
To maintain the product composition within the specified quality standards.
10.1.3 Cost:
To operate at the lowest production cost and to compensate with other
objectives.
Process instrumentation is thus brain and nerves of a process plant.
The instrumentation can be pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. The recent trend is to go
for electronic instrumentation, but pneumatic instrumentation is still in use. The
instrumentation is required to measure temperature, pressure, flowrate, level, physical
properties as density, pH, humidity, chemical composition etc.
10.2 TYPICAL MONITORING SYSTEMS:
73

10.2.1 Flow Measurement:

Due to nature of flow it is necessary to provide effective flow measuring devices in
each supply lines. The various types of flow meters available are orifice meter,
venturi meter, pitot tube etc. In spite of these the various types of area flow meters
can also be used.
Depending on temperature and velocity condition the suitable meter is selected for
measurement of flow rates and velocity.
10.2.3 Temperature Measuring Devices:
Many devices are used to measure the temperature variations in the process such as
mercury in glass thermometer, bimetallic thermometer, pressure spring thermometer,
thermocouples,

resistance

thermocouples,

radiation

pyrometers

and

optical

pyrometers are used.

Out of all these the industrial thermocouples are competitively good as they provide
large measuring range, without introducing error. Automatic control is also possible
with such devices.
Table-10.1 List of Thermometers with temperature Range
Measuring Instrument
Mercury in glass thermometer
Mercury in pressure thermometer
Vapor pressure thermometer
Resistance
Thermocouple
Thermister
Pyrometer

Temp. Range C
-27 to 400
-40 to 540
-85 to 425
-200 to 1700
-250 to 1700
Up to 300
1300 to 2500

10.2.4 Pressure Measuring Devices:

Equipments, in which the important monitoring parameter is pressure, pressure
measuring devices like pressure gauges are widely used. Safety of chemical plants
depends up on the timely measurement of pressure and its control at a specified level.
Any excess pressure development than the design pressure may damage the
equipment in addition to the fire and other explosion hazard.
Mainly in filter pressures where the pressure is an important criterion, this device is
used.
Various pressure measuring devices are:

U Tube Manometer
74

Differential Manometer

Inclined Manometer

Bourdon Tube

Bellows

Diaphragm valve

Mc Leod gauge

Pirani gauge

In addition to all measuring devices described above various measurements like

density, viscosity, pH measurements etc. are installed.
For measuring quality standards in laboratory various laboratory instruments are also
necessary.
10.2.5. Liquid Level:
Liquid level detectors measure either the position of a free liquid surface above a
datum level or the hydrostatic head developed by the liquid is measured.
The liquid level is measured both by direct and indirect means. Direct methods
involve direct measurement of the distance from the liquid level to a datum level.
Indirect method follows changing liquid surface position on bubble tube method,
resistance method, radiation method, etc.
10.3 DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM (DCS):
Caprolactam production process deals with the benzene and cyclohexane which are
having low boiling points. So the process is risky and also the product quality is
important. Therefore for the faster control DCS can be used. It provides ease of
constant monitoring the process at a distance much far away from the site and the
changes can be made in the process parameters very accurately from the control room
itself.
10.3.1 Merits of DCS:
1. From quality point of view:

More accuracy and reliability.

Self tuning of any control loop is possible, so optimization of any process is

possible.

2. Management Consideration:
Less cost of cables.
75

 Less cost of installation.

Less space required.
Less hardware required.
Inventory information can be made available.
Less man power is required.
Less production cost.
Management information can be generated at regular intervals which assist
management to take decisions.
3. Operational point of view:
Ease in operation.
Any combination of control group, trend group, over view path can be
formed.
Because of dynamic graphic role picture of process is available.
Easy diagnostics of trip and emergency conditions.
Automatic logging of data is done by printer and hence eliminating weakness
related human being.
Control is available through dynamic graphics which gives feeling to operator
as if he is inside the plant and controlling the process.
Alarm systems can be regrouped to various sub groups so that operator can
detect the error and causes easily.
4. Engineers Point of view:
Latest software is available for all types of complex function.
Required less time for designing and detail engineering.
Operators action can be logged which eliminates confusions in the event of
plant trips and consequent analysis.
Flexibility is available at each level of hardware and software.
10.3.2 Demerits of DCS:
In present control room lot of paramagnets are seen without any intentional, efforts
hence operator feels himself existing in between the information.
In case of new DCS systems, all information and data though presented in a
systematic format, is hidden behind the CRT and hence to be called by operator. This
requires more skill and knowledge. With acceptance of DCS, number of operators in
76

control room decreased and hence, in case of emergency decision has to be taken by
almost single handed as against group decision in present situation.
In single loop control system failure of one controller affects only one control loop,
while case of DCS one component / card carries out lot of functions and hence failure
of it causes failure of many loops.
This calls for very high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and high degree of
redundancy making such systems costly.
A limitation may be felt in operating number of control loops simultaneously in case
of emergency, if adequate numbers of CRT consoles are not installed.
personnel are required.

77

Skilled

CHAPTER XI
PLANT UTILITY

The utilities such as water, air, steam, electricity etc. are required for most of the
chemical process industries. These utilities are located at a certain distance from
processing area, from processing area hazardous and storage area etc, where a
separate utility department works to fulfill the utilities requirements.

Steam Generation

Cooling water

Water

Electricity

Compressed air

The utilities required for the plant are summarized as below.

11.1 STEAM GENERATION:
Steam is used in plants for heating purpose, where direct contact with substance is
not objectionable. The steam, for process heating, is usually generated in water tube
boiler using most economical fuel available i.e. coal, fuel oil on the site.
In reboiler of distillation column,drying column and evaporator steam is used at
different temperature depending on requirement.
11.2 COOLING WATER:
Cooling water is generally produced in plant by cooling towers. Cooling tower is used
to cool the water of high temperature coming from process. Cooling tower mainly
decreases temperature of water from process. There are two types of cooling tower.
11.2.1 Natural Type:
In this cooling tower the water from the process is allowed to fall in a tank. From
some height when falling it comes in contact with an air & gets cool.
11.2.2 Mechanical Type:
78

They are classified in three types:

Induced draft
Forced draft
Balanced draft
In induced draft a fan is rotating at the bottom while in balanced draft fan is rotating
at the centre. In forced draft a fan rotating at top.
Cooling by sensible heat transfer
Cooling by evaporation
11.3 WATER:
A large reservoir has to be made which received water from nearby river. Storage also
must provide to such extent that turbidity is settling and then sent to raw water plant
for further treatment. Chlorine dose must be given to kill bacteria which prevent
organic matter. Then this water is sent to further treatment. To cooling tower, DM
plant, service water system, drinking water system, fire water system.
Cooling water is required for heat cooler, condenser etc. for cooling effect. Here in
cooling tower water is fall from high level and contacted with cross flow of air. Latent
heat of water is high that even a small amount of water evaporates produce large
cooling effect. The temp of CW is up to 25 to 30 C.
DM water is use for process . DM water is produced by removing impurities salts,
pass through anion exchanger.
11.4 ELECTRICITY:
It is required for motor drives , lighting and general use. It may be generated on site or
purchase from GEB & G.I.P.C.L. Transformers will be to step-down the supply
voltage to the voltage used on the site. A three-phase 415-volt system is used in
general industrial purposes and 240-volt single phase for lighting and other low power
requirements. For large motors, high voltage 600 to 1100 is used.
11.5 COMPRESSED AIR:
Compressed air is used during the chocking of pipes and for cleaning purpose.
Compressed air can be obtained from air compressor.

79

CHAPTER XII
SAFETY, HEALTH AND POLLUTION CONTROL

12.1 SAFE OPERATIONS:

The goal of chemical plant is not only to produce the chemicals, but to produce them
safely. In the plants chain of processes and operations, loss of control anywhere can
lead to accidents and losses of life and property from hazards. Attempts should be to
prevent troubles from the inspection, while designing, fabricating and operating.
Safety generally involves:
(1)

Identification and assessments of the hazards

(2)

Control of hazards

(3)

Control of the process by provision of automatic control system, interlocks,

alarm trips, etc

(4)

Limitation of the loss, by press relief, plant layout, etc.

12.2 MSDS FOR ETHYLENE OXIDE: [10]

MATERIAL NAME:

ETHYLENE OXIDE

USES:

Chemical intermediate

SYNONYMS:

Oxirane

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Appearance and Odour:

Clear liquid under pressure. Sweet Ethereal
Health hazards:
Toxic by inhalation. Irritating to respiratory system. Causes burns. May
cause cancer.
Environmental Hazards:
Harmful to aquatic organisms. May cause long-term adverse effects
in the aquatic environment.
Health Hazards Inhalation:
Toxic by inhalation. Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
80

Skin Contact:
Exposure to rapidly expanding gases may cause frost burns to eyes
and/or skin. Liquid solutions of ethylene oxide cause serious chemical
burns of the skin and eye lesions. Onset of effects may be delayed for
several hours.
Skin Protection: Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.
Eye Contact: Couses burns
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles. Maintain eye wash fountain and quickdrench facilities in work area.

FIRST AID MEASURES:

General Information:
Do not attempt to rescue the victim unless proper repiratory protection
is worn.
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. Do not attempt to rescue the victim unless proper
Expiratory protection is worn
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing. Flush exposed area with water and
follow by washing with soap if available
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 30
minutes while holding eyelids open. Transport to the nearest medical
facility for additional treatment.
Advice to Physician:
Contact a Poison Control Center or toxicologist for guidance.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES:

(Clear fire area of all non-emergency personnel.)

Flash point

-57oC / -71oF (PMCC / ASTM D93)

Explosion

2.6 99.99% (V)

Flammability limits in air Auto ignition: 428oC / 802oF

Specific Hazards:
81

The vapour is heavier than air, spreads along the ground and distant
ignition is possible. Sustained fire attack on vessels may result in a
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE
Extinguishing Media:
Shut off supply. If not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire
burn itself out.
Unsuitable:

Do not use water in a jet.

Extinguishing Media Protective Equipment :

Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Additional Advice:
If the fire cannot be extinguished the only course of action is to
evacuate immediately. Large fires should only be fought by properly
trained fire fighters. Evacuate the area of all non-essential personnel.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES:

Protective measures:
Avoid contact with spilled or released material. Isolate hazard area and
they deny entry to unnecessary or unprotected personnel. Stay unwinds
and keeps out of low areas. Extinguish ant make flames. Do not
smoke. Remove ignition sources. Avoid sparks.
Clean Up Methods:
Use water spray (fog) to reduce vapors or divert vapour cloud drift. Do
not use water in ajet. Alcohol foam applied to surface of liquid pools
may slow release of EO vapors into the atmosphere.

HANDLING AND STORAGE:

Handling:
Ventilate workplace in such a way that the Occupational Exposure
Limit (OEL) is not exceeded. The vapor is heavier than air spreads
along the ground and distant ignition is possible. Electrostatic charges
may be generated during pumping. Electrostatic discharge may cause
fire.
Storage:
Ethylene oxide (EO), an extremely flammable and toxic gas, and other
hazardous vapours may evolve and collect in the headspace of storage
82

tanks, transport vessels and other enclosed containers. Storage

Temperature: 30oC / 86oF maximum.
Product Transfer:
Electrostatic charges may be generate during pumping. Electrostatic
discharge may cause fire. Lines should be purged with nitrogen before
and after product transfer. Refer to supplier for further product transfer
instructions if required.

DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Material Disposal:

Do not dispose into the environment in drains or in watercourses.

Waste arising from a spillage or tank cleaning should be disposed of in
accordance with prevailing regulation, preferably to a recognized
collector or contactor. The competence of the collector or contactor
should be established beforehand.
Local Legislation:
Disposal should be in accordance with applicable regional, national,
and local laws and regulations.
12.2 MSDS FOR MONO ETHYLENE GLYCOL (PRODUCT):[10]

PRODUCT NAME :

SYNONYMS:

MONO ETHYLENE GLYCOL

1,2 - ethanediol

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION:

Color:

Colorless

Physical State:

Liquid

Odor:

Sweet

Hazards of product: May cause eye irritation. Isolate area.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:

Eye Contact:
83

May cause slight eye irritation. Corneal injury is unlikely. Vapor or

mist may cause eye irritation.
Skin Contact:
Brief contact is essentially nonirritating to skin
Skin Absorption:
Prolonged skin contact is unlikely to result in absorption of harmful
amounts.
Inhalation:
At room temperature, exposure to vapor is minimal due to low
volatility. With good ventilation, single exposure is not expected to
cause adverse effects.
Effects of Repeated Exposure:
Repeated excessive exposure may cause irritation of the upper
respiratory tract. In humans, effects have been reported on the
following organs: Central nervous system.
Birth Defects
Based on animal studies, ingestion of very large amounts of ethylene
glycol appears to be the major and possibly only route of exposure to
produce birth defects.

FIRST-AID MEASURES:

Eye Contact:
Flush eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes. Remove contact
lenses after the initial 1-2 minutes and continue flushing for several
additional minutes.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin with plenty of water.
Inhalation:
Move person to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration; if
by mouth to mouth use rescuer protection (pocket mask, etc).

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES:

Extinguishing Media:

84

Water fog or fine spray. Dry chemical fire extinguishers. Carbon

dioxide fire extinguishers. Foam. Do not use direct water stream. May
spread fire.

Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters:

Wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and
protective fire.

HANDLING AND STORAGE HANDLING:

Handling:
Do not swallow. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash thoroughly after
handling. Spills of these organic materials on hot fibrous insulations
may lead to lowering of the autoignition temperatures possibly
resulting in spontaneous combustion.
Storage:
Do not store near food, foodstuffs, drugs or potable water supplies.
Additional storage and handling information on this product may be
obtained by calling your sales or customer service contact. Ask for a
product brochure.

PERSONAL PROTECTION:

Eye/Face Protection:
Use safety glasses. If exposure causes eye discomfort, use a full-face
respirator.
Skin Protection:
Use protective clothing chemically resistant to this material. Selection
of specific items such as face shield, boots, apron, or full body suit will
depend on the task. Remove contaminated clothing immediately.
Hand protection:
If hands are cut or scratched, use gloves chemically resistant to this
material even for brief exposures. Use gloves with insulation for
thermal protection, when needed. Examples of preferred glove barrier
materials include: Butyl rubber. Natural rubber
85

STABILITY AND REACTIVITY:

Stability/Instability:
Thermally stable at recommended temperatures and pressures.
Thermal Decomposition
Decomposition products depend upon temperature, air supply and the
presence of other materials.Decomposition products can include and
are not limited to: Aldehydes. Alcohols. Ethers.

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION:

Acute Toxicity:
Ingestion
For ethylene glycol: Lethal Dose, Human, adult 3 Ounces LD50, Rat
6,000 - 13,000 mg/kg
Skin Absorption
LD50, Rabbit > 22,270 mg/kg
Inhalation
LC50, 7 h, Aerosol, Rat > 3.95 mg/l

ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION:

Chemical Oxygen Demand:

1.19 mg/mg
Theoretical Oxygen Demand:
1.29 mg/mg

DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:

All disposal practices must be in compliance with all Federal,

State/Provincial and local laws and regulations. Regulations may vary
in different locations. Waste characterizations and compliance with
applicable laws are the responsibility solely of the waste generator.
12.3 GOOD MANUFACTURE TECHNIQUES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS
Filling drum - Keep hose pipe little inside the drum rather than on the hole.
Using fuming chamber - In laboratory while working with hazardous chemicals like
H2S,
Reduce heat of reaction -Add sulfuric acid to bucket full of water and not water to
bucket full of sulfuric acid.
86

Opening flanges - While opening a flange on pipeline containing corrosive liquid,

chances of liquid coming out with a spray are there. To avoid accident due to such
spray or acid or alkali use plastic sheet while opening valve. So that it will not contact
with body.
Location of gauge glass - Gauge glass for reading level in the tank should be located
away from path where many people may be working.
Location of safety valve/ vent line - The vent pipe should not be located in a closed
area.
Location of flammable material - Storage should be away from any source of flame.
Smoking - Do not smoke in unauthorized area where flammable materials are likely to
be present.
Purging with inert atmosphere - Before entering a reactor or a distillation column
containing hazardous vapors, the equipment must be purged with air/inert gas for
sufficiently long time.
Machinery guards - Install guards on moving machinery parts.
Incompatible chemicals - Do not mix incompatible materials together.
Earthling of equipment - When two phase mixture is being separated into different
tanks, the tank should be earthed to avoid spark due to accumulation of static
electricity.
Explosion due to dust - In the operation of fine grinding, solid temperature increases
which can lead to dust explosion initiated by hot metal. It can be prevented by cooling
grinder with water or inert gas purging.
Drying and ignition of flammable liquids - Keep air flow rate high so that air vapor
mixture is not near flammable limit.
Mixing - It should be effective to take care of exothermic heat of reaction.
Good house keeping - Do not store waste flammable materials near flame source.
Labeling of chemicals - Label the chemicals so that they do not get mixed up with
incompatible chemicals.
Pipetting - Do not suck with mouth, use rubber bulb.
Free excess energy exit - Do not store anything in passage way destructing free
movement in emergency.
12.4 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION:
1.

Regulation for the prevention of Fire:

87

Ban on carrying of a potential source of ignition, Ban on lighting fires in

battery area. Ban on smoking. Ban on carrying lamps. Use of Sparkss
arrestors.
2.

General Precautions:
Maintain good housekeeping. Follow the laid down procedure strictly.
Sampling and draining of hydrocarbon should be done under strict
supervision. Do not operate an equipment unauthorized. Use only approved
type of tools. Anticipate the hazards during vessel cleaning and take
prevention steps in advance.

3.

Fire emergency mock drill:

An emergency manual can be prepared to outline procedures and drills and detail
responsibilities of each individual involved.
Training
Valuable Check On The Adequacy and Condition of exits
and Alarm system
Instills a Sense of Security Among The Occupiers if Careful Plans Are Made.
Exits Drills
Plant Drills (Mock drills in plant area)
Mutual Aid Drills
On-Site / Off site Drills etc.
12.5 SAFETY IN PROCESS DESIGN:
Accidents are minimized by correct deign using scientific and performance data
without false economy.
12.5.1 Reactor:
The reactor is a heart of plant and vital for safety. Most reactions have hazard
potential. Here, reaction is exothermic and at higher pressure compared to
atmospheric pressure and also deals with the materials like Benzene and Cyclohexane
which are highly volatile.
12.5.2 Heat Transfer:
For safe operation,
Prevent mixing.

88

 Provide different surface, for cleaning, insulation, expansion.

Prevent flame travel in furnace.
Use safety over design factor of 15 20 %.
12.5.3 Mass Transfer:
Safe guards are,
Prevent liquid injection and vigorous flashing in hot column.
Provide both pressure and vacuum relief.
Use detection and warning devices for build up of hazardous material.
Provide thermal expansion in system.
12.5.4 Pressure Vessels:
It includes,
Corrosion allowance must be provided.
Take care weld joint efficiency.
Design pressure is maximum operating pressure plus static pressure
plus 5 %.
Design temperature is 25-30 C above maximum operating
temperature.
Use safety over design factor of 15 20 %.
12.5.5 Instrumentation and Safety devices:
Thermocouple burnout, stem or cooling water failure.
Fusible plugs to relive pressure above design value.
Combustible gas monitor with alarms for flammable.
Over temperature switch.
12.6 ENVIORNMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The environmental considerations include:
1. Control of all emission from the plant.
2. Waste management.
3. Smells.
4. Noise pollution prevention.
5. The visual impact.
89

6. Liquid effluent specifications

7. Environmental friendliness of the products.
12.6.1WASTE MANAGEMENT:

Waste arises mainly as byproducts or unused reactants from the process, or as offspecification product produced through mis-operation. In emergency situations,
material may be discharged to the atmosphere through vents normally protected by
bursting discs and relief valves.
12.6.2 GASEOUS WASTES:

It is to be remembered that practice of relying on dispersion from tall stacks is seldom

entirely satisfactory. The gaseous pollutants can be very easily controlled by using
adsorption or absorption. Dispersed solids can be removed by scrubbing, or ESP If the
gas is flammable it is to be burnt. As in the present case the gaseous waste being
carbon dioxide. But the gases should not be sent to vent or to atmosphere and hence
the suitable scrubber system requires to be installed down stream to minimize
pollution.
12.6.3 LIQUID WASTE:

If the liquid effluent is flammable, it can be burnt in the incinerator. But as in this case
if it contains salts; acids and substantial amount of alkali it is to be subjected to
effluent treatment. Generally common effluent treatment plant (if the facility is
situated in and Industrial area with the CETP) serves the purpose. The level of
effluent treatment up to secondary treatment is sufficient for the effluent from the
plant like one on the hard.
12.6.3 SOLID WASTE:

Solid wastes can be burnt in suitable incinerators or disposed by burial at licensed

land fill sites. Dumping of toxic solid waste should be avoided.
12.6.4 AQUEOUS WASTE:

The principle factors which determine the nature of an aqueous industrial effluent and
on which strict controls will be placed by responsible authority are:

pH
Suspended solids
Toxicity
Biological oxygen demand

For the present case pH of the effluent stream is expected to be alkaline and hence
addition of acids is recommended to neutralize the same. The suspended solids can be
90

removed by settling, using Chemical treatment may be given to remove some of the
chemicals.
Oxygen concentration in waste course must be maintained at a level sufficient to
support aquatic life. For this reason the biological oxygen of an effluent is of
paramount importance. Standard BOD 5 tests can be applied for the determination of
the same. The test measures the quantity of oxygen which a given volume of effluent
will absorb in 5 days at constant temperature of 20 0C. It is a measure of the organic
matter present in the effluent. Ultimate oxygen demand test can be performed if
required.
Waste water should be discharged into sewers with the agreement of the local water
pollution control authorities or state pollution control boards.
12.6.5 NOISE:

Noise can cause serious nuisance in the neighbourhood of a process plant. Care need
to be taken when selecting and specifying equipments such as compressors, air-cooler
fans, induced and force draft fans for furnaces, and other noisy plant. Excessive noise
can also be generated when venting through steam and other relief valves, and from
flare stacks. Such equipments should be fitted with silencers.Noisy equipments should
be as far away form the site boundary.
12.6.6 VISUAL IMPACT:

The appearance of the plant should be considered at the design stage. Few people
object to fairyland appearance of a process plant illuminated at the night, but it is
different scene at daytime. There is little that can be done to change the appearance of
modern style plant, where most of the equipment and piping will be outside and in full
view but some steps should be taken to minimize the visual impact.
12.6.7 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING:

The company should go for a systematic examination of how a business operation

affects the environment. It will include all emissions to air, land and water and cover
the legal constraints the effect on the community the landscape and the ecology.
Following are some of the objectives of the environmental audit:
To identify environmental problems associated with the manufacturing process
and the use of the products before they become liabilities.
To develop standards for good working practices.
To ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
To satisfy requirements of insurers.
91

 To be seen to be concerned with environmental questions: important for public

relation
To minimize the production of waster: an economic factor

12.7 HAZOP OPERATION OF STORARGE TANK TO REACTOR SYSTEM

Table 12.1 Hazardous operation of Storage tank to reactor system
GUIDE
WORD

DEVIATION

NONE

NO FLOW

MORE
OF

MORE FLOW

MORE PRES

MORE TEMP

POSSIBLE
CAUSE

1) No
EO/H2O
available at
the storage
tank
2) J1/J2 pump
fails (motor,
fault, loss of
drive, etc.)

CONSEQUENCES

ACTION REQUIRED

Loss of Feed to 1) Ensure good

reaction section and communication with
reduced output.
Ethylene oxide plant.
2) Install low level
alarm on storage tank.
Loss of Feed to
1) Check design of
reaction section and pumps and install a
reduced output.
stand by pump.
2) Install a kickback
on pump.
3) Line valve Loss of Feed to
Check Operation of
close (in error reaction section and Control valve or
or fail)
reduced output.
Install a by pass line
with other control
valve.(stand by ).
4) Line
1) Loss of feed to
Institute regular
fracture
the reaction section. patrolling and
2) Feed discharge
inspection of transfer
into area.
line.
Control Valve Over filling (excess Check
proper
fail to open or feed in reactor)
operation of control
LCV by pass
valve
open in error
1) V1. Valve Transfer line
1) Install kick back
closed in error subjected to full
on pump.
with J1 and J2 pump delivery or
2) Install a P.G.
pump
surge pressure.
running.
2) Thermal
Line fracture or
Install thermal
expansion in a flange leak.
expansion relief on
isolated
valved section
valved section
due to fire.
1) High
High pressure in
1) Check whether
storage
transfer line
there is adequate.
92

temperature

LESS
OF

LESS FLOW

MORE
THAN

HIGH E.O
CONC IN
STREAM.

PART
OF

WATER
FLOW TO
REACTOR

OTHER

MAINT.

2) Warring of high
temperature at
storage, if not install.
1) Check design of
pumps and install a
stand by pump.
2) Install a kickback
on pump.
3) Check proper
operation of cooling
water system.

2) cooling
water supply
to reactor
cooling
system stop

Affect the rate of

reaction.

1)
Leaking
flanges
of
valve stab not
blanked and
leaking.
2) Pump J2
fails or not
running
properly and
J1 running
well.
Valve V2-1,
and V2-2 are
not working
properly

Material loss to
adjacent area

Institute regular
patrolling and
inspection of transfer
line.

Formation of more
Higher glycol in the
reaction which will
affect the product.
(excess E.O in
reactor)
Leads to formation
of more higher
glycol

Valve V2, and

V2-2 are not
working
properly
Equipment
failure flange
leak etc.

Leads to formation
of more higher
glycol

1) Install a stand by
pump.
2) Check design of
pump.
3) Install kickback on
pump.
1) Institute regular
inspection of valve.
2) Install by pass line
with standby
Valve.
1) Institute regular
inspection of valve.
2) Install by pass line
with standby valve.
Install low point drain
and N2 purge point
and N2 vent line.

93

Line cannot be
completely
drainage or purge.

CHAPTER XIII
PLANT LOCATION AND LAY OUT

13.1 PLANT LOCATION:

Plant location means to discover an exact place where an industrial experience can be
started more profitable & a plant is a place where men, material, money, equipment,
machinery etc. are brought together for manufacturing products. Plant location
involves two major activities. Plant location plays a major role in the design or
production as it determines the cost of :
Getting suitable raw material.
Processing raw material to finished products.
Finished products distribution to customers.
The final selection of the plant location has a strong influence on the success of any
industrial venture. The following eighteen factors should be considered in choosing a
plant side.
13.1.1 Raw material supply
The source of raw material is one of the most important factors influencing the
selecting of the plan. The raw material should be cheaply & regularly available at the
plant site because this permits considerable reduction in transportation & storage
charges.
The major raw material used in this plant is Ethylene oxide. This can be easily
available in the places nearer to Baroda (because of the huge plants at IPCL , Baroda
itself) & hence any industrial area near by Baroda can be a suitable place for the plant
location.
Therefore, the industrial area around Baroda can be comfortably chosen as an ideal
place for our plant.
13.1.2 Markets
94

The location of markets or intermediates distribution centers can heavily affect the
cost of product distribution. Primarily to large market can be beneficial in the
following three ways:
The cost of transportation of the finished goods to the market is brought
drastically down.
The delay in supplying the goods to the market can be continently reduced &
avoided.
The market is studied properly & easily i.e. the future requirements can be
easily & accurately predicted.
13.1.3 Energy availability
Electricity power, steam supply & heating oil requirements are high in most of the
chemical plants. The power & fuel can be considered as one major factor in the choice
of the plant site. The local cost of power can help in determining whether power
should be purchased or self generated. As far as our plant is concerned, both
electricity power & fuel (gaseous, liquid or solid) as well as heating oil can be made
available easily in Baroda or from nearby sources.
13.1.4 Water supply
The chemical process industries use large quantities of water for cooling, heating,
washing & as a raw material. Therefore the plant site should be nearer to the source of
water. Baroda has plenty of such source like Ajwa lake, Mahi river & so. So, the
situation favors Baroda.
13.1.5 Climate
Weather can have serious effect on the economic operating of the plant. Temperature
& humidity of weather should be favorable.
13.1.6 Transportation
The everyday products are always needed to be transported from the plant site to the
marked or other plants & the raw materials necessary from the sources to the plant.
Hence transportation holds a great deal in the final product cost. A plant should have
easy access to transport facilities. Not only that, the transport facilities available to the
95

plant should also be sufficient, quick & available at reasonable rates. Water, railway &
national high-ways are the most common means of transportation. These facilities are
very much necessary for the transfer of raw material & product transportation.
Luckily Baroda has all of these facilities.
13.1.7 Labor supply
Availability of skilled laborers with constant supply & reasonable pay rate should be
considered in the selection of the plant site. Labor problem should be minimum.
13.1.8 Waste disposal
The plant site should be such that it should have the best & adequate facilities for
waste disposal. The permissible tolerance levels for various methods of waste disposal
should be considered carefully & attention should be given to potential requirements
for waste treatment facilities.
13.1.9 Taxes & legal phases
The state & local tax rates on property (such as plant machinery, building etc.),
income, and unemployment insurance & similar items have major influence on the
plant site selection.
13.1.10 Site characterization
The characteristics of the land at the proposed plant site should be examined carefully.
The topography of the tract of the land & the soil structure must be considered, since
either or both have pronounced effect on construction costs.
13.1.11 Fire & explosion protection
The site should be such that it should have the best possible & quickest fire protection
facility available during the emergency. If possible (means if the company can afford)
the plant should be having its own fire station, fully equipped latest fire fighting
equipments & skilled firemen team. So, in case of emergencies it wont have to rely
totally on the external sources.
13.1.12 Advanced library & training center
This is the characteristic of a good & developed organization. To develop the plant
properly, trained staff is a prime requirement & for further research & development of
96

in-house technologies, advance library facilities covering the subjects in detail is

necessary. The training center should be fully equipped with skilled trainers &
training facilities.
13.1.13 Community attitude
Success of an industry depends very much on the attitude of the local people &
whether they want work or not.
13.1.14 Presence of related industries
This means the industries supplying raw materials or the power or energy
requirements should be in a handy reach to avoid chaotic situations to take place.

13.1.15 Existence of hospitals, marketing centers, schools, banks, post offices, clubs
An ideal industry or organization is that which takes full care of its employees &
persons who are directly or indirectly involved with it. To cope up with the situation
of casualties or accidents pressure of a well-equipped hospital is a must. Other than
this a reputed school & the banking & postal facilities are the prime requirement of
the families of the employees.
13.1.16. Housing facilities
Housing facilities ( i.e., residential quarters ) for the company employees should be
well maintained & provided with constant supply of water, electricity & things
necessary for life.
3.1.17 Securities
The security of the plant site & the housing facility from the unsocial elements is
necessary & should be given equal attention.
13.1.18 Facilities for expansion
Considering all the major factors discussed above affecting the plant location, it is
quite reasonable to select Baroda, to establish an industrial estate for the plant
location. Justification for the same is discussed below.

97

 All the transportation facilities (rail, road & water) are easily available to
Baroda & are very adequate.
Waste disposal will not be a much problem as it is a separate chemical estate
& no specific attention is required.
Electricity & water supply are easily in abundant in supply.
The raw materials necessary are easily available from the nearby industrial
area & the industrial estate is always running with large number of chemical
industries, & hence getting skilled & experienced labor at reasonable rates is
not a problem.
13.2 PLANT LAYOUT:
After the process flow diagrams are completed & before detailed piping, structural &
electrical design can begin, the layout of process units in the plant must be planned.
Plant layout means the allocation of space, arrangement of equipment & machinery in
such a manner so that maximum utilization of manpower, machines & material is
done & minimum material handling is required.
The following factors should be considered in selecting the plant layout.
New site development or additions to previously developed site.
Type & quantity of product to be produced.
Possible future expansion.
Economic distribution of utilities & services.
Type of building & building code requirements.
Health & safety considerations.
Waste disposal problems.
Sensible use of floor & elevation space.
Operational convenience & accessibility.
Type of process & product control.
Space available & space required.
Maximum advantages of gravity flow are taken to reduce the operational cost
in the piping & flow design.

98

13.2.1 Storage Layout:

Adequate storage of raw materials, intermediate products, final products, recycle
materials & fuel are essential to the operating of process plants. Storage of
intermediate products may be necessary during plant shutdown for emergency repairs,
while storage of final products makes it possible to supply customer even during a
plant difficulty of unforeseen shutdown. An additional use of adequate storage is often
encountered when it is necessary to meet seasonal demands from steady production.
13.2.2 Equipment Layout:
In making plant layout, a due consideration should be given to that an ample space
should be assigned to each piece of equipment & their accessories. The relative levels
of the several pieces of equipment & their accessories determine their placement.
Gravity flow is preferable to reduce material handling cost during production,
however it is not altogether necessary because liquids can be transported by pumping
& solids can be moved by mechanical means. In making the equipments layout, the
grouping should be done so that the service of equipments performing similar
function is grouped together & so the better co-ordination of the operating is
achieved.

99

CHAPTER XIV
COST ESTIMATION

A plant design obviously must present a process that is capable of operating under
conditions, which will yield a profit. Since net profit equals total income minus all
expenses, it is essential that the chemical engineer be aware of many different types of
costs involved in manufacturing processes.
14.1 ESTIMATION CAPITAL COST:
14.1.1 Purchased Equipment Cost:
Table-14.1 Purchase Cost of equipments
Sr. No.

1
2
3
4
5
6

7
8
9
10

Equipment
MEG
STORAGE
TANK
HG STORAGE
TANK
ETHYLENE OXIDE
STORAGE
TANK
PLUG
FLOW
REACTOR
TRIPPLE
EFFECT
EVAPORATOR
VACUUM
DISTILLATION
COLUMN (PACKED
COLUMN)
DISTILLATION
COLUMN (PLATE
COLUMN)
DRYING COLUMN
CENTRIFUGAL
PUMP
HEAT EXCHANGER

No. of
EquipMents

Cost per
Unit (Rs.
Thusd)

Estimated
Cost
(Rs. Thusd)

200

400

200

200

200

400

500

500

85

85

70

70

75

75

1
6

50
10

50
60

20

140

100

11
12
13

BOILER
DM WATER
PLANT
COOLING
TOWER

50

100

25

25

10

20

TOTAL PURCHASE EQUIPMENT COST (PEC) = 2125 Thusd Rs.

14.1.2 Direct Costs:

Table-14.2 Direct Cost
Sr. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Item

% of PEC

Cost (Rs. Thusd)

100

2125

40

850

15

318.75

Building cost
Yard improvement cost

60
12
18
10

1275
255
382.5
212.5

Service facilities cost

Land purchase cost

70
10

1487.5
212.5

Purchased Equipment
Delivered cost
Purchased
Equipment
Installation cost
Instrumentation & Control cost
(Installed)
Piping cost (Installed)
Electrical Installation cost

TOTAL DIRECT COST = 7118.75 Thusd Rs.

14.1.3 Indirect Costs:

Table-14.3 Indirect Cost
Sr. No.

Item

% of PEC

Cost (Rs.

1
2
3
4

Engineering & Design Cost

Construction expenses
Contractors Fees
Contingencies

15
20
5
10

Thusd)
1067.81
1423.75
355.93
711.875

Total Indirect Cost = 3559.36 THUSD RS.

Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) = Total Direct Cost + Total Indirect Cost
= 7118.75 + 3559.36
= 10678.115 Thusd Rs.
101

Working Capital Investment (WCI) = 20% of Fixed Capital Investment (FCI)

= 0.2 x10678.115
= 2135.625 thusd Rs.
TOTAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT (TCI)

= Fixed Capital Investment

+Working Capital Investment
= 10678.115 + 2135.625
= 12831.73 Thusd Rs.

14.2 ESTIMATION OF TOTAL PRODUCTION COST:

14.2.1 Manufacturing Cost

Direct Production Cost

(1)Raw Material Cost

Working Days = 333
Table-14.4 Raw material cost
Raw Material

Amount

Ethylene oxide
Styrene Divinylbenzene

73450827.65 (Kg/Yr)

anion exchange Resin

1.024 M3

Cost

Cost ( thuds

42.14 (Rs / Kg)

Rs)
30952.1787

91491.47
(Rs/m3)

(Catalyst)
TOTAL COST OF RAW MATERIAL

= 30953.115 thusd Rs.

(2) Utilities Cost = 20% of Raw Material Cost

= 0.2 x 30953.115
= 2135.623 thusd Rs.
(3) Maintenance and Repair Cost = 10 % of Fixed Capital Investment
= 0.1 x 10678.115
= 1067.875 thusd Rs.
(4) Operating Labour & Supervision Cost = 5% of Raw Material Cost
= 0.05 x 30953.115
= 1547.665 thusd Rs

102

0.9368

(5) Lab & Other Service Cost

= 1% of Raw Material Cost

= 0.01 x 30953.115
= 309.531 Thuds Rs

DIRECT PRODUCTION COSTS

= Raw Material Cost + Utilities Cost + Maintenance and

Repair Cost + Operating Labour & Supervision Cost +
Lab & Other Service Cost [19]
=

30953.115 + 2135.623 + 1067.875 + 1547.665 +

309.531

= 36013.735 thusd Rs.

Fixed Cost:

(1) Depreciation

= 10 % of Fixed Capital Investment

= 0.1 x 10678.115
= 1067.875 thusds Rs.

(2) Local Taxes = 2 % of Fixed Capital Investment

= 0.02 x 10678.115
= 213.562 thusds Rs.
(3) Insurance Cost = 3 % of Fixed Capital Investment
= 0.03 x 10678.115
= 320.343 thusds Rs.
TOTAL FIXED COST

= Depreciation + Local Taxes + Insurance Cost

= 1601.7169 thusds Rs.

Plant overhead Cost:

These costs are 100% of Labour cost,
So, plant overhead cost is 1547.655 thusds Rs.

TOTAL MANUFACTURING COST =

Direct Production Costs + Total Fixed Cost +

Plant overhead cost
103

= 36013.735 + 1601.7169 + 1547.655

= 39163.1069 thusds Rs.
14.2.2 General Expenses:
(1) Administrative Cost = 1% Of Manufacturing cost
= 0.01 x 39163.1069
= 391.631 thusds Rs.
(2) Distribution & Marketing cost = 2% Of Manufacturing cost
= 0.02 x 39163.1069
= 783.262 thusds Rs.
TOTAL GENERAL EXPENSES = 1174.893 thusds Rs.
TOTAL PRODUCTION COST =

Total Manufacturing Cost +Total General Expenses

= 39163.1069 + 1174.893
= 40338. thusds Rs.

14.3 BREAK EVEN POINT:

Let N TPA be the break even production rate.
Raw material Cost/(ton product) = 99829190.88/(100X365) = 2735.04 Rs /(Ton
Product)
Fixed Cost = 1601.7169 thusds Rs/yr
At break even production,
Fixed charges + Direct Production Cost = Selling Cost
(1601.7169 + 36013.735) thuds Rs. = 60 X 100 X N
N = 6269 TPA = 17.17 TPD
Hence, the break even production rate is 17.17 TPD of the considered
plant capacity.
14.4 PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS:
Working days = 333
Table-14.5 Selling price
Product

Amount kg/year

Selling Price Rs./kg

MEG

99829190.88

60

Total Selling Cost (TSC) = 59897.514 thusds Rs.

Gross Profit = Total Selling Cost Total Production Cost
104

= 59897.514 40338.00
= 19559.51 thusds Rs.
Tax Paid

= 0.4 x Gross Profit

= 0.4 x 19559.51
= 7823.80 thusds Rs.

Net Profit = Gross Profit Tax Paid

= 19559.51 7823.80
= 11735.70 thusds Rs.

PAY OUT PERIOD:

It is given by P.O.P

Fixed Capital Investment per year

P.O.P =

Net Profit + Depreciation

10678.115
=

11735.70 + 1067.8115

= 0.83 Years
RATE OF RETURN:

It is given by R.O.R
Net Profit
R.O.R =
=

Total Capital Investment

11735 .70
x100
12813.73

= 91.85 %

105

X 100

REFERENCES
[1] Ullmann, Ullamanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCHVerlag Gmbu & Co. Weinheim, 2003, sixth edition, vol-12 (p-593-608).
[2] Kirk & Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, John Wiley & Sons,
New York, Toronto; fourth Edition; 1996; vol-12 (p-696 - 714).
[3] Organic Chemistry by P L Soni, p-2.159
[4] Organic chemistry by Arun bahl and B S Bahl, p-347
[5] Chemical Weekly, Vol-LI, March 21, 2006, No. 3, p-244-264.
[6] Chemical Engineering Journal, 107, 2005, p-199204
[7] Introduction petrochemical By B K Bhaskar rao, p-41
[8] Introduction to petrochemical by Su Kumar maiti, vol I, II, p-88, 96-97
[9] Bhatt B.I. & Vora S.M., Stoichiometry, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company
Ltd., New Delhi, 2nd edition, 1990
[10] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_Glycol
[11] Perrys Chemical Engineers handbook, Perry, R. H., & Green, D.W., 1998
McGraw- Hill International Editions, Chemical Engineering Series, New York, 7th
edition, p-2.347
[12] John J. Mcketta & William A. Cunningham, Encyclopedia of Chemical
Processing and Design, Marcel Dekker, 1997, fifth edition. Vol-20 (p-231 -255).
[13] Choapey, N.P., Handbook of Chemical Engineering Calculations, McGrawHill Publishing Company Ltd.,
[14] Miller, S.A. Ethylene & its industrial derivatives Ernest benn ltd, London, 1st
Edition.1969
[15] Levenspiel, O., Chemical Reaction Engineering, Wiley Eastern Ltd., New
Delhi 1972
[16] McCabe, W.L., Smith, J.C. & Harriot, P., Unit Operations of Chemical
Engineering, McGraw Hill International Editions, Chemical Engineering Series,
NewYork, 5th edition, 1989.

106

[17] Coulson J. M. & Richardson S. E.; Chemical Engineering, Pergamon press,

Oxford; First Edition; 1983, vol-6.
[18] Rao, G.M. & Sittig, M. DRYDENS Outlines of Chemical Technology,
Affiliated East-West Press Private Limited, New Delhi.
[19] Peters, M.S. & Timmerhaus, K.D., Plant Design & Economics for Chemical
Engineers, McGraw Hill International Editions, Chemical Engineering Series, New
York, 3rd edition, 1981.
[20] Smith, J.M. & Van Ness, H.C.,Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Thermodynamics, International Editions, Chemical Engineering Series, New York 6 th
edition, McGraw-Hill.
[21] Treybal, R.E. Mass Transfer Operations McGraw Hill International Editions,
Chemical Engineering Series, New York, 3rd edition, 1981
[22] Kern, D.Q.,Process Heat Transfer, International editions, McGraw-Hill New
York.
[23] Joshi, M.V. & Mahajani, V.V. Process Equipment DesignMacmillan India
Limited, 3rd edition.
[24] Brownell, L.E., & Young E.H. Process equipment design-vessel design Wiley
Eastern limited, New Delhi, 1st edition.
[25] Tramouze,
engineering

P. & Van landeghem

H. Chemical

reactors

design /

/operation 123 -129 Editions Technip 27 Rue Ginoux 75737 Paris,

1988
[26] Bhattacharya, B.C., Introduction to chemical equipment design, CBS
Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi. 2000
[27] Ludwig, E.E. Applied process design for chemical & petrochemical plants
2nd edition.
[28] Donald R. Coughanowr, Process systems Analysis and Control, McGraw Hill
International editions, Chemical Engineering Series, 1st volume.
[29] Soo H.; Ream B. C.; Robson J. H. Mixed metal framework compositions for
monoalkylene glycol production. (Union Carbide Chem. Plastic). U.S.Patent
5,064,804, 1990.
[30] Forkner, M. W. Monoalkylene glycol production using highly selective
Monoalkylene glycol catalysts. (Union Carbide Chem. Plastic). U.S. Patent
5,260,495, 1993.

107

[31] T. Masuda, K.H. Asano, S. Naomi Ando, Method for preparing ethylene
Glycol and/or propylene glycol, EP 0226799 (1992); US Patent 4937393, 1990.
[32] W.G. Reman, E.M.G. Van Kruchten, Process for the preparation of alkylene
Glycols, US Patent 5,488,184, 1996.
[33] E.M.G. Van Kruchten, Process for the preparation of alkylene glycols, US Patent
5,874,653, 1999.
[34] E.G.A. Van Kruchten, Catalytic hydrolysis of alkylene oxides, US Patent
6,137,014, 2000.
[35] H. Soo, B.C. Ream, J.H. Robson, Monoalkylene glycol production Using mixed
metal framework compositions, US Patent 4,967,018, 1990.
[36] H. Soo, B.C. Ream, J.H. Robson, Mixed metal framework compositions For
monoalkylene glycol production, US Patent 5, 064, 80, 1990.
[37] M.W. Forkner, Monoalkylene glycol production using highly selective
Monoalkylene glycol catalysts, US Patent 5,260,495, 1993.
[38] Chemical Weekly, Vol-LI, March 21, 2006, No. 3, p-244-264.
[39] Catalyst.Today, 33, 1997, p-392.

[40] Chemical Engineering Journal, 107 2005, p-199204

[41] Y. Li et al. / Applied Catalysis A: General 272 2000, p-305310
[42] Organic Process Research & Development 2002, 6, p- 660-664
[43] Organic Process Research & Development 2005, 9, p-768-773.
[44] www.mgchemicals.com
[45] www.dowchemicals.com

108