HYPO CONTINUOUS REACTORS

Matrix Engineering provided the structural, mechanical and electrical engineering necessary for replacing Hypo batch reactors with like-kind continuous reactors. The new continuous reactors were similar in geometry to the old batch reactors in order to fit in the existing structure. However they were linked with cascading piping for sufficient retention/reaction time. Due to pipe cloggage worries the new reactors were also equipped with vertical pumps for moving the slurry from reactor to reactor. Phosphine gas is given off during the reaction process which is explosive upon contacting the atmosphere adding complexity to the system. Matrix assisted in the layout and design of the new reactors. Of particular interest was a 3/4" plate rolled pump guard plate for protecting the vertical pump from being walloped from lumps and/or the massive agitator impellers. Auxiliary horizontal pumps were also employed as a back-up to the vertical pumps. The system also required a new dense phase transporter for conveying hydrated lime to top of the reactor structure.