Difference between revisions of "Importance of venting a processor"
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[[File:Fan and circuit dia.png|right|]] | [[File:Fan and circuit dia.png|right|]] | ||
| − | All processors shown in the pages must be vented to | + | All processors shown in the pages must be vented to allow air to be displaced/replaced when oil/bio is added to or removed from the vessel. |
It is important that the vent does not have a valve on it as it '''must''' stay open at all times. | It is important that the vent does not have a valve on it as it '''must''' stay open at all times. | ||
| − | The way the vent system works is the | + | The way the vent system works is the vapour is pulled out of the reactor by the venturi, through the condenser and back to the venturi. |
| − | So the | + | So the vapour circulated around the system and is not under any pressure. |
<BR> | <BR> | ||
<BR> | <BR> | ||
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| − | The vent on a GL is normally on the | + | The vent on a GL is normally on the vapour line (highlighted in red) after the condenser, this way any methanol fumes that are released during the reaction,or in the de-meth stage, will get condensed off and collected in the Methanol collection vessel. |
[[File:GL processor with vent path in red.png]] | [[File:GL processor with vent path in red.png]] | ||
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If the vent becomes blocked it can produce a build up of positive or negative pressure. | If the vent becomes blocked it can produce a build up of positive or negative pressure. | ||
| − | This can have sever effects on the reactor | + | This can have sever effects on the reactor itself. |
Negative pressure can and will cause the reactor to implode as seen in these pictures. | Negative pressure can and will cause the reactor to implode as seen in these pictures. | ||
Revision as of 16:59, 1 February 2013
This page will soon be completed by Mark following an intensive and extensive wiki lesson.
Only if I was paying attention Julian.
Heh well done so far Mark - Tony :)
introduction
All processors shown in the pages must be vented to allow air to be displaced/replaced when oil/bio is added to or removed from the vessel.
It is important that the vent does not have a valve on it as it must stay open at all times.
The way the vent system works is the vapour is pulled out of the reactor by the venturi, through the condenser and back to the venturi.
So the vapour circulated around the system and is not under any pressure.
The vent on a GL is normally on the vapour line (highlighted in red) after the condenser, this way any methanol fumes that are released during the reaction,or in the de-meth stage, will get condensed off and collected in the Methanol collection vessel.
Consequences
Negative pressure
If the vent becomes blocked it can produce a build up of positive or negative pressure.
This can have sever effects on the reactor itself.
Negative pressure can and will cause the reactor to implode as seen in these pictures.
- This is a steel cone bottomed drum
10 ml Isopropyl alcohol with a few drops of turmeric indicator solution.
With a few drops of reference solution added, on the point of colour change.
With one more drop of reference solution, complete colour chance and ready for titration.
Positive pressure
The most likely way to produce positive pressure in a GL is by pumping oil into it with a closed vent, although in most cases it is unlikely the pump will produce enough pressure to cause a problem.
However if a reactor full of cold oil was heated with a closed vent this could build up a surprising amount of pressure.
It is possible the the reactor or pipework could rupture, but an explosion is highly unlikely in this scenario.
