During many catalytic reactor turnarounds, reactor wall and
catalyst bed cooling to ambient temperatures (below 50°C)
is needed before catalyst dumping and maintenance work
can occur. When extended time periods are required for
reactor cooling, production losses incurred by major units
can be substantial. Even for smaller capacity units, the cost
of lost production can be significant.
Air Products has developed methods for using liquid and
gaseous nitrogen to accelerate cooling of catalytic reactors,
minimising costs associated with turnarounds. With APEX
Industrial Gas Services, quick response to your planned or
unplanned cooldown needs can be provided through the use
of mobile nitrogen pumping units.
Safety of personnel and equipment
are ensured
In all cooling applications using APEX Industrial Gas
Services, a microprocessor is used to optimise the cooling
rate, protect the reactor against costly thermal or pressure
damage and maintain operation safety. Prior to start-up, this
system allows for the cooling rate and temperature to be
determined. During the process, the system continuously
monitors performance.
Designed as an integral part of each mobile pumping unit
set-up, the microprocessor controller monitors the pressure
flow rate and uses remote thermocouples at the usage point
to measure the temperature. If any set point comes within
5% of being violated, audio and visual alarms are triggered.
Another unique feature of the system - if corrective action is
not taken within three minutes, the pumper will shut off
nitrogen to the customer and re-route it through the
vaporiser, feeding the customer with warmer nitrogen,
maintaining recycle flow and avoiding unnecessary venting
of nitrogen to atmosphere. Other safety features include over
pressure shutdown systems, reseatable relief devices sized
to your parameters and an anti-towaway lockout to prevent
vehicle movement during operation. All features help
maximise operation safety levels.
Operational control is maximised
The microprocessor allows for operation monitoring to
maintain optimum temperature, pressure and flow rate.
The system provides the operator with continuous digital
and strip recorded readouts that serve as a permanent
record of the entire procedure.
Why APEX Industrial Gas Services?
The APEX team has a unique position in the industry. With over 35 years’ experience in nitrogen-related services, not only can it offer a wide range of nitrogen pressure and temperature supply options, but as part of Air Products it
has a secure and varied supply capability from its industrial gas plants located around Europe.
24 Hour Call-out Service
APEX Industrial Gas Services offers an emergency nitrogen service. Its staff are available on call 24 hours a day and their knowledge and experience in dealing in various chemical and process industry applications enables them to mobilise the right equipment, labour and product supplies at very short notice.
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