Many of the operating concerns in molecular sieve units are caused by poor design decisions as well as mechanical failures that result in a number of operational upsets. These operational upsets can result in loss of product quality, cause hydrate formation, increase system corrosion, or increase plant downtime, which ultimately is defined as a cost. For these reasons, it is extremely important to ensure that molecular sieve units firstly, follow sound design guidance, and secondly, are operated with process equipment in good working order. The operational challenges outlined in this section apply primarily to molecular sieve dehydration units; although several of these challenges also apply to other solid bed units such as alumina, silica gel, sulfur plant catalysts, and sieves used for sweetening.
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