Conversion of existing Bubble Cap Column to Packed Bed Column

Abstract

ICI Soda Ash is the major producer of Soda Ash in the country and the absorption of ammonia into the brine is one of the major processes for the manufacturing of Soda Ash. The company is using Absorber with single Bubble Cap Trays, which is an obsolete technology and has is being eventually replaced with several other different packing in chemical industries around the world. This project is based on the feasibility analysis and conversion of the bubble cap trays to packed bed column. After literature review, consideration of current industrial practices and consultation with both supervisors (industrial and project) and calculated the performance of the process on the existing parameters. The simulation of the process is also done on the existing parameters and the design and costing of packed bed column and a comparison is drawn within different packing. After performing the proposed modification, it has been concluded that by using packed bed column not only the efficiency can be increased but space, which the column occupies, can also be saved. This conversion helps to minimize losses and improve the unit‟s yield.