AM-93-64 REVAMP OF CRUDE VACUUM TOWER USING A TOTAL OUALITY APPROACH

Description:

Koch Engineering Company, Inc. and a major North American refiner entered into a total quality relationship for a recent revamp of a large crude vacuum tower. The tower (> 30 ft. ID) was completely revamped from bubble cap/sieve trays to a combination of sheet metal structured packing, grid, and uplift-resistant sieve trays. An increase m HVGO/Vac Resid cutpoint was achieved, while maintaining all sidedraw product specifications. A rapid turnaround, smooth start-up, and significantly increased capacity were experienced. Techniques used by both comtianies to ensure optimum process design, ood fit-u % E of equipment, and shortest installation time possible are discussed. Follow-up etween t e two companies to document lessons learned for improvement on future projects is reviewed. Before and after process performance data is presented.