EP2336677A1 - Système et procédé de réfrigération - Google Patents

Système et procédé de réfrigération Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2336677A1
EP2336677A1 EP09015486A EP09015486A EP2336677A1 EP 2336677 A1 EP2336677 A1 EP 2336677A1 EP 09015486 A EP09015486 A EP 09015486A EP 09015486 A EP09015486 A EP 09015486A EP 2336677 A1 EP2336677 A1 EP 2336677A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compressor
refrigerant fluid
compressors
turboexpander
directly connected
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09015486A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Hans-Gerd Kölscheid
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to EP09015486A priority Critical patent/EP2336677A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2010/069756 priority patent/WO2011073255A1/fr
Publication of EP2336677A1 publication Critical patent/EP2336677A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B27/00—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B9/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
    • F25B9/06—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point using expanders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0022—Hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0047—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/005—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by expansion of a gaseous refrigerant stream with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/007—Primary atmospheric gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0072—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0203—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0204—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a single flow SCR cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0283—Gas turbine as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0284—Electrical motor as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0287—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings including an electrical motor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0288—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings using work extraction by mechanical coupling of compression and expansion of the refrigerant, so-called companders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0298—Safety aspects and control of the refrigerant compression system, e.g. anti-surge control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2220/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for the removal of impurities
    • F25J2220/60—Separating impurities from natural gas, e.g. mercury, cyclic hydrocarbons
    • F25J2220/64—Separating heavy hydrocarbons, e.g. NGL, LPG, C4+ hydrocarbons or heavy condensates in general
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2230/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/20—Integrated compressor and process expander; Gear box arrangement; Multiple compressors on a common shaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/14—External refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/16—External refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with mutliple gas expansion loops of the same refrigerant

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigeration system.
  • a refrigeration system may be used, for example, for liquefaction of gaseous hydrocarbon fuels, such as natural gas.
  • gaseous hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas are liquefied to reduce their volume for easier transportation and storage.
  • the liquefaction involves a refrigeration process, wherein a refrigerant fluid, typically comprising nitrogen, is circulated in a refrigeration cycle.
  • a typical refrigeration cycle involves compressing the refrigerant in successive compressor stages, partially cooling the refrigerant at a relatively constant pressure and then expanding the refrigerant in one or more expander stages resulting in a temperature drop of the refrigerant.
  • the cooled refrigerant and the gaseous fuel are passed through a cryogenic heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant absorbs heat from the gaseous fuel resulting in liquefaction of the gaseous fuel.
  • the refrigerant exiting the heat exchanger is passed back to the compressor stages, whereby the above cycle is repeated.
  • Some existing refrigeration systems are known to use integrally geared compressor stages for successive compression of the refrigerant, along with turboexpanders for expanding the refrigerant.
  • the axial load or thrust on the transmission gear train lead to increased vibration of the transmission gear train, loss of power and a reduction in overall efficiency of the system.
  • the axial load or thrust increases with increase in the number of compressor stages, this leads to a limitation of the total number compressor stages, thus limiting the refrigerating capacity of the system.
  • the objective of the present invention is to minimize load on the transmission gear train for refrigeration systems involving geared compressor stages and one or more turboexpanders.
  • the underlying idea of the present invention is to compensate loads on the transmission (i.e., the gear train) of integrally geared compressor stages by directly connecting one of the compressors to the drive and directly connecting one or more other compressor to a respective turboexpander.
  • This has the advantage that power consumption of a compressor and the power output of the respective turboexpander connected thereto now compensate each other, so that the transmission has to transmit only the difference. This leads to reduced power loss and greater overall efficiency of the system.
  • the proposed system includes a plurality of compressors in addition to said first compressor, operable for compressing said refrigerant fluid in successive stages of compression, and a plurality of turboexpanders operable to expand portions of the refrigerant fluid downstream of said compressors, said system further characterized in that
  • the proposed system is further characterized in that one or more turboexpanders are operable such that the mechanical power output of each of said one or more turboexpanders balances power consumption by a respective compressor directly connected thereto. This leads to a further reduction in the power transmitted by the transmission, which reduces mechanical load on the transmission.
  • the proposed system is further characterized in that each compressor and the drive or turboexpander connected thereto are arranged on opposite sides of said transmission gear train.
  • the proposed system is further characterized in that one or more of said turboexpanders comprise inlet guide vanes, said inlet guide vanes being adjustable to regulate flow of the refrigerant fluid through a respective compressor directly connected thereto.
  • said turboexpanders comprise inlet guide vanes, said inlet guide vanes being adjustable to regulate flow of the refrigerant fluid through a respective compressor directly connected thereto.
  • said drive comprises a gas turbine.
  • a starter-helper motor is drivingly coupled to said transmission gear train. The starter-helper motor can be used to facilitate starting of the gas turbine drive and to further boost the rated power output of the gas turbine drive at higher ambient temperatures prevailing at most gas liquefaction plants.
  • the system 1 includes a plurality of compressors, in this example, a first compressor 2a and a second compressor 2b, and includes at least one turboexpander 4a.
  • the first compressor 2a is directly connected to a drive 3 by means of a first shaft 5a.
  • the second compressor 2b is directly connected to the turboexpander 4a by means of a second shaft 5b.
  • the first shaft 5a and the second shaft 5b are drivingly coupled by a transmission gear train 6.
  • the drive 3 provides power to the transmission gear train 6.
  • the drive 3 includes a gas turbine. Alternately, the drive 3 may include an electrical motor.
  • the compressors 2a and 2b compress a stream 10 of the refrigerant fluid in successive stages of compression. Downstream of the compressors 2a and 2b, a stream 10i of the refrigerant fluid is partially cooled and subsequently expanded by the turboexpander 4a, which resultantly produces a mechanical power output, which, in turn, is used to drive the second compressor 2b connected to the turboexpander 4a.
  • the proposed arrangement has the advantage that power consumption of the compressor 2b and the power output of the turboexpander 4a now compensate each other, so that the gear train 6 has to transmit only the difference. This leads to reduced power loss and greater overall efficiency of the system 1.
  • the turboexpander 4a is operated such that the mechanical power output of the turboexpander 4a balances the power consumption of the second compressor 2b, i.e. the power output of the turboexpander 4a and the power consumption of the second compressor 2b are substantially equal. Since the power transmitted by gear train 6 from the second shaft 5b is a difference of the power output of the turboexpander 4a and the power consumed by the second compressor 2b, the above arrangement leads to a significant reduction in the power transmitted by the gear train 6, which reduces mechanical load on the gear train 6. Further preferably, as shown, the first compressor 2a and the drive 3 are arranged on opposite sides of the transmission gear train 6, and the second compressor 2b and the expander 4a are arranged on opposite sides of the transmission gear train 6. The above arrangement has the advantage that the axial load or thrust on the gear train 6 by compressors 2a and 2b are respectively compensated by the drive 3 and the turboexpander 4a.
  • a starter-helper motor 9 is drivingly coupled to the gear train 6.
  • the starter-helper motor 9 can be used to facilitate starting of the gas turbine 3 and to further boost the rated power output of the gas turbine 3 at higher ambient temperatures prevailing at most gas liquefaction plants.
  • the turboexpander 4a includes adjustable inlet guide vanes 8c to control power output of the turboexpander 4a, and, in turn, the flow of refrigerant fluid through the second compressor 2b.
  • the flow of refrigerant fluid through the first compressor 2a may be controlled by adjustable inlet guide vanes 8c provided on the suction end of the compressor 2a.
  • the inlet guide vanes 8a and 8c may controlled, individually, or in combination for regulating the refrigerant flow rate through the compressors and hence, the regulating the refrigerating capacity of the system 1. This provides simplicity to the refrigeration process obviating the need for cut-off valves and complicated piping.
  • a stream 10 of the refrigerant fluid is compressed in a first stage of compression by the first compressors 2a.
  • the compressed stream 10a of the refrigerant fluid flowing out of the first compressor 2a is cooled by a first aftercooler 7a and a cooled stream 10b of the refrigerant fluid is further compressed in a second stage of compression by the second compressor 2b.
  • the compressed refrigerant fluid 10c flowing out of the second compressor 2b is optionally cooled by a second aftercooler 7b.
  • the refrigerant fluid stream 10g flowing out of the aftercooler 7b is partially cooled in a heat exchanger 11, against a low temperature, low pressure returning stream 10j of the refrigerant fluid.
  • the partially cooled refrigerant fluid stream 10i is expanded by the turboexpander 4a, resulting in a drop in temperature and pressure of the refrigerant fluid.
  • expansion of the refrigerant fluid by the turboexpander 4a produces mechanical power, which is transmitted to the second compressor 2b through the shaft 5b.
  • the refrigerant fluid stream 10j exiting the expander at low temperature and pressure is passed to the heat exchanger 11, wherein it absorbs heat from the stream 10g of refrigerant fluid downstream of the compressor stages to partially cool the refrigerant fluid prior to expansion by the turboexpander 4a.
  • a stream 13 of natural gas is passed through the heat exchanger 11, wherein it is cooled and subsequently liquefied by heat transfer to the refrigerant fluid stream 10j.
  • liquefaction may be achieved by cooling the stream 13 of natural gas over multiple stages.
  • a liquefied stream 13a of natural gas coming out of the heat exchanger 11 is passed into a separator 12.
  • the liquefied stream 13a is expanded by a throttle valve 14, wherein the liquefied gas is flashed to a lower pressure.
  • the flashed vapors 13e from the expansion are separated and are generally collected for re-liquefaction.
  • the present invention may also be used for refrigeration systems having more than two compressors, and multiple turboexpanders, for increased refrigerating capacity.
  • the first compressor stage may be directly connected to the drive by a shaft, and each of the other compressors directly connected to a respective turboexpander via separate shafts, the shafts being drivingly coupled by a transmission gear train.
  • FIG 2 illustrates an example of a refrigeration system 1 having three compressors 2a, 2b and 2c and two expanders 4a and 4b.
  • the arrangement of the compressors 2a and 2b with respect to the drive 3 and the first turboexpander 4a are similar to that of the earlier mentioned embodiment ( FIG 1 ).
  • a third compressor 2c is directly connected to a second turboexpander 4b by a third shaft 5c.
  • the shafts 5a, 5b and 5c are drivingly coupled by the gear train 6.
  • the power consumptions by the compressors 2b and 2c and the power outputs of the turboexpanders 4a and 4b respectively compensate each other, leading to reduced load on the gear train 6.
  • each of the turboexpanders 4a and 4b is operated such that their mechanical power output balance (i.e., are substantially equal to) the power consumption of the respective compressors 2b and 2c, thereby significantly reducing the power to be transmitted by the gear train 6.
  • each of the compressors and the corresponding turboexpander/drive are arranged on opposite sides of the transmission gear train 6 for compensation of axial load or thrusts on the gear train 6.
  • refrigerant fluid flow and hence the refrigerating capacity of the system 1 may be regulated by controlling, individually or in combination, adjustable inlet guide vanes 8a, 8b and 8c provided respectively on the inlets of the turboexpanders 4a and 4b and the compressor 2a.
  • a stream 10 of the refrigerant fluid is compressed in a first stage of compression by the first compressors 2a.
  • the compressed stream 10a of the refrigerant fluid flowing out of the first compressor 2a is cooled by a first aftercooler 7a and a cooled stream 10b of the refrigerant fluid is further compressed in a second stage of compression by the second compressor 2b.
  • the compressed refrigerant fluid 10c flowing out of the second compressor 2b is optionally cooled by a second aftercooler 7b.
  • the refrigerant fluid stream 10d flowing out of the aftercooler 7b is further compressed in a third stage of compression by the third compressor 2c.
  • the compressed refrigerant fluid 10e flowing out of the third compressor 2c is optionally cooled by a third aftercooler 7c.
  • the refrigerant fluid stream 10f flowing out of the third aftercooler 7c is divided into two stream portions 10g and 10h and passed into the heat exchanger 11.
  • the first divided stream 10g is partially cooled in the heat exchanger 11 against a low temperature, low pressure returning stream 10n of the refrigerant fluid.
  • the stream 10g exits the heat exchanger as a partially cooled refrigerant stream 10i, which is expanded by the turboexpander 4a to result in a drop in temperature and pressure of the refrigerant.
  • embodiments of the present invention may also include refrigeration systems having more than three compressors and more than two turboexpanders, as may be necessary, for example, for providing a required refrigerating capacity. It is therefore contemplated that all such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention as defined by the below-mentioned patent claims.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
EP09015486A 2009-12-15 2009-12-15 Système et procédé de réfrigération Withdrawn EP2336677A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09015486A EP2336677A1 (fr) 2009-12-15 2009-12-15 Système et procédé de réfrigération
PCT/EP2010/069756 WO2011073255A1 (fr) 2009-12-15 2010-12-15 Système de réfrigération et procédé associé

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09015486A EP2336677A1 (fr) 2009-12-15 2009-12-15 Système et procédé de réfrigération

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Publication Number Publication Date
EP2336677A1 true EP2336677A1 (fr) 2011-06-22

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EP (1) EP2336677A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011073255A1 (fr)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2977014A1 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-28 Saipem Sa Procede de liquefaction de gaz naturel avec un melange de gaz refrigerant.
FR2977015A1 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-28 Saipem Sa Procede de liquefaction de gaz naturel a triple circuit ferme de gaz refrigerant
WO2013083156A1 (fr) * 2011-12-05 2013-06-13 Blue Wave Co S.A. Système d'extraction
WO2013154185A1 (fr) * 2012-04-13 2013-10-17 大陽日酸株式会社 Dispositif de refroidissement pour appareil supraconducteur à haute température, et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci
ITFI20130076A1 (it) * 2013-04-04 2014-10-05 Nuovo Pignone Srl "integrally-geared compressors for precooling in lng applications"
US20160177955A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2016-06-23 Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd. Compression system
WO2021254597A1 (fr) * 2020-06-16 2021-12-23 Wärtsilä Finland Oy Système de production de gaz produit liquéfié et son procédé de fonctionnement
WO2022221154A1 (fr) * 2021-04-15 2022-10-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié à l'aide de deux cycles de réfrigération distincts avec une machine à engrenage intégrée
WO2022221160A1 (fr) * 2021-04-15 2022-10-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié à l'aide de deux cycles de réfrigération distincts avec une machine à engrenage intégré
WO2023063993A1 (fr) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
WO2023063992A1 (fr) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
WO2023063991A1 (fr) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
WO2023069139A1 (fr) * 2021-10-21 2023-04-27 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
US12123646B2 (en) 2022-04-08 2024-10-22 Praxair Technology, Inc. System and method to produce liquefied natural gas using a three pinion integral gear machine

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US3477239A (en) * 1967-05-16 1969-11-11 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Multistage compression drive in gas separation
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Cited By (26)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2977014A1 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-28 Saipem Sa Procede de liquefaction de gaz naturel avec un melange de gaz refrigerant.
WO2012175889A3 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2013-11-14 Saipem S.A. Procédé de liquéfaction de gaz naturel a triple circuit ferme de gaz réfrigérant
US9777959B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2017-10-03 Saipem S.A. Method for liquefying natural gas with a mixture of coolant gas
AU2012273829C1 (en) * 2011-06-24 2017-03-16 Saipem S.A. Method for liquefying natural gas with a triple closed circuit of coolant gas
AU2012273827B2 (en) * 2011-06-24 2016-01-07 Saipem S.A. Method for liquefying natural gas with a mixture of coolant gas
WO2012175887A3 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2013-11-14 Saipem S.A. Procede de liquefaction de gaz naturel avec un melange de gaz refrigerant
US9557101B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2017-01-31 Saipem S.A. Method for liquefying natural gas with a triple closed circuit of coolant gas
AU2012273829B2 (en) * 2011-06-24 2016-05-26 Saipem S.A. Method for liquefying natural gas with a triple closed circuit of coolant gas
FR2977015A1 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-28 Saipem Sa Procede de liquefaction de gaz naturel a triple circuit ferme de gaz refrigerant
WO2013083156A1 (fr) * 2011-12-05 2013-06-13 Blue Wave Co S.A. Système d'extraction
JP5705375B2 (ja) * 2012-04-13 2015-04-22 大陽日酸株式会社 高温超電導機器の冷却装置及びその運転方法
WO2013154185A1 (fr) * 2012-04-13 2013-10-17 大陽日酸株式会社 Dispositif de refroidissement pour appareil supraconducteur à haute température, et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci
CN105264316A (zh) * 2013-04-04 2016-01-20 诺沃皮尼奥内股份有限公司 用于在lng应用中预冷却的整体齿轮式压缩机
CN105264316B (zh) * 2013-04-04 2018-06-19 诺沃皮尼奥内股份有限公司 用于在lng应用中预冷却的整体齿轮式压缩机
ITFI20130076A1 (it) * 2013-04-04 2014-10-05 Nuovo Pignone Srl "integrally-geared compressors for precooling in lng applications"
WO2014161937A3 (fr) * 2013-04-04 2015-07-23 Nuovo Pignone Srl Compresseurs à engrenage construit d'une seule pièce pour le pré-refroidissement dans des applications lng
AU2014247031B2 (en) * 2013-04-04 2017-11-02 Nuovo Pignone Srl Integrally-geared compressors for precooling in LNG applications
US20160177955A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2016-06-23 Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd. Compression system
WO2021254597A1 (fr) * 2020-06-16 2021-12-23 Wärtsilä Finland Oy Système de production de gaz produit liquéfié et son procédé de fonctionnement
WO2022221154A1 (fr) * 2021-04-15 2022-10-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié à l'aide de deux cycles de réfrigération distincts avec une machine à engrenage intégrée
WO2022221160A1 (fr) * 2021-04-15 2022-10-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié à l'aide de deux cycles de réfrigération distincts avec une machine à engrenage intégré
WO2023063993A1 (fr) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
WO2023063992A1 (fr) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
WO2023063991A1 (fr) * 2021-10-13 2023-04-20 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
WO2023069139A1 (fr) * 2021-10-21 2023-04-27 Praxair Technology, Inc. Système et procédé de production de gaz naturel liquéfié
US12123646B2 (en) 2022-04-08 2024-10-22 Praxair Technology, Inc. System and method to produce liquefied natural gas using a three pinion integral gear machine

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