Department of Chemical Engineering,

Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology,

Nagpur

DESIGN OF STORAGE TANK

STORAGE TANK OF ACETIC ACID

TEAM MEMBERS:

1. NISARG KOKARE BT21CME030

2. PRASHIK NIKAM BT21CME055

3. KANISHK ROGADE BT21CME058

4. MANDAR KALKE BT21CME083

1
Submitted to:

Dr. Sachin Mandavgane

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are all very pleasured and esteemed to work on this project of ‘Designing the Storage Tank
for preservation of Acetic Acid’.

We are highly thankful to VNIT for the important guidance and the necessary information
required for completion of this project. We also thank our colleagues for supporting us to
develop this project.

Finally we would like to thank and show gratitude towards our respected Dr.Sachin Mandavgane
Sir, for giving us the scope to develop this project.

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INDEX
1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………
1.1 Chemical to be Manufactured – Acetic Acid.
1.1.1 Properties of Acetic Acid.
1.1.2 Applications of Acetic Acid.
1.1.3 Requirement of the Acetic Acid in the Market

2. Material used for storage tank – 304 Stainless Steel………………………

2.1 Properties of Material.
2.2 Why to use this Material.

3. Chemical Process Selection………………………..……………………….

4. Process Flow Diagram……………………………………………………..
5. Process Description…………………………………………………………
6. Material Balance Calculations……………………………………………..
7. Storage Tank Calculations…………………………………………………
8. Results……………………………………………………………………….
9. 3-D Views ……………………………………………………………………
10. Plant Location………………………………………………………………
11. Handling and Storage Precautions ……………………………………….
12. Contributions……………………………………………………………….
13. References…………………………………………………………………..

3
1. Introduction

1.1 Chemical to be manufactured – Acetic Acid.

Acetic acid is an important commodity used in chemical industries, with about 9 million tons
of world demands per year. The primary use of this chemical is in the manufacture of
assorted acetate esters, fungicide, organic compounds, organic solvents and the preparation
of pharmaceuticals, cellulose acetate that is important in making film and plastic wares,
perfumes and synthetic fiber.

Acetic acid (CH3COOH), is a corrosive organic acid having a

Sharp odor,
Burning taste, and
Pernicious blistering properties.
The chemical we have chosen is an organic compound Acetic Acid. It is an non-aromatic,
saturated
compound with 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. Sometimes it is also
called as glacial acetic acid. Its chemical name is Ethanoic Acid.

Why did we choose acetic acid?

Reason:-
Acetic acid is largely used industrial product, with a world demand of 6 million tons per year.
The global demand for acetic acid is about 6.5 million metric tons per year (Mt/a), of which
approximately 1.5 Mt/a is met by recycling; the remainder is manufactured from methanol.
Vinegar is mostly dilute acetic acid, often produced by fermentation and subsequent oxidation of
ethanol. It is an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical, used primarily in the
production of cellulose acetate for photographic film, polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, and
synthetic fibres and fabrics. In households, diluted acetic acid is often used in descaling agents.
In the food industry, acetic acid is controlled by the food additive code E260 as an acidity
regulator and as a condiment. In biochemistry, the acetyl group, derived from acetic acid, is
fundamental to all forms of life. When bound to coenzyme A, it is central to the metabolism of
carbohydrates and fats.
Most of the production processes are based on the carbonylation of methanol promoted by an
iodine compound and catalyzed by Rhodium catalyst (Monsanto Process) or Iridium catalyst
(Cativa Process). Cativa process is nowadays used for Acetic acid production. It is less expensive
process. This new configuration uses a compact two distillation columns configuration.
A highly concentrated methanol feed can be used (0.5% water) instead of a 10% water content in
Monsanto Process. This greatly reduces the impact of the side reactions between water and
carbon and monoxide and consequently improves the selectivity.

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1.1.1 PROPERTIES OF ACETIC ACID

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
Acetic acid is a clear, colorless, corrosive liquid that has a pungent odor and is a dangerous
vesicant. It has pungent vinegar like odor. The detectable odor is as low as 1 ppm. The liquid is
usually available as glacial acetic acid with less than 1 Wt % water and over 98 % purity.
Besides water, the acid contains traces of impurities such as acetaldehyde, oxidized substances,
iron, and chlorides. Occasionally, the acid may be colored due to the presence of ethyl
acetoacetate. The acetate is easily mistaken for formic acid because it reduces mercuric chloride.
Traces of mercury may cause extensive corrosion by reaction with aluminum. Aluminum is a
common material for containers to ship the acid .Glacial acetic acid is very hydroscopic. The
presence of 0.1 Wt % water lowers the freezing point significantly. Acetic acid forms azeotropes
with many common solvents, such as benzene, pyridine, and dioxane. Acetic acid is miscible
with water, ethanol, acetone, benzene, ether, and carbon tetrachloride. However, it is not soluble
in CS2.The presence of acetaldehyde or formic acid is commonly revealed by permanganate
tests.

• Though the molecular weight of acetic acid is 60.05, its apparent molecular weight
varies with both temperature and the other associating substances present.
• It is miscible in all proportions with water, ethanol and ether.
• It is an excellent solvent for organic compounds.
• A zero dipole moment for unsymmetrical acetic acid structure(is explained by the formation
of symmetric dimmers via hydrogen bonding in which the dipole moments cancel).
• No high dissociation ionic species in acetic acid solution.
• Possesses relatively low basicity or proton affinity.

5
• Has a very strong leveling effect on bases and solvolyzes all strong bases to acetate ion,
CH3COO− .

The physical properties are :

1. Melting point : 16.635℃
2. Boiling point : 117.87℃
3. Vapor pressure : ---------
4. Thermal conductivity : 0.158 W/m2℃at 20℃
5. Heat of melting : 207.1 J/g
6. Heat of vaporization : 394.5J/g at boiling point
7. Specific heat of vapor : 5.029 J/g K at 124℃
8. Density : 1.04938 g/ml at 20℃
9. Refractive index,ηd : 1.36965
10. Specific heat of solid : 0.837 J/gK at 1000K
11. Critical pressure : 57.856 KPa (571.1 atm)
12. Critical temperature : 321.6℃
13. Magnetic susceptibility
Solid : 32.05 10^-6 cm3/mol
Liquid : 31.80 x 10^-6 cm3/mol

14. Dielectric constant

Solid : 2.665 at -10.0℃
Liquid : 6.710 at 20.0℃

15. Surface tension : 27.57 N/m or Dyne/cm at 20.1℃

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Many useful materials are made from acetic acid. Acetate esters are formed by reaction of olefins
or alcohols with acetic acid. Acetic acid is also used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals.
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is formed by the reaction between acetic acid and salicylic acid.

This esterification reaction is reversible, however, and the presence of water can lead to
hydrolysis of the aspirin. Thus, an anhydrous (“without water”) reagent could lead to better
yields of product. Acetic anhydride can by prepared by the dehydration of acetic acid at 800℃.

6
Alternatively, the reaction between the acid chloride and a salt of acetic acid (e.g. sodium
acetate) yields acetic anhydride and a salt.

Reactions with inorganic compounds

Acetic acid is mildly corrosive to metals including iron, magnesium, and zinc, forming hydrogen
gas and salts called acetates:

Mg + 2CH3COOH → (CH3COO)2Mg + H2

Because aluminium forms a passivizing acid-resistant film of aluminium oxide, aluminium tanks
are used to transport acetic acid. Metal acetates can also be prepared from acetic acid and an
appropriate base, as in the popular "baking soda + vinegar" reaction:

NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O

1.1.2 Applications of Acetic Acid:

The various areas where acetic acid has its wide use are
• Over 60% of acetic acid produced goes into polymers derived from either Vinyl acetate (vinyl
esters) or cellulose (cellulose esters).
• Most of poly (vinyl acetate) is used in paints and coatings or used for making poly (vinyl
alcohol) and plastics.
• Also, cellulose acetate is used to produce acetate fibers.
• Acetic acid and acetate esters are used extensively as solvents and in organic
Synthesis.
• In the production of white lead and chrome yellow pigments, it is used to make lead available
in a soluble form for further reaction to give basic lead carbonate and lead chromate.
• Also used to provide the necessary acidity in the number of processes carried out in an
aqueous media.
• Used in the mordanting process and in dyeing of wool in textile industry.
• Used as a coagulant for rubber latex in manufacture of elastic thread, as a component
of photographic stopping and fixing baths and as a laundry sour.
• Also used in electroplating, engraving and in the processing offish glue.
• Dilute acetic acid functions either or both as a preservative and flavoring agent in food
stuffs such as pickled vegetables, condiments, jellies and confectionery.
• RDX - The high explosive cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine is furnished on nitration of
hexamethylenetetramine with acetic acid.
• Also, lower alkyl esters such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and butanol are widely
used as solvents for lacquers and adhesives. Other esters form basis for synthetic flavors for
perfumes and bornyl acetate in the manufacture of synthetic camphor.

7
Acetic acid is mainly utilized in the manufacture of the following products:

1. Acetic Anhydride.
2. Vinyl Acetate.
3. Cellulose Acetate.
4. Monochloro acetic acid.
5. Purified Terepthalic Acid [PTA].
6. Food Activities [Vinegar].

1.1.3 Requirement of Acetic Acid in Indian Market.

With Asia’s growing contribution to the global chemical industry, India emerges as one
of the focus destinations for chemical companies worldwide. With the current size of
$108 billion, the Indian chemical industry accounts for approximately 7% of Indian GDP.
Share of industry in national exports is around 11%. In terms of volume, India is the third-
largest producer of chemicals in Asia, after China and Japan. Despite its large size and
significant GDP contribution, India chemicals industry represents only around 3% of global
chemicals.
The Indian chemical industry could grow at 11% P.A. To reach size of $224 billion by 2017.
The demand for organic chemicals in India has been increasing at nearly 6.5% during
this period and has reached the level of 2.8 million tons. The domestic supply has
however grown at a slower pace resulting in gradual widening of demand supply gap
which was primarily bridged through imports.
Acetic Acid is primarily used for production of Purified terepthalic acid (PTA), Vinyl acetate
monomer (VAM), and acetic anhydride and acetate esters. In India, production of acetic acid
is primarily based on alcohol and its demand has grown at 10% during XI th Five Year
Plan period. At present the consumption is estimated to be 0.6 million tons which would
reach nearly 1.0 million tons by end of XII th Five Year Plan period (2012-2017). The
demand growth is primarily driven by end use demand from PTA which is basic raw
material for polyester and fiber. There is substantial incremental capacity of PTA, driving
demand for acetic acid in this segment.
Acetic acid is primarily produced through alcohol or methanol route. Alcohol route in Indian
context is gradually becoming unviable due to high prices and limited availability of this
feedstock. At present bulk of acetic acid is imported with domestic production accounting for
less than 30% of demand.
Amongst the six major organic chemicals produced in India Acetic Acid contribute to
nearly 2/3rd of Indian basic organic chemical industry. The balance 1/3rd of the organic
chemical consumption in the country is accounted for by other wide variety of chemicals.

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9
2. Material used for storage tank – 304 Stainless Steel
2.1 Properties of Material:

304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) is the most commonly used material in stainless steels, and is
usually purchased in an annealed or cold worked state. Because SS304 contains 18% chromium
(Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni), it’s also known as 18/8 Stainless steel. Type 304 has good
processability, weldability, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and
mechanical properties, good hot workability such as stamping and bending, and no heat
treatment hardening. SS 304 is widely used in the industrial use, furniture decoration, food and
medical industry, etc.

Density 7.93 g/cm3

Melting point 1400-1450 °C

Specific heat capacity 500 J/kg·K at 20 °C

Elastic modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) 193 GPa

2.2 Why to use this material?

Acetic acid is a weak reducing acid. It is used in plastics manufacture and is a constituent of
foods as vinegar.
Ferritic stainless steels such as 430 type can be considered but normally the 304 types are
used for most applications, including handling and storage.
Acetic anhydride, (CH3CO)2O, can be aggressive to either 304 or 316 types in the absence
of any water and in the presence of chlorides.
Peracetic acid, CH3C(O)OOH, (peroxyacetic acid), should be safe with stainless steels.
Vinyl acetate, C4H6O2, may be considered with the 316 grades for ambient temperature
storage applications.

Commercially concentrated acid is around 99 wt. %, (glacial acetic acid).

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3. CHEMICAL PROCESS SELECTION :
The 99.8% pure acetic acid, sold in the name of glacial acetic acid can be manufactured
by various processes. Each process is discussed in detail in the following sections.

Different processes employed for manufacture of acetic acid:

There are mainly three processes that produce acetic acid. They are
Acetaldehyde Oxidation
Methanol Carbonylation
Anaerobic fermentation
Butane–Naphtha Catalytic Liquid-Phase Oxidation
While in the Indian scenario acetaldehyde oxidation process takes the majority of acetic acid
production. Alcohol is used to obtain Acetaldehyde (Alcohol is obtained by the fermentation and
distillation of Molasses).

PROCESS SELECTION:

ABSTRACT

The carbonylation of methanol to acetic acid is established as one of the major industrial
applications of homogeneous catalysis. Since the introduction of a rhodium-catalyzed
process by Monsanto four decades ago, there has been almost continuous activity aimed
toward improving the process and gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying
chemistry. Strategies to improve catalyst performance and process economics have been
developed, resulting in both rhodium- and iridium-catalyzed systems that operate with
high activity at reduced water concentration, making product purification less costly.
This chapter describes important aspects of the commercial processes as well as
potential strategies for enhancing catalyst activity, stability, and selectivity. A particular
emphasis is placed on mechanistic aspects, with experimental studies being
complemented in recent years by theoretical investigations. Attempts to anchor
the rhodium catalyst and to influence activity and selectivity using phosphine ligands
are reviewed. Some potential alternative catalytic routes to acetic acid and derivatives
are also summarized.

Production of Acetic acid by carbonylation of methanol used to be done by a process

named as Monsanto process where Rhodium catalyst was used as an active catalyst with
iodide of metals such as lithium. The process was carried at 50-60 bar pressure and at a
temperature of 150 to 200℃ giving a high selectivity of 99% based on the methanol feed. But
B.P chemicals came up with a process named as Cativa that used Iridium catalyst with
Hydrogen iodide as the active catalyst in the system. Henry Drefyus at British Celanese
developed a methanol carbonylation pilot plant as early as 1925. However, a lack of practical
materials that could contain the corrosive reaction mixture at the high pressures needed (200 atm

11
or more) discouraged commercialization of these routes. The first commercial methanol
carbonylation process, which used a cobalt catalyst, was developed by German chemical
company BASF in 1963. In 1968, a rhodium-based catalyst (cis− [Rh(CO)2I2]−) was discovered
that could operate efficiently at lower pressure with almost no by- products. The first plant using
this catalyst was built by US chemical company Monsanto Company in 1970, and rhodium-
catalyzed methanol carbonylation became the dominant method of acetic acid production. In the
late 1990s, the chemicals company BP Chemicals commercialized the Cativa catalyst
([Ir(CO)2I2]−), which is promoted by ruthenium. This iridium catalyzed process is greener and
more efficient and has largely supplanted the Monsanto process, often in the same production
plants.

CHEMICAL REACTIONS:

The reactions are:

Main reaction:
CH3OH + CO → CH3COOH ΔH= -138kJ/mol

Side Reactions:
CH3OH + CO → C2H5COOH
CH3COOH + CH3OH → CH3COOCH3

The process involves iodomethane as an intermediate, and occurs in three steps. A catalyst,
usually a metal complex, is needed for the carbonylation (step 2).

CH3OH + HI → CH3I + H2O

CH3I + CO → CH3COI
CH3COI + H2O → CH3COOH + HI
By altering the process conditions, acetic anhydride may also be produced on the same plant.
Because both methanol and carbon monoxide are commodity raw materials, methanol
carbonylation long appeared to be an attractive method for acetic acid production.
The use of other less expensive catalyst such as nickel, palladium, and ruthenium in
homogeneous systems has also been investigated. In 1996, BP Amoco commercialized the
iridium-based Cativa technology, which operates with reactor water levels that are comparable to
the improved Monsanto process. The new catalyst is most effective when used in combination
with lithium and ruthenium.

This is the catalytic cycle for the carbonylation of methanol using iridium as the catalyst

12
ADVANTAGES OF SELECTED PROCESS:
The selected process has following advantages over other processes:
• The selectivity of Cativa process is 99% as compared to the 90% of acetaldehyde oxidation and
even lesser in other processes.
• The operation is cheaper than other processes.
• The methanol used as the feed is comparatively cheaper than the feed in other processes.
• Fermentation process which also seems viable in terms of operation involves a greater
upstream and downstream cost for sterilization of equipment to provide an environment for
microbial growth.
• The liquid phase reaction is easy to control.

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4. Process Flow Diagram :

14
5. PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The carbonylation process of methanol is carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor.
The methanol and carbon monoxide is fed to the reactor from the bottom as feed. The
carbon monoxide is compressed in a compressor to 30 bar before inlet to the reactor to
ensure the reaction is occurs in the liquid phase. The reaction is highly exothermic and
hence a cooling jacket is provided outside the reactor to ensure that the proper
temperature of 150℃ is maintained in the reactor. The initial heat required to ignite the
reaction is mainly rough age of steam through the jacket. As the reaction starts, the heat of
reaction is used to continue the reaction and excess heat is removed. The unreacted gases are
vented out through a scrubber which also works as a preheater for a part of methanol feed. A part
of methanol feed is preheated from ambient temperature to 60℃ as it comes out of the scrubber
Another work that is performed by the side stream is the stripping of entrained liquid in the vent
gases and it also ensures that the loss of product with these gases is minimal. The vent gases
generally exit the scrubber at 50℃ to the atmosphere.

The product stream from the CSTR, is rich in acetic acid and containing small concentrations of
methanol, by-product propionic acid and water is made to pass through the throttling valve to the
flash tank where the product is flashed to a reduced pressure of 1 atm. The product from the flash
tank is fed to the light end distillation column at a temperature of 52℃. A recycle stream is
pumped from the bottom of the flash tank back to the CSTR. In the light end distillation column
the feed containing acetic acid, water, propionic acid, methanol and methyl acetate is distilled to
separate light ends (methyl acetate and methanol) from the bottom stream containing acetic acid,
propionic acid and little concentration of water. The acetic acid is generally 87.6 % by wt. which
is further purified in the acid purification unit to obtain the required product. The feed stream
enters at a temperature of about 52℃ and the bottom stream leaves the end column at a
temperature of 97℃. In the acid purification unit, the stream enters at a temperature of 97℃. The
higher boiling component propionic acid is obtained from the bottom of the distillation tower
where a temperature of 123℃ is maintained. Glacial Acetic acid (99.8% by wt.) is obtained from
the top of the distillation tower, maintained at 118℃.

15
6. Material Balance.

CHEMICAL REACTIONS
To view 3D Diagram of the Above Reaction Process click the following link:

https://v.creators3d.com/index.html?load=%2Fviews%2Fproduction%2Fitem%2F2022816%2F9
018814851750395%2F9018814851750395.glb&autorotate=true&json-
data=1660661026846&decrypt=1&tv=135

Reaction yield is 98% based on methanol.

Given,

Atomic weight of Acetic Acid = 60gm

Atomic weight of Carbon Monoxide = 28gm

Atomic weight of Methanol = 32gm

Amount of Acetic Acid to be produced per day = 4 tons, that is, 60 tons in 15 days.

Moles of acetic acid produced per day = (4× 907.185×103)/60

16
 = 60479 moles

Hence, Moles of acetic acid produced per day is 60479 moles.

Raw Materials Required

Carbon Monoxide

0.98 moles of CH3COOH requires 1 mole of CO

60479moles of CH3COOH requires ---------------- (60479 /0.98) 61713.265moles of CO

Therefore, 61713.265moles of CO is required per day

Amount of CO in tonnes = (61713.265 ×28)/(1000×907.185)

= 1.905 tonnes per day

Amount of CO required in 15 days =1.905 × 15= 28.575 tonnes

Methanol (98% by weight)

0.98 moles of CH3COOH requires 1 mole of CH3OH

60479moles of CH3COOH requires ----------- (60479/0.98) = 61713.265moles of CH3OH

Therefore, 61713.265 moles of CH3OH is required per day

Amount of CH3OH in tonnes = (61713.265×32)/(1000×907.815)

= 2.175 tonnes per day

Amount of CH3OH required in 15 day = 2.175×15 = 32.625 tonnes

Amount of CH3OH (98% by weight) required in 15 days = 32.625 /0.98

= 33.291 tonnes

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PROPANOIC ACID (2%by-product)

1 mole of CH3OH produces 0.02 moles of CH3CH2COOH

61713.265 moles of CH3OH produces- (0.02×61713.265 )

=1234.065 moles of CH3CH2COOH

Therefore, 1234.065 moles of CH3CH2COOH is produced as a by-product per day

Amount of CH3CH2COOH in tonnes =(1234.065 ×74)\(1000×907.815)

= 0.101 tonnes per day

Amount of CH3CH2COOH required in 15 days = 0.101×15

=1.515 tonnes

18
7. STORAGE TANK CALCULATIONS:

Basis for calculations 4 Tons per day of Acetic Acid.

We need to design the storage tank for storage of 15 days of Acetic Acid. For that the total mass
of Acetic Acid will be as follows……..
Mass = 15 * 4* 1000 kg
= 60000 kg of Acetic Acid will be stored.
So we need to design storage tank for storing 60000 kg of acetic acid,
Density of Acetic Acid Ꝭ = 1049 kg/m3

Now Volume = Mass / Density

= 60000/ 1049
Volume = 57.19 𝑚

It is given that the Height [H] to Diameter [D] ratio is 1.5

= 1.5

Volume of cylinder = 𝜋 ∗ 𝐷 *H/ 4

57.19 = 𝜋 ∗ 𝐷 *1.5/ 4
Hence, D = 3.65 m
H= 1.5*D
Therefore, H= 5.475 m.

Considering safety factor of 30 % increment in Height, we multiply height by factor of 1.3.

Hence new height = 1.3*H
= 7.12 m
Therefore H=7.12m.

Now new volume will be,

Vn = 𝜋 ∗ 𝐷 ∗ 𝐻 / 4
Vn = 74.47 𝒎𝟑

The pressure in the tank,

P = H* ρ *g.
P = 73.269 kPa.

Pnet = P + Patm.
= (73.269 + 101.325) kPa
Pnet = 174.594 kPa.

For safety purposes we consider 30% safety factor for pressure.

19
Therefore Pnet = 1.3*174.594 kPa
= 226.972 kPa.

A] Thickness of Cylindrical Shell:

Now we find the thickness of the cylindrical shell:

The tensile stress of 304 stainless steel is 215MPa.

The value of J (joint efficiency) is 85%.

t = P *D / (2 σ *J – P) + CA ………….. CA is the corrosion allowance generally 3 mm.

= 2.268 x 10 m + 3 mm
= 2.268 mm + 3 mm
t = 5.268 mm
Hence the thickness of cylindrical shell is 5.268 mm.

B] Thickness of conical roof:

tc = P*D/ (4 σ J sin θ) ………..θ is the semi-vertical angle of cone (45° recommended)
= 1.6 mm.
tc = 1.6 mm.

Hence the thickness of the conical roof is 1.6 mm.

C] Thickness of bottom base :

tb = 3 ∗ 𝜌 ∗ 𝐻 ∗
= 0.0579 m.

tb = 57.9 mm.

Hence the thickness of the bottom base is 57.9 mm.

20
 7. Results:

Sr. Tank No. Chemical to store Capacity Dimensions Thickness in mm

No

1. 1 Acetic Acid 60 tons Height = 7.12 m Shell = 5.628 mm

Diameter = 3.65 m Roof = 1.6 mm

Volume = 74.47 𝒎𝟑 Base = 231.7 mm

21
22
9. 3D Views.

Front View Of Storage Tank.

23
3-D View Of Storage Tank

24
 Bottom View of Tank Top View of tank

To view the Storage Tank Virtually Click on the given link:

https://v.creators3d.com/index.html?load=%2Fviews%2Fproduction%2Fitem%2F
2022816%2F8887019894143825%2F8887019894143825.glb&autorotate=true&js
on-data=1660660468852&decrypt=1&tv=135

25
 10. STORAGE PLANT LOCATION FACTORS :
The economic construction and operation of a process unit will depend on how well the plant
equipment specified on the process flow sheet and laid out.
The principal factors to be considered are:

1. Economic consideration: construction and operation cost.

2. The process requirement
3. Convenience of operation
4. Convenience of maintenance
5. Safety
6. Future expansion
7. Modular construction

COSTS:
The cost of construction can be minimized by adopting a layout that gives shortest run of
connecting pipes between equipment, and adopting the least amount of structural steel work.
However, this will not necessarily be the best arrangement for operation and maintenance.
PROCESS REQUIREMENT:
All the required equipment have to be placed properly within process. Even the installation of the
auxiliaries should be done in such a way that it will occupy the least space.
OPERATION
Equipment that needs to have frequent operation should be located convenient to the control
room. Valves, sample points, and instruments should be located at convenient position and
height. Sufficient working space and headroom must be provided to allow easy access to
equipment.
MAINTENANCE
Heat exchangers need to be sited so that the tube bundles can be easily withdrawn for cleaning
and tube replacement. Vessels that require frequent replacement of catalyst or packing should be
located on the outside of buildings. Equipment that requires dismantling for maintenance, such
as compressors and large pumps, should be placed under cover.
SAFETY
Blast walls may be needed to isolate potentially hazardous equipment, and confine the effects of
an explosion. At least two escape routes for operator must be provided from each level in the
process building.
PLANT EXPANSION
Equipment should be located so that it can be conveniently tied in with any future expansion of
the process. Space should be left on pipe alleys for future needs, service pipes over-sized to
allow for future requirements.
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION:
In recent years, there has been a move to assemble sections of the plant at the manufacturer site.
These modules will include the equipment, structural steel, piping and instrumentation. The
modules then transported to the plant site, by road or sea.

26
 11. Handling and storage precautions:
Handling:
This material is a corrosive, combustible liquid. Inspect containers for damage or leaks before
handling. Immediately report leaks, spills or failures of the engineering controls. Avoid all
ignition sources. Use in the smallest possible amounts, in a well – ventilated area, separate from
the storage area. Avoid generating vapors or mists. Prevent the release of vapors or mists into the
air. Do not use with incompatible materials .never return contemned material to its original
container. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use/empty containers may contain residues
never add water to a corrosive. Always add corrosives to cold water. Never perform any
welding, cutting, soldering, drillings or other hot work on empty vessel, containers or piping
until all liquid and vapors have been cleared.

Storage:
Store in a segregated and approved area. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep
container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Avoid all possible sources of ignition
(spark or flame)

27
12. References.

Bibliography/References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cativa_process

2. https://www.technology.matthey.com/pdf/pmr-v44-i3-
094-105.pdf

3.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279908567_Th
e_Cativa_Process_forthe_Manufacture_of_Acetic_Acid_Iridi
um_catalyst_improves_productivityin_an_established_indus
trial_process

4. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ja039464y?cookieSet=1

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