ACTIVATED CARBON - AIR-STEAM REGENERATION PROCEDURE

1. GBH Enterprises, Ltd.
ACTIVATED CARBON
AIR-STEAM REGENERATION PROCEDURE
VULCAN SERIES VGP-102/103/104
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2. AIR-STEAM REGENERATION OF VULCAN VGP-102/103/104
The following procedure is intended as a guide to typical practices used for regeneration
of VGP-102, VGP-103 and VGP-104 Activated Carbon. When the sulfur level in the
natural gas exiting the activated carbon bed reaches an unsatisfactory level, the flow is
switched to an alternate bed and the regeneration proceeds as follows:
1.
Slowly depressurize the bed to the atmosphere.
2.
Open the drain line to remove any condensate. Close the drain line.
3.
Establish a steam flow rate of approximately 50 lb./hr. steam per 1000 lb. of
VGP-102 and VGP-103 Activated Carbon in the vessel (1.7 lb./hr. steam per
cubic ft. of VGP-102 and VGP-103 Activated Carbon).
4.
Throttle the vent valve on the vessel to maintain 50 psig back pressure on the
vessel throughout the regeneration step.
5.
Light superheater and set for 470oF.
6.
Increase steam rate in increments of 50 lb./hr./1000 lb. of VGP-102 and VGP103 Activated Carbon until a rate of 150-300 lb./hr. steam per 1000 lb. of VGP102 and VGP-103 Activated Carbon is reached and the outlet temperature is
approaching 450-460oF. After a 4-6 hour period, the outlet temperature should
be approaching the inlet temperature.
7.
Open all air valves except valve closest to vessel. This will prevent steam from
backing up into air line.
8.
Open last air valve, quickly adjust rotometer to yield 500 ppm oxygen in total airsteam flow. Record temperature and allow temperature to stabilize before
adding more air.
9.
After 30 minutes, increase flow to 1000 ppm oxygen; monitor temperature at 30
minute intervals.
10.
At 60 minute intervals, and after the temperature has stabilized, increase the air
flow in increments of 1000 ppm oxygen, until 5000 ppm oxygen are being
injected into the stream. Hold for two hours.
11.
Shut off air and superheater and reduce back pressure to atmospheric.
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3. 12.
Steam for two hours using available steam (not superheater), gradually reducing
flow to zero.
13.
Cool bed and prepare to put it back on stream.
NOTES:
1.
During addition of air, the temperature on the vent line should not exceed 50oF
above the temperature before addition was started. Should this occur or should
there be a sudden rise in temperature, cut back the oxygen by 1000 ppm. When
temperature stabilizes, slowly reintroduce the oxygen.
2. Maximum recommended bed temperature is 575oF.
Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
Specializing in the Development & Commercialization of New Technology in the Refining & Petrochemical Industries
Web Site: www.GBHEnterprises.com