Document gE6krv5ynaO29xq7mqZwQymN3

/ J G Cols To: Interoffice Communication From: Date: Subject: S. M. Smith September 26, 1988 VISTACT-50 Performance Test - Summary of Results A performance test was performed on CT-50, the main plant cooling tower, August 17, 1988 by Midwest Research Institute. The results of the test indicate the tower is performing at 76.8% of its original design capability. The tower capability can be improved by replacing the existing cooling tower fill and fans with new, more efficient cooling tower fill and fans. The below design tower capability is a result of cooling tower aging and inadequate tower design. Cooling tower aging creates problems such as the leaking wooden distribution header (which was replaced prior to the performance test) which prevented equal water distribution throughout the tower. All of the known problems due to cooling tower aging were remedied prior to the performance test. The greatest known factor which is reducing the tower capability is inadequate tower design. A Marley representative has commented that tower design in the 1960's was not as accurate as it is today. Replacing the existing cooling tower fill and fans with new, more efficient cooling tower fill and fans will enable the tower to perform above its design capability. The test was conducted in accordance with CTI Acceptance Test Code ATC-105. A data acquisition system was used to automatically collect thermal data. The cooling tower flow rate was determined by a pitot tube traverse on the cooling water return header. Below is a table summarizing the results of the performance test. The original cooling tower design conditions are also listed in the table. Summary of Test Results: August 17, 1988 Parameter Range, F Approach, F Water Flow, GPM Tower Capability, % Test Result 15.12 12.38 42,214 76.8 Design Condition 20 9 44,000 100 CUH 00000975? Discussions with Mike Moreaux of Cooling Technologies, Inc., previous to the performance indicated that a 5F to 6F approach (outlet Tower test, water temperature less wet bulb temperature) could be realized after installation of new, more efficient cooling tower fill and fans. A 3F decrease in the approach (from he design approach) will result in approximately 6F cooler water. Decreasing the approach temperature will provide increased cooling to the HCl column feed and overhead streams, which have, at times, experienced cooling limitations during summer months. production. The cooling limitations decreased VCM Installation of new, more efficient cooling tower fill is budgeted for the 2nd Quarter 1989 for $307M. The economics were based on increased VCM production resulting from the increased cooling capacity. The economics for this project will be reevaluated in light of the recent shutdown findings (no summer cooling limitation after key vessels were cleaned in May), the future expansion plans, and the approach temperature guaranteed by Cooling Tower Technologies, Inc. Please contact me if you have any questions, comments, or would like to review the cooling tower test report. S. M. Smith Process Engineer br(40) cc: RAC MDB GEH WPS WPB GGB SCR PE PFF (Houston) CWH 000009760