Sinopec's first domestic single-tower aromatics set the record for the shortest loading agent

On January 5, Sinopec's first domestic single-tower aromatics plant, the adsorption tower of Jiujiang Petrochemical's 890,000-ton/year aromatics plant, completed the charging work after 35 days
.
This is the shortest time for the first charging of the new device in the domestic aromatics industry, creating the "Jiujiang Speed" and laying a solid foundation for the mid-term delivery of the aromatics project on January 18
.

It is understood that the adsorption tower is the largest single tower of aromatics in Sinopec so far, and it is also the core equipment of the entire aromatics plant
.
High-quality and efficient installation of adsorption tower internals and adsorbent filling is the most important link to ensure the design capacity of the entire device
.

Since the tower consists of 17 layers of grid components to form 16 beds, each bed needs to be filled with paraxylene adsorbent
.
The distribution pipes connected to the pipelines outside the tower should be evenly arranged on each layer of grid components, and the piping groups should be paired, welded, airtight, and inspected for coloring
.
The adsorbent likes dryness and hates moisture, and requires 24-hour uninterrupted high-standard operation.
The process is complex and the standard is high to ensure the activity of the adsorbent
.

To this end, Jiujiang Petrochemical strengthened the preparation and training of the plan, and carried out the purification air pipeline process treatment for Jiujiang Petrochemical in advance to ensure the continuous supply of purified air during the construction period
.
With the care of Sinopec headquarters and the help of brother companies, from December 1, 2021, Jiujiang Petrochemical and related units will cooperate closely, seamlessly connect, and work together to overcome the narrow space and poor environment in the adsorption tower.
There are many working procedures and adverse effects such as high safety risks.
To overcome the difficulties of rusting the tower wall and changing flanges in the early stage, strict safety protection measures are taken, and the welding quality tracking inspection is strengthened for all the stress-free butt piping welds in the tower to prevent the construction process.
Quality defects such as corrosion of the inner wall of the adsorption tower and its internal parts, and failure of the adsorbent occurred in the middle of the process.
The installation of the internal parts of the adsorption tower and the filling of the adsorbent were completed with high efficiency and high standards
.