Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums

Roben, Mfg, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of custom insulated knock-out drums, delivering high-performance vessels for liquid removal, compressor protection, and process gas conditioning. Our custom insulated knock-out drums maintain optimal operating temperatures while efficiently separating entrained liquids from gas streams, ensuring equipment protection and process reliability.

What is a Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums?

A custom insulated knock-out drum is a specialized pressure vessel designed to remove entrained liquid droplets and free liquids from gas streams through gravity separation and mechanical removal devices, while maintaining controlled temperatures through integrated insulation. These drums protect downstream equipment such as compressors, turbines, and gas processing equipment from liquid damage.

Insulation is essential for knock-out drums operating above or below ambient temperatures, preventing condensation of additional liquids, hydrate formation, or wax precipitation that could overwhelm separation capacity. Our custom insulated knock-out drums deliver reliable thermal management for demanding gas processing applications.

Why are Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums Needed?

Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums are essential for operations that require:

• Hydrate Prevention: Natural gas can form hydrates at temperatures above freezing point. Maintaining adequate temperatures prevents hydrate formation and blockages.
• Condensation Control: Insulation prevents external condensation and maintains gas temperatures above dew point for effective liquid removal.
• Wax Prevention: Crude oil and heavy hydrocarbon streams can precipitate waxes at low temperatures. Insulation maintains temperatures above wax appearance point.
• Equipment Protection: Consistent liquid removal protects compressors, turbines, and other rotating equipment from liquid slugging damage.
• Separation Efficiency: Stable temperatures maintain consistent gas and liquid properties for predictable separation performance.
• Personnel Safety: Insulated surfaces protect operators from thermal hazards and prevent ice formation on cold service drums.

Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums Specifications and Characteristics

At Roben, Mfg, Inc., we offer a comprehensive range of custom insulated knock-out drums options:

• Drum Configurations: Horizontal and vertical knock-out drums sized for specific gas flow rates and liquid loading conditions.
• Internal Components: Inlet devices, vane packs, mesh pads, coalescing elements, and liquid collection systems.
• Pressure Ratings: From low-pressure vent gas service to 5,000+ psig high-pressure gas transmission applications.
• Temperature Range: Cryogenic gas processing to hot gas conditioning with appropriate material and insulation selection.
• Flow Capacities: From small utility drums to large process drums handling 500+ MMSCFD gas flows.
• Insulation Systems: Polyurethane, mineral wool, and cryogenic insulation with weather-resistant jacketing.

Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums Applications

• Compressor Protection: Suction scrubbers, interstage drums, and discharge knock-out drums for reciprocating and centrifugal compressors.
• Gas Transmission: Pipeline pig receivers, mainline scrubbers, and metering station separators.
• Gas Processing: Inlet scrubbers, outlet separators, and inter-process knock-out drums.
• Flare Systems: Flare knock-out drums preventing liquid carryover to flare tips.
• Turbine Protection: Fuel gas scrubbers and inlet air knock-out drums for gas turbines.
• Vent Systems: Atmospheric vent drums and pressure relief collection systems.

Industries Served

• Oil and Gas
• Chemical Processing
• Pharmaceutical and Biotech
• Food and Beverage
• Power Generation
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Aerospace and Defense
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Pulp and Paper
• Mining and Minerals Processing

Certifications and Standards

• ASME Section VIII Division 1 & 2: Pressure vessel design and fabrication standards
• ASME Section IX: Welding procedures and qualifications
• NBIC: National Board Inspection Code compliance
• CRN: Canadian Registration Number for Canadian installations
• PED: Pressure Equipment Directive for European Union market
• U Stamp & R Stamp: ASME certification for new construction and repairs

Custom Insulated Knock-Out Drums Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you size knock-out drums for specific applications?

We size knock-out drums based on gas flow rate, liquid loading, droplet size distribution, and separation efficiency requirements. Design methods include API 12J for production equipment, GPSA methods for gas processing, and detailed droplet mechanics calculations for critical applications. We ensure adequate residence time and separation velocity for reliable liquid removal.

What mist elimination devices are available?

We incorporate various mist elimination technologies including wire mesh pads (standard and high-efficiency), vane packs (single and multi-pocket), coalescing elements, and cyclonic devices. Selection is based on gas velocity, liquid loading, droplet size distribution, and pressure drop constraints.

Can knock-out drums include liquid level control?

Yes, we integrate level control systems including displacer controllers, differential pressure transmitters, and modern radar or guided wave level instruments. Automatic drain valves, level switches, and high-level shutdown systems can be included for complete liquid management.

How do you prevent liquid re-entrainment?

We design drums with appropriate gas velocities, inlet distribution devices, and mist elimination to prevent re-entrainment. Liquid collection systems are designed to prevent gas breakthrough and minimize turbulence at the liquid surface. For critical applications, we use CFD analysis to optimize internal geometry.

Contact Roben, Mfg, Inc.

For more information about our custom insulated knock-out drums solutions or to request a quote, please contact Roben, Mfg, Inc. today. Our experienced engineering team is ready to assist you in developing the perfect solution for your unique application requirements.

Phone: (732) 364-6000  | 
Email: sales@robenmfg.com
760 Vassar Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701