High Performance Trays for a Fractionator in an Aromatics Plant

Distillation is a very important separation technology in refineries and downstream chemical processing. Mass transfer internals in distillation columns can be equipped with trays, structured packing or random packing. Trays are generally the preferred option in columns with high liquid rates or in services with high fouling tendencies. After the acquisition of Nutter Engineering in 1998, Sulzer Chemtech expanded its tray product portfolio with inclusion of the acclaimed BDHTM rectangular float valves and the V-GridTM fixed valves. The technological alliance with Shell Global Solutions since 2000 has brought Shell high performance trays into Sulzer Chemtech’s range of tray products. This case study highlights an integrated refinery complex in the East Asia, where various tray options were evaluated and Shell tray technology was eventually applied for a new xylene rerun column in an aromatic unit.