During the hydrogenation of a certain plant-derived oil, the fresh feed is pumped from a vessel to the process unit. The process is illustrated in Figure P24.8(a).

Because the oil is very viscous, it is heated with steam that passes through a heating coil located in the vessel. The present system uses 50 psig saturated steam to heat the oil. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 50 psig steam supply will be down for maintenance for about a week. It has been suggested that a temporary connection from the highpressure steam line (600 psig, saturated) be made via a regulator (to reduce the pressure to 50 psig) to supply steam to the steam coil as shown in Figure P24.8(b).

Do you foresee any problems with the recommendation regarding the high-pressure steam? If so, what recommendations do you suggest?

Transcribed Image Text:

Cold Oil Feed 600 psig Sat. Steam Cold Oil Feed Condensate 50 psig Sat. Steam R (a) Condensate (b) 50 psig Hot Oil Hot Oil