Investigation on Startup Methods at SRU (Cold and Hot) and Innovation in Cold Bed Method

In this paper, the startup methods at SRU are investigated. Actually, there are two methods:

The conventional method in which the warm up of the unit including the reactor catalytic beds;
The new approach of warm up of the unit excluding the reactor catalytic beds.

Generally, the conventional method is still practiced in most of the designs. The new design features, developed by the Orthloff Company (US 1970), uses two special block valve assemblies for by passing the catalytic steps during warm up. It is pointed out that the Orthloff proprietary sulfur vapor block valves can be replaced by the hammer blind (slip blind) for the intended cold start up theory.
A better warm up of the sulfur condenser’s can be achieved. Cold startup of SRU’s not only can extend the service life of the catalyst, but can improve the environmental pollution by unwanted stoppage of units for catalyst change outs. Experience has proved that SRU can be started up in this new manner and the risk of damages to the furnace and catalyst can be minimized.