The success of a good molecular sieve design, as well as a well operated unit, will be demonstrated by ensuring that a number important operating milestones are satisfied. Some of these include: 1.The ability to operate 2,000 - 3,000 adsorption / regeneration cycles between bed change outs 2.Minimizing any free liquid ingress into the beds or at is least collecting all free liquids in upstream separation or coalescers 3.Maintaining downstream dust filter elements that last more than one year. If strainers exist downstream of dust filters, pressure drop across strainers is constant from one year to the next 4.Individual dehydration bed adsorption and regeneration pressure drop remain constant from one year to the next 5.Physical breakup of molecular sieve sorbent is minimized 6.Premature breakthrough of water is not observed 7.Channeling of sorbent material does not lead to premature breakthrough of water Ultimately, the goal of any plant operator is to operate the molecular sieve dehydration unit in a reliable manner that ensures that product specification requirements are met. Additionally, the operation and maintenance of such units should follow sound health, safety and environmental guidelines to ensure the health and safety of personnel and the protection of the environment.
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