Fractionator-reboiler sludge removal system and method

An evaporative type reboiler having a sludge removal system for use with a fractional distillation column, said reboiler comprising:

• an elongated heat exchanger shell for use in a generally horizontal position and having an inlet near a first end of said shell for a process liquid product comprising a particulate containing liquid withdrawn from the lower portion of said fractional distillation column, said shell also having an outlet near a second end for a reboiler liquid product;
• an elongated heat exchanger tube bundle disposed in said shell for interiorly passing a heating medium;
• a sparger pipe disposed in said shell below said tube bundle, wherein said sparger pipe employs said process liquid product for dislodging sludge from the inner bottom surface of said shell;
• at least one baffle plate for said tube bundle of the same general shape as the cross section of said shell and transversely disposed in said shell across said tube bundle, said baffle plate having a lower edge with a cut-out for avoiding contact with said sparger pipe and allowing passage of sludge therethrough;
• a weir plate of the same general shape as the cross section of said shell and disposed transversely in said shell between said reboiler liquid product outlet and said tube bundle, said weir plate having a lower edge with a cut-out for passing sludge therethrough;
• and
• means for removing dislodged sludge from said shell.