Chapter 22

Distillation Columns and Towers

Abstract

Distillation columns are key unit operations in traditional chemical engineering, especially in the oil and gas industry. They are usually tall structures filled with heated flammable fluids, and are consequently inherently hazardous. Many serious accidents have centered on columns and their ancillary operations. Where they are present, the layout of distillation columns should receive early investigation since the layout of a number of other major items of equipment usually depends upon their placement, and they can have a high potential for initiating domino effects from fire, explosion, and/or collapse.

Keywords

Distillation; column; tower; fire; explosion; collapse

22.1 General

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