EP2969157B1 - System and method for sidestream mixing - Google Patents
System and method for sidestream mixing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2969157B1 EP2969157B1 EP14774106.0A EP14774106A EP2969157B1 EP 2969157 B1 EP2969157 B1 EP 2969157B1 EP 14774106 A EP14774106 A EP 14774106A EP 2969157 B1 EP2969157 B1 EP 2969157B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- compressor
- process fluid
- conduit
- fluid stream
- drive shaft
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 218
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 197
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 12
- 244000309464 bull Species 0.000 description 6
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 4
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 238000013517 stratification Methods 0.000 description 4
- GBBVHDGKDQAEOT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane Chemical compound O1CCCCC11OCCCC1 GBBVHDGKDQAEOT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000019944 Olestra Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011143 downstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005381 potential energy Methods 0.000 description 1
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
- C10G31/00—Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by methods not otherwise provided for
- C10G31/06—Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by methods not otherwise provided for by heating, cooling, or pressure treatment
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
- C10G5/00—Recovery of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from gases, e.g. natural gas
- C10G5/06—Recovery of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from gases, e.g. natural gas by cooling or compressing
-
- 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
- F25J1/0052—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 vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream
-
- 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
- F25J1/008—Hydrocarbons
- F25J1/0087—Propane; Propylene
-
- 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.
-
- 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
- F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
- F25J2290/20—Particular dimensions; Small scale or microdevices
Definitions
- Hydrocarbons including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ethylene, may be used in a refinery, or other petrochemical setting, as an energy source or source material for various processes.
- LNG liquefied natural gas
- ethylene ethylene
- compressors may be used in the processing of such hydrocarbons.
- propane and propylene compressors utilized for the processing of LNG and ethylene, respectively are typically beam-style, multi-stage centrifugal compressors.
- a beam-style, multi-stage centrifugal compressor includes a casing and a plurality of stages disposed therein, each stage including an inlet guide, an impeller, a diffuser, and a return channel that collectively raise the pressure of the gas orworking fluid.
- a main inlet of the beam-style, multi-stage centrifugal compressor receives the gas flow from an inlet pipe coupled to the main inlet, distributes the flow around the circumference of the casing, and injects the flow into the first inlet guide disposed immediately upstream of the impeller of the first stage.
- the gas is drawn into the impeller from the first inlet guide and driven (or propelled) to a tip of the impeller, thereby increasing the velocity of the gas.
- the centrifugal compressor may also include a diaphragm assembly including all of the various components contained within the back half or downstream end of the compressor stage. The diaphragm assembly may form at least in part the gas flow path of the centrifugal compressor.
- the diaphragm assembly may include a diffuser proximate the tip of the impeller and in fluid communication therewith.
- the diffuser is configured to convert the velocity of the gas received from the impeller to potential energy in the form of increased static pressure, thereby resulting in the compression of the gas.
- the diaphragm assembly further includes a return channel in fluid communication with the diffuser and configured to receive the compressed gas from the diffuser and inject the compressed gas into a succeeding compressor stage. Otherwise, the compressed gas is ejected from the gas flow path via a discharge volute or collector that gathers the flow from the final stage and sends it down the discharge pipe.
- the mixing of the sidestream flow and the working fluid typically occurs in the inlet guide of the respective stage, immediately upstream of the impeller. Improper or insufficient mixing can lead to pressure and temperature stratification (i.e., non-uniform pressure and temperature fields). Such skewed pressure and temperature fields degrade the performance of the downstream stage, causing the operating pressures to fall short of the process requirements.
- movable geometry such as movable inlet guide vanes or movable diffuser vanes
- US 2002/170312 A1 discloses a plant for liquefying natural gas.
- a compressor configured to provide for a working fluid and sidestream flow mix having a substantially uniform temperature and pressure field, and further configured to allow for the facile installation of movable geometry to provide for the tuning of the compressor for varying process requirements.
- the invention relates to a system and method for mixing and pressurising a plurality of process fluid streams according to the appended claims.
- the system is provided according to the appended claim 1.
- This example system may include at least one driver including a drive shaft, the driver configured to provide the drive shaft with rotational energy.
- the system may also include at least one compressor including a rotary shaft, the rotary shaft being operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured such that the rotational energy from the drive shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft.
- the system may further include a first junction formed from a first plurality of conduits.
- the first plurality of conduits may include a first conduit fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor, the first conduit forming a first conduit diameter and configured to flow therethrough the process fluid stream.
- the first plurality of conduits may also include a second conduit fluidly coupled to the first conduit and an external component, the second conduit configured to flow therethrough the at least a portion of the process fluid stream.
- the first junction may be disposed a first distance at least three times the diameter of the first conduit upstream of the at least one compressor, such that the at least a portion of the process fluid stream is removed from the process fluid stream and fed to the external component via the second conduit.
- the method may include driving a rotary shaft of at least one compressor via a drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the drive shaft driven by a driver.
- the method may also include feeding the process fluid stream through a first conduit having a first conduit diameter and being fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor.
- the method may further include feeding the at least a portion of a process fluid stream through a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction disposed upstream of the at least one compressor a distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter, thereby removing the at least a portion of a process fluid stream from the process fluid stream.
- first and second features are formed in direct contact
- additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
- exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i . e ., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
- Figures 1 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a sidestream mixing system 100, 200 configured to efficiently and effectively mix and compress process fluid streams having differing temperatures, pressures, volumetric and/or mass flow rates.
- the sidestream mixing system 100,200 may be further configured to mix and compress process fluid streams fed into the sidestream mixing system 100, 200 via a plurality of sidestreams.
- a sidestream mixing system 300, 400 may be configured to efficiently mix and remove at least a portion of a process fluid stream.
- the process fluid may include, for example, hydrocarbons, including LNG and ethylene; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the sidestream mixing system may process non-hydrocarbon-based process fluids, such as ammonia.
- the sidestream mixing system 100, 200 may include one or more drivers 102, each driver 102 having a drive shaft 104 and configured to provide the drive shaft 104 with rotational energy.
- the sidestream mixing system 100 includes a plurality of drivers 102.
- the sidestream mixing system 200 includes a single driver 102.
- the driver 102 may be an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet motor having permanent magnets installed on a rotor portion (not shown) and further having a stator portion (not shown).
- other embodiments may employ other types of electric motors, such as, but not limited to, synchronous, induction, brushed DC motors, etc.
- the driver 102 may be a hydraulic motor, an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine, or any other device capable of rotatably driving the drive shaft 104, either directly or through a power train.
- the sidestream mixing system 100 may include a first driver 106 and a second driver 108; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number of drivers 102 in the sidestream mixing system 100, 200 may vary based on numerous conditions, such as, for example, the type of compressor employed or the number of sidestreams fed into the sidestream mixing system.
- each driver 102 may be operatively coupled to a plurality of compressors 110.
- the drive shaft 104 of each driver 102 may be integral with or coupled to a rotary shaft 112 of a respective compressor 110 at each end of the drive shaft 104 in a "double-ended" configuration.
- each driver 102 drives a respective drive shaft 104, which in turn drives the rotary shafts 112 of the respective coupled compressors 110.
- each driver 102 is coupled to two compressors 110.
- the drive shaft 104 of the first driver 106 may have a first end 114 and a second end 116, such that the first end 114 is coupled to the rotary shaft 112 of a first compressor 118 and the second end 116 is coupled to the rotary shaft 112 of a second compressor 120.
- the second driver 108 may have a first end 122 and a second end 124, such that the first end 122 is coupled to the rotary shaft 112 of a third compressor 126 and the second end 124 is coupled to the rotary shaft 112 of a fourth compressor 128.
- the drive shaft 104 of the driver 102 is coupled to a plurality of gears 130 configured to transmit the rotational energy of the drive shaft 104 to the rotary shafts 112 of the respective compressors 110.
- the plurality of gears 130 may include a plurality of spur gears, such that the spur gears include a bull gear 132, a first pinion 134, and a second pinion 136.
- the bull gear 132 may be fitted on the drive shaft 104 of the driver 102 by press fitting or any other manner known to those in the art, such that the bull gear 132 rotates at the same speed as the drive shaft 104.
- the first pinion 134 and second pinion 136 may be fitted on the respective rotary shafts 112 of the compressors 110 by press fitting, or any other manner known to those in the art, and configured such that a plurality of teeth (not shown) defined by each of the first and second pinion 134, 136 interconnect with the teeth (not shown) of the bull gear 132, thereby rotating the rotary shafts 112 of the respective compressors 110 at a speed consistent with the gearing ratio between the bull gear 132 and each of the first and second pinions 134, 136.
- the first pinion 134 and second pinion 136 may have identical diameters or the pinions 134, 136 may have differing diameters, thereby creating different gearing ratios with respect to the bull gear 132 and causing differing rotary speeds of the corresponding rotary shafts 112 of the compressors 110.
- the first pinion 134 is operatively coupled to the respective rotary shafts 112 of the first compressor 118 and the second compressor 120.
- the second pinion 136 is operatively coupled to the respective rotary shafts 112 of the third compressor 126 and fourth compressor 128.
- Embodiments in which the first and second compressors 118,120 may be coupled via a common rotary shaft 112 and embodiments in which the third and fourth compressors 126,128 may be coupled via a common rotary shaft 112 are contemplated herein.
- each compressor 110 may be a direct-inlet, centrifugal compressor.
- the direct-inlet or axial-inlet, centrifugal compressor may be, for example, a DATUM® ICS compressor manufactured by the Dresser-Rand Company of Olean, New York.
- the compressors 110 illustrated in the sidestream mixing system 100 of Figure 1 may be axial-inlet, centrifugal compressors.
- each compressor 110 may be an integrally-geared compressor.
- the integrally-geared compressor may be, for example, an integrally-geared compressor from the Legacy ISOPAC and CVC lines of integrally-geared compressors manufactured by the Dresser-Rand Company of Olean, New York.
- Each integrally-geared compressor may be a single-stage compressor.
- Each direct-inlet, centrifugal compressor of the sidestream mixing system 100 of Figure 1 may be a single-stage or a multi-stage compressor. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that varying combinations of single-stage compressors and multi-stage compressors may be employed in the sidestream mixing system 100 of Figure 1 . Still yet, the sidestream mixing system 100 may employ either all or substantially all single-stage compressors or all multi-stage compressors. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number of stages provided in each compressor 110 may determine the number of compressors 110 required in the system. Correspondingly, embodiments in which a single compressor 110 is operatively coupled to a driver 102 are contemplated herein.
- the plurality of compressors 110 may be fluidly coupled to each other via a network of piping 138.
- the piping 138 may be formed from a plurality of pipes, commonly referred to as lines or conduits, configured to fluidly connect the compressors 110 in series.
- the conduits may be further configured to flow therethrough one or more process fluids forming a process fluid stream having a measurable pressure, temperature, and/or mass flow rate. Accordingly, the conduit construction and sizing, e.g., diameter, may vary based on the process fluid flowing therethrough and the accompanying pressure, temperature, and/or mass flow rate of the process fluid.
- the piping 138 includes a system inlet 140 configured to provide an initial process fluid stream fed from a first external fluid source (not shown), such as, for example, a process fluid storage tank, to the sidestream mixing system 100, 200.
- the initial process fluid stream from the first external fluid source may have a first pressure (P 1 ), temperature (T 1 ), mass flow rate (M 1 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q 1 ).
- the first external fluid source may be fluidly coupled to a first compressor inlet 142 of the first compressor 118 via the system inlet 140.
- the process fluid may be compressed in one or more stages in the first compressor 118 and discharged via a first compressor outlet 144 of the first compressor 118.
- the discharged process fluid includes the first mass flow rate (M 1 ), a second pressure (P 2 ), a second volumetric flow rate (Q 2 ), and a second temperature (T 2 ), such that the second pressure (P 2 ) and second temperature (T 2 ) are greater than the first pressure (P 1 ) and temperature (T 1 ); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the second volumetric flow rate (Q 2 ) is less than the first volumetric flow rate (Q 1 ).
- the first compressor outlet 144 may be fluidly coupled to the second compressor 120 via a first conduit 146.
- the first process fluid stream discharged from the first compressor outlet 142 may be fed through the first conduit 146, which forms a first junction 150 with a second conduit 152 upstream of the second compressor 120.
- the first junction 150 may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 146,152 in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein the first conduit 146 and the second conduit 152 are fluidly coupled at the first junction 150 and the first conduit 146 further fluidly couples a second compressor inlet 154 of the second compressor 120 to the first junction 150.
- the first junction may form a "Y"-junction.
- the second conduit 152 may be fluidly coupled to a second external fluid source (not shown) providing a second process fluid stream having a pressure (Psi), temperature (Tsi), mass flow rate (Msi), and volumetric flow rate (Q S1 ), such that at least the pressure (Psi) may be substantially similar to the second pressure (P 2 ) and, optionally, the temperature (Tsi) may be substantially similar to the temperature (T 2 ) of the first process fluid stream discharged from the first compressor outlet 144.
- the second process fluid stream may be referred to as a first sidestream.
- the second external fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized fluid storage tank.
- the process fluid from the first compressor outlet 144 and the first sidestream may be mixed at the first junction 150 to form a first combined process fluid stream having a second mass flow rate (M 2 ) and a third volumetric flow rate (Q 3 ).
- the second mass flow rate (M 2 ) may be the summation of the first mass flow rate (M 1 ) and the mass flow rate (Msi)
- the third volumetric flow rate (Q 3 ) may be the summation of the second volumetric flow rate (Q 2 ) and the volumetric flow rate (Q S1 ).
- the first combined process fluid stream may be fed to the second compressor inlet 154 via the first conduit 146.
- the first junction 150 may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of the second compressor 120. For example, if the internal pipe diameter of the first conduit 146 is about eight inches (20.32 cm), the first junction 150 may be formed at least two feet (0.61 m) from the second compressor inlet 154. By mixing the first sidestream with the first process fluid stream at the first junction 150, the mixing of the process fluids is more efficient, and pressure and temperature stratification to disturb the impeller inlet flow is minimalized or eliminated.
- the process fluid fed into the second compressor 120 via the first conduit 146 and the second compressor inlet 154 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via a second compressor outlet 158.
- the discharged process fluid referred to as the third process fluid stream includes the second mass flow rate (M 2 ), a third pressure (P 3 ), a fourth volumetric flow rate (Q 4 ), and a third temperature (T 3 ), such that the third pressure (P 3 ) and third temperature (T 3 ) are greater than the second pressure (P 2 ) and temperature (T 2 ); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q 4 ) is less than the third volumetric flow rate (Q 3 ).
- the second compressor outlet 158 may be coupled to the third compressor 126 via a third conduit 160.
- the process fluid discharged from the second compressor outlet 158 may be fed through the third conduit 160 forming a second junction 164 with a fourth conduit 166 upstream of the third compressor 126.
- the second junction 164 may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 160,166 in the form of a "T"-junction, such that the third conduit 160 and the fourth conduit 166 are fluidly coupled at the second junction 164 and the third conduit 160 further fluidly couples a third compressor inlet 168 of the third compressor 126 to the second junction 164.
- the first junction may form a "Y"-junction.
- the fourth conduit 166 may be fluidly coupled to a third external fluid source (not shown) providing a fourth process fluid stream having a pressure (P S2 ), temperature (T S2 ), mass flow rate (M S2 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q S2 ), such that at least the pressure (P S2 ) may be substantially similar to the third pressure (P 3 ) and, optionally, the temperature (T S2 ) may be substantially similar to the temperature (T 3 ) of the third process fluid stream discharged from the second compressor outlet 158.
- the fourth process fluid stream may be referred to as a second sidestream.
- the third external fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized fluid storage tank.
- the process fluid from the second compressor outlet 158 and the second sidestream may be mixed at the second junction 164 to form a second combined process fluid stream having a third mass flow rate (M 3 ) and a fifth volumetric flow rate (Q 5 ).
- the third mass flow rate (M 3 ) may be the summation of the second mass flow rate (M 2 ) and the mass flow rate (M S2 )
- the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q 5 ) may be the summation of the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q 4 ) and the volumetric flow rate (Q S2 ).
- the second combined process fluid stream may be fed to the third compressor inlet 168 via the third conduit 160.
- the second junction 164 may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of the third compressor 126. For example, if the internal pipe diameter of the third conduit 160 is about eight inches (20.32 cm), the second junction 164 may be formed at least two feet (0.61 m) from the third compressor inlet 168. By mixing the second sidestream with the third process fluid stream at the second junction 164, the mixing of the process fluids is more efficient, and pressure and temperature stratification to disturb the impeller inlet flow is minimalized or eliminated.
- the second combined process fluid stream fed into the third compressor 126 via the third conduit 160 and the third compressor inlet 168 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via a third compressor outlet 172.
- the discharged process fluid referred to as a fifth process fluid stream, includes the third mass flow rate (M 3 ), a fourth pressure (P 4 ), a sixth volumetric flow rate (Q 6 ), and a fourth temperature (T 4 ), such that the fourth pressure (P 4 ) and fourth temperature (T 4 ) are greaterthan the third pressure (P 3 ) and temperature (T 3 ); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q 6 ) is less than the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q 5 ).
- the third compressor outlet 172 may be coupled to the fourth compressor 128 via a fifth conduit 174.
- the fifth process fluid stream discharged from the third compressor outlet 172 may be fed through the fifth conduit 174 forming a third junction 178 with a sixth conduit 180 upstream of the fourth compressor 128.
- the third junction 178 may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 174,180 in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein the fifth conduit 174 and the sixth conduit 180 are fluidly coupled at the third junction 178 and the fifth conduit 174 further fluidly couples a fourth compressor inlet 182 of the fourth compressor 128 to the third junction 178.
- the third junction may form a "Y"-junction.
- the sixth conduit 180 may be fluidly coupled to a fourth external fluid source (not shown) providing a sixth process fluid stream having a pressure (P S3 ), temperature (T S3 ), mass flow rate (M S3 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q S3 ), such that at least the pressure (P S3 ) may be substantially similar to the fourth pressure (P 4 ) and, optionally, the temperature (T S3 ) may be substantially similar to the temperature (T 4 ) of the fifth process fluid stream discharged from the third compressor outlet 172.
- the sixth process fluid stream may be referred to as a third sidestream.
- the fourth external fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized fluid storage tank.
- the process fluid from the third compressor outlet 172 and the third sidestream may be mixed at the third junction 178 to form a third combined process fluid stream having a fourth mass flow rate (M 4 ) and a seventh volumetric flow rate (Q 7 ).
- the fourth mass flow rate (M 4 ) may be the summation of the third mass flow rate (M 3 ) and the mass flow rate (M S3 )
- the seventh volumetric flow rate (Q 7 ) may be the summation of the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q 6 ) and the volumetric flow rate (Q S3 ).
- the third combined process fluid stream may be fed to the fourth compressor inlet 182 via the fifth conduit 174.
- the third junction 178 may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of the fourth compressor 128. For example, if the internal pipe diameter of the fifth conduit 174 is about eight inches (20.32 cm), the third junction 178 may be formed at least two feet (0.61 m) from the fourth compressor inlet 182. By mixing the third sidestream with the fifth process fluid stream at the third junction 178, the mixing of the process fluids is more efficient, and pressure and temperature stratification to disturb the impeller inlet flow is minimalized or eliminated.
- the process fluid fed into the fourth compressor 128 via the fifth conduit 174 and the fourth compressor inlet 182 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via a fourth compressor outlet 186 having the mass flow rate (M 4 ), a system outlet pressure (P 5 ), temperature (T 5 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q 8 ).
- the fourth compressor outlet 186 may be coupled to a system outlet 188.
- the system outlet 188 may be further fluidly coupled to one or more downstream processing components (not shown) configured to further process the exiting process fluid.
- a system 300, 400 is provided for removing via one or more sidestreams at least a portion of a process fluid.
- the process fluid removal system 300, 400 may be similar in some respects to the sidestream mixing system 100, 200 described above and therefore may be best understood with reference to the description of Figures 1 and 2 where like numerals designate like components and will not be described again in detail.
- the piping 138 includes a system inlet 140 configured to provide an initial process fluid stream fed from a first external fluid source (not shown), such as, for example, a process fluid storage tank, to the process fluid removal system 300, 400.
- the initial process fluid stream from the first external fluid source may have a first pressure (P 1 ), temperature (T 1 ), mass flow rate (M 1 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q 1 ).
- the first external fluid source may be fluidly coupled to a first compressor inlet 142 of the first compressor 118 via the system inlet 140.
- the process fluid may be compressed in one or more stages in the first compressor 118 and discharged via a first compressor outlet 144 of the first compressor 118.
- the discharged process fluid includes the first mass flow rate (M 1 ), a second pressure (P 2 ), a second volumetric flow rate (Q 2 ), and a second temperature (T 2 ), such that the second pressure (P 2 ) and second temperature (T 2 ) are greater than the first pressure (P 1 ) and temperature (T 1 ); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the second volumetric flow rate (Q 2 ) is less than the first volumetric flow rate (Q 1 ).
- the first compressor outlet 144 may be fluidly coupled to the second compressor 120 via a first conduit 146.
- the first process fluid stream discharged from the first compressor outlet 142 may be fed through the first conduit 146, which forms a first junction 150a with a second conduit 152a upstream of the second compressor 120.
- the first junction 150a may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 146,152a in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein the first conduit 146 and the second conduit 152a are fluidly coupled at the first junction 150a, and the first conduit 146 further fluidly couples the second compressor inlet 154 of the second compressor 120 to the first junction 150a.
- the first junction may form a "Y"-junction.
- the second conduit 152a may be fluidly coupled to a first external process component (not shown) and may provide the first external process component with a portion of the first process fluid stream compressed from the first compressor 118 and having a pressure (Psi), temperature (T S1 ), mass flow rate (M S1 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q S1 ).
- the portion of the first process fluid stream fed to the first external process component from the first junction 150a may be referred to as the primary sidestream and may be fed to the first external process component via the second conduit 152a.
- the remaining process fluid stream of the first process fluid stream may have a second mass flow rate (M 2 ) and a third volumetric flow rate (Q 3 ).
- the second mass flow rate (M 2 ) may be the difference between the first mass flow rate (M 1 ) and the mass flow rate (Msi)
- the third volumetric flow rate (Q 3 ) may be the difference between the second volumetric flow rate (Q 2 ) and the volumetric flow rate (Q S1 ).
- the remaining process fluid stream of the first process fluid stream may be fed to the second compressor inlet 154 via the first conduit 146.
- the first junction 150a may be formed in the piping 138 at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of the second compressor 120.
- the process fluid fed into the second compressor 120 via the first conduit 146 and the second compressor inlet 154 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via a second compressor outlet 158.
- the discharged process fluid referred to as the third process fluid stream includes the second mass flow rate (M 2 ), a third pressure (P 5 ), a fourth volumetric flow rate (Q 4 ), and a third temperature (T 3 ), such that the third pressure (P 3 ) and third temperature (T 3 ) are greater than the second pressure (P 2 ) and temperature (T 2 ); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q 4 ) is less than the third volumetric flow rate (Q 3 ).
- the second compressor outlet 158 may be coupled to the third compressor 126 via a third conduit 160.
- the process fluid discharged from the second compressor outlet 158 may be fed through the third conduit 160 forming a second junction 164a with a fourth conduit 166a upstream of the third compressor 126.
- the second junction 164a may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 160,166a in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein the third conduit 160 and the fourth conduit 166a are fluidly coupled at the second junction 164a, and third conduit 160 further fluidly couples the third compressor inlet 168 of the third compressor 126 to the second junction 164a.
- the second junction 164a may form a "Y"-junction.
- the fourth conduit 166a may be fluidly coupled to a second external process component (not shown) and may provide the second external process component with a portion of the third process fluid stream compressed from the second compressor 120 and having a pressure (P S2 ), temperature (T S2 ), mass flow rate (M S2 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q S2 ).
- the portion of the third process fluid stream fed to the second external process component from the second junction 164a may be referred to as the secondary sidestream and may be fed to the second external process component via the fourth conduit 166a.
- the remaining process fluid stream of the third process fluid stream may have a third mass flow rate (M 3 ) and a fifth volumetric flow rate (Q 5 ).
- the third mass flow rate (M 3 ) may be the difference between the second mass flow rate (M 2 ) and the mass flow rate (M S2 ), and the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q 5 ) may be the difference between the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q 4 ) and the volumetric flow rate (Q S2 ).
- the remaining process fluid stream of the third process fluid stream may be fed to the third compressor inlet 168 via the third conduit 160.
- the second junction 164a may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of the third compressor 126.
- the second combined process fluid stream fed into the third compressor 126 via the third conduit 160 and the third compressor inlet 168 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via a third compressor outlet 172.
- the discharged process fluid referred to as a fifth process fluid stream, includes the third mass flow rate (M 3 ), a fourth pressure (P 4 ), a sixth volumetric flow rate (Q 6 ), and a fourth temperature (T 4 ), such that the fourth pressure (P 4 ) and fourth temperature (T 4 ) are greaterthan the third pressure (P 3 ) and temperature (T 3 ); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q 6 ) is less than the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q 5 ).
- the third compressor outlet 172 may be coupled to the fourth compressor 128 via a fifth conduit 174.
- the fifth process fluid stream discharged from the third compressor outlet 172 may be fed through the fifth conduit 174 forming a third junction 178a with a sixth conduit 180a upstream of the fourth compressor 128.
- the third junction 178a may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 174, 180a in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein the fifth conduit 174 and the sixth conduit 180a are fluidly coupled at the third junction 178a, and the fifth conduit 174 further fluidly couples the fourth compressor inlet 182 of the fourth compressor 128 to the third junction 178a.
- the third junction 178a may form a "Y"-junction.
- the sixth conduit 180a may be fluidly coupled to a third external process component (not shown) and may provide the third external process component with a portion of the fifth process fluid stream compressed from the third compressor 126 and having a pressure (P S3 ), temperature (T S3 ), mass flow rate (M S3 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q S3 ).
- the portion of the fifth process fluid stream fed to the third external process component from the third junction 178a may be referred to as the tertiary sidestream and may be fed to the third external process component via the sixth conduit 180a.
- the remaining process fluid stream of the fifth process fluid stream may have a fourth mass flow rate (M 4 ) and a seventh volumetric flow rate (Q 7 ).
- the fourth mass flow rate (M 4 ) may be the difference between the third mass flow rate (M 3 ) and the mass flow rate (M S3 ), and the seventh volumetric flow rate (Q 7 ) may be the difference between the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q 6 ) and the volumetric flow rate (Q S3 ).
- the remaining process fluid stream of the fifth process fluid stream may be fed to the fourth compressor inlet 182 via the fifth conduit 174.
- the third junction 178a may be formed in the piping 138 at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of the fourth compressor 128.
- the process fluid fed into the fourth compressor 128 via the fifth conduit 174 and the fourth compressor inlet 182 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via a fourth compressor outlet 186 having the mass flow rate (M 4 ), a system outlet pressure (P 5 ), temperature (T 5 ), and volumetric flow rate (Q 8 ).
- the fourth compressor outlet 186 may be coupled to a system outlet 188.
- the system outlet 188 may be further fluidly coupled to one or more downstream processing components (not shown) configured to further process the exiting process fluid.
- Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams.
- the method 500 may include driving a rotary shaft of at least one compressor via a first drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the first drive shaft driven by a first driver, as at 502.
- the method 500 may also include feeding a first process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a first conduit having a first conduit diameter and fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor, as at 504.
- the method 500 may further include feeding a second process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction disposed upstream of the at least one compressor a first distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter, as at 506.
- the method 500 may also include mixing the first process fluid stream and the second process fluid stream at the first junction, thereby forming a first combined process fluid stream, as at 508.
- the method 500 may further include feeding the first combined process fluid stream into the at least one compressor, as at 510, and pressurizing the first combined process fluid stream in the at least one compressor, as at 512.
- Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for removing at least a portion of a process fluid stream.
- the method 600 may include driving a rotary shaft of at least one compressor via a drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the drive shaft driven by a driver, as at 602.
- the method 600 may also include feeding the process fluid stream through a first conduit having a first conduit diameter and being fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor, as at 604.
- the method 600 may further include feeding the at least a portion of a process fluid stream through a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction disposed upstream of the at least one compressor a distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter, thereby removing the at least a portion of the process fluid stream from the process fluid stream, as at 606.
Description
- Hydrocarbons, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ethylene, may be used in a refinery, or other petrochemical setting, as an energy source or source material for various processes. Typically, one or more compressors may be used in the processing of such hydrocarbons. In particular, the propane and propylene compressors utilized for the processing of LNG and ethylene, respectively, are typically beam-style, multi-stage centrifugal compressors.
- Generally, a beam-style, multi-stage centrifugal compressor includes a casing and a plurality of stages disposed therein, each stage including an inlet guide, an impeller, a diffuser, and a return channel that collectively raise the pressure of the gas orworking fluid. A main inlet of the beam-style, multi-stage centrifugal compressor receives the gas flow from an inlet pipe coupled to the main inlet, distributes the flow around the circumference of the casing, and injects the flow into the first inlet guide disposed immediately upstream of the impeller of the first stage. The gas is drawn into the impeller from the first inlet guide and driven (or propelled) to a tip of the impeller, thereby increasing the velocity of the gas. The centrifugal compressor may also include a diaphragm assembly including all of the various components contained within the back half or downstream end of the compressor stage. The diaphragm assembly may form at least in part the gas flow path of the centrifugal compressor.
- The diaphragm assembly may include a diffuser proximate the tip of the impeller and in fluid communication therewith. The diffuser is configured to convert the velocity of the gas received from the impeller to potential energy in the form of increased static pressure, thereby resulting in the compression of the gas. The diaphragm assembly further includes a return channel in fluid communication with the diffuser and configured to receive the compressed gas from the diffuser and inject the compressed gas into a succeeding compressor stage. Otherwise, the compressed gas is ejected from the gas flow path via a discharge volute or collector that gathers the flow from the final stage and sends it down the discharge pipe.
- Applications, such as propane refrigeration or propylene units for LNG and ethylene, respectively, generally require one or more flow streams, generally referred to as sidestream flows, to be introduced into the centrifugal compressor at respective flow inlets other than the main inlet. These sidestream flows may be introduced through additional flanges added to or formed in the casing. The additional inlets required for the sidestream flow typically necessitate corresponding components including, for example, sidestream inlet plenums and sidestream scoop vanes, to mix the sidestream flow with the working fluid in the centrifugal compressor.
- The mixing of the sidestream flow and the working fluid typically occurs in the inlet guide of the respective stage, immediately upstream of the impeller. Improper or insufficient mixing can lead to pressure and temperature stratification (i.e., non-uniform pressure and temperature fields). Such skewed pressure and temperature fields degrade the performance of the downstream stage, causing the operating pressures to fall short of the process requirements. Moreover, it is often desirable to have the ability to adjust the performance of the compressor to match the process requirements via movable geometry (such as movable inlet guide vanes or movable diffuser vanes). Generally, it is much more challenging to install movable geometry in a beam-style compressor because of the limited space in which to install the drive mechanisms and linkages.
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US 2002/170312 A1 discloses a plant for liquefying natural gas. - What is needed, then, is an efficient system including a compressor configured to provide for a working fluid and sidestream flow mix having a substantially uniform temperature and pressure field, and further configured to allow for the facile installation of movable geometry to provide for the tuning of the compressor for varying process requirements.
- The invention relates to a system and method for mixing and pressurising a plurality of process fluid streams according to the appended claims. The system is provided according to the appended claim 1.
- The method is provided according to the appended claim 3.
- There is also disclosed herein (but not claimed) an example system for removing at least a portion of a process fluid stream. This example system may include at least one driver including a drive shaft, the driver configured to provide the drive shaft with rotational energy. The system may also include at least one compressor including a rotary shaft, the rotary shaft being operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured such that the rotational energy from the drive shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft. The system may further include a first junction formed from a first plurality of conduits. The first plurality of conduits may include a first conduit fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor, the first conduit forming a first conduit diameter and configured to flow therethrough the process fluid stream. The first plurality of conduits may also include a second conduit fluidly coupled to the first conduit and an external component, the second conduit configured to flow therethrough the at least a portion of the process fluid stream. The first junction may be disposed a first distance at least three times the diameter of the first conduit upstream of the at least one compressor, such that the at least a portion of the process fluid stream is removed from the process fluid stream and fed to the external component via the second conduit.
- There is also disclosed herein (but not claimed) an example method for removing at least a portion of a process fluid stream. The method may include driving a rotary shaft of at least one compressor via a drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the drive shaft driven by a driver. The method may also include feeding the process fluid stream through a first conduit having a first conduit diameter and being fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor. The method may further include feeding the at least a portion of a process fluid stream through a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction disposed upstream of the at least one compressor a distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter, thereby removing the at least a portion of a process fluid stream from the process fluid stream.
- The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
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Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams, the system including a plurality of compressors and a plurality of drivers, according to one or more embodiments. -
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of another system for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams, the system including a plurality of compressors operatively coupled to a driver via a plurality of gears, outside of the scope of the invention. -
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for removing at least a portion of a process fluid, the system including a plurality of compressors and a plurality of drivers, wherein at least one sidestream may provide process fluid to an external process component, outside of the scope of the invention. -
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of another system for removing at least a portion of a process fluid, the system including a plurality of compressors operatively coupled to a driver via a plurality of gears, wherein at least one sidestream may provide process fluid to an external process component, outside of the scope of the invention. -
Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams, according to one or more embodiments. -
Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for removing at least a portion of a process fluid stream, according to one or more embodiments. - It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
- Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term "or" is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless otherwise expressly specified herein.
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Figures 1 (within the scope of the invention) and 2 (outside the scope of the invention) illustrate exemplary embodiments of asidestream mixing system sidestream mixing system Figures 3 and4 , asidestream mixing system - The
sidestream mixing system more drivers 102, eachdriver 102 having adrive shaft 104 and configured to provide thedrive shaft 104 with rotational energy. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFigure 1 , thesidestream mixing system 100 includes a plurality ofdrivers 102. In another exemplary embodiment illustrated inFigure 2 , thesidestream mixing system 200 includes asingle driver 102. Thedriver 102 may be an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet motor having permanent magnets installed on a rotor portion (not shown) and further having a stator portion (not shown). As will be appreciated, other embodiments may employ other types of electric motors, such as, but not limited to, synchronous, induction, brushed DC motors, etc. Further, thedriver 102 may be a hydraulic motor, an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine, or any other device capable of rotatably driving thedrive shaft 104, either directly or through a power train. As shown inFigure 1 , thesidestream mixing system 100 may include afirst driver 106 and asecond driver 108; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number ofdrivers 102 in thesidestream mixing system - As shown in
Figure 1 , eachdriver 102 may be operatively coupled to a plurality ofcompressors 110. In an exemplary embodiment, thedrive shaft 104 of eachdriver 102 may be integral with or coupled to arotary shaft 112 of arespective compressor 110 at each end of thedrive shaft 104 in a "double-ended" configuration. In such a configuration, eachdriver 102 drives arespective drive shaft 104, which in turn drives therotary shafts 112 of the respective coupledcompressors 110. In an exemplary embodiment, eachdriver 102 is coupled to twocompressors 110. As shown inFigure 1 , thedrive shaft 104 of thefirst driver 106 may have afirst end 114 and asecond end 116, such that thefirst end 114 is coupled to therotary shaft 112 of afirst compressor 118 and thesecond end 116 is coupled to therotary shaft 112 of asecond compressor 120. Likewise, thesecond driver 108 may have afirst end 122 and asecond end 124, such that thefirst end 122 is coupled to therotary shaft 112 of athird compressor 126 and thesecond end 124 is coupled to therotary shaft 112 of afourth compressor 128. - In the exemplary embodiment of the
sidestream mixing system 200 ofFigure 2 , thedrive shaft 104 of thedriver 102 is coupled to a plurality ofgears 130 configured to transmit the rotational energy of thedrive shaft 104 to therotary shafts 112 of therespective compressors 110. The plurality ofgears 130 may include a plurality of spur gears, such that the spur gears include abull gear 132, afirst pinion 134, and asecond pinion 136. In an exemplary embodiment, thebull gear 132 may be fitted on thedrive shaft 104 of thedriver 102 by press fitting or any other manner known to those in the art, such that thebull gear 132 rotates at the same speed as thedrive shaft 104. Thefirst pinion 134 andsecond pinion 136 may be fitted on therespective rotary shafts 112 of thecompressors 110 by press fitting, or any other manner known to those in the art, and configured such that a plurality of teeth (not shown) defined by each of the first andsecond pinion bull gear 132, thereby rotating therotary shafts 112 of therespective compressors 110 at a speed consistent with the gearing ratio between thebull gear 132 and each of the first andsecond pinions first pinion 134 andsecond pinion 136 may have identical diameters or thepinions bull gear 132 and causing differing rotary speeds of the correspondingrotary shafts 112 of thecompressors 110. - As shown in
Figure 2 , thefirst pinion 134 is operatively coupled to therespective rotary shafts 112 of thefirst compressor 118 and thesecond compressor 120. Likewise, thesecond pinion 136 is operatively coupled to therespective rotary shafts 112 of thethird compressor 126 andfourth compressor 128. Embodiments in which the first and second compressors 118,120 may be coupled via acommon rotary shaft 112 and embodiments in which the third and fourth compressors 126,128 may be coupled via acommon rotary shaft 112 are contemplated herein. - In an exemplary embodiment, each
compressor 110 may be a direct-inlet, centrifugal compressor. The direct-inlet or axial-inlet, centrifugal compressor may be, for example, a DATUM® ICS compressor manufactured by the Dresser-Rand Company of Olean, New York. In an exemplary embodiment, thecompressors 110 illustrated in thesidestream mixing system 100 ofFigure 1 may be axial-inlet, centrifugal compressors. In another exemplary embodiment of thesidestream mixing system 200 illustrated inFigure 2 , eachcompressor 110 may be an integrally-geared compressor. The integrally-geared compressor may be, for example, an integrally-geared compressor from the Legacy ISOPAC and CVC lines of integrally-geared compressors manufactured by the Dresser-Rand Company of Olean, New York. Each integrally-geared compressor may be a single-stage compressor. - Each direct-inlet, centrifugal compressor of the
sidestream mixing system 100 ofFigure 1 may be a single-stage or a multi-stage compressor. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that varying combinations of single-stage compressors and multi-stage compressors may be employed in thesidestream mixing system 100 ofFigure 1 . Still yet, thesidestream mixing system 100 may employ either all or substantially all single-stage compressors or all multi-stage compressors. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number of stages provided in eachcompressor 110 may determine the number ofcompressors 110 required in the system. Correspondingly, embodiments in which asingle compressor 110 is operatively coupled to adriver 102 are contemplated herein. - The plurality of
compressors 110 may be fluidly coupled to each other via a network ofpiping 138. The piping 138 may be formed from a plurality of pipes, commonly referred to as lines or conduits, configured to fluidly connect thecompressors 110 in series. The conduits may be further configured to flow therethrough one or more process fluids forming a process fluid stream having a measurable pressure, temperature, and/or mass flow rate. Accordingly, the conduit construction and sizing, e.g., diameter, may vary based on the process fluid flowing therethrough and the accompanying pressure, temperature, and/or mass flow rate of the process fluid. - As shown in
Figures 1 and2 , the piping 138 includes asystem inlet 140 configured to provide an initial process fluid stream fed from a first external fluid source (not shown), such as, for example, a process fluid storage tank, to thesidestream mixing system first compressor inlet 142 of thefirst compressor 118 via thesystem inlet 140. The process fluid may be compressed in one or more stages in thefirst compressor 118 and discharged via afirst compressor outlet 144 of thefirst compressor 118. The discharged process fluid, referred to as the first process fluid stream, includes the first mass flow rate (M1), a second pressure (P2), a second volumetric flow rate (Q2), and a second temperature (T2), such that the second pressure (P2) and second temperature (T2) are greater than the first pressure (P1) and temperature (T1); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the second volumetric flow rate (Q2) is less than the first volumetric flow rate (Q1). Thefirst compressor outlet 144 may be fluidly coupled to thesecond compressor 120 via afirst conduit 146. In an exemplary embodiment, the first process fluid stream discharged from thefirst compressor outlet 142 may be fed through thefirst conduit 146, which forms afirst junction 150 with asecond conduit 152 upstream of thesecond compressor 120. - As shown in
Figures 1 and2 , thefirst junction 150 may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 146,152 in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein thefirst conduit 146 and thesecond conduit 152 are fluidly coupled at thefirst junction 150 and thefirst conduit 146 further fluidly couples asecond compressor inlet 154 of thesecond compressor 120 to thefirst junction 150. In another embodiment, the first junction may form a "Y"-junction. Thesecond conduit 152 may be fluidly coupled to a second external fluid source (not shown) providing a second process fluid stream having a pressure (Psi), temperature (Tsi), mass flow rate (Msi), and volumetric flow rate (QS1), such that at least the pressure (Psi) may be substantially similar to the second pressure (P2) and, optionally, the temperature (Tsi) may be substantially similar to the temperature (T2) of the first process fluid stream discharged from thefirst compressor outlet 144. As such, the second process fluid stream may be referred to as a first sidestream. The second external fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized fluid storage tank. The process fluid from thefirst compressor outlet 144 and the first sidestream may be mixed at thefirst junction 150 to form a first combined process fluid stream having a second mass flow rate (M2) and a third volumetric flow rate (Q3). In an exemplary embodiment, the second mass flow rate (M2) may be the summation of the first mass flow rate (M1) and the mass flow rate (Msi), and the third volumetric flow rate (Q3) may be the summation of the second volumetric flow rate (Q2) and the volumetric flow rate (QS1). The first combined process fluid stream may be fed to thesecond compressor inlet 154 via thefirst conduit 146. - The
first junction 150 may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of thesecond compressor 120. For example, if the internal pipe diameter of thefirst conduit 146 is about eight inches (20.32 cm), thefirst junction 150 may be formed at least two feet (0.61 m) from thesecond compressor inlet 154. By mixing the first sidestream with the first process fluid stream at thefirst junction 150, the mixing of the process fluids is more efficient, and pressure and temperature stratification to disturb the impeller inlet flow is minimalized or eliminated. - The process fluid fed into the
second compressor 120 via thefirst conduit 146 and thesecond compressor inlet 154 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via asecond compressor outlet 158. The discharged process fluid referred to as the third process fluid stream includes the second mass flow rate (M2), a third pressure (P3), a fourth volumetric flow rate (Q4), and a third temperature (T3), such that the third pressure (P3) and third temperature (T3) are greater than the second pressure (P2) and temperature (T2); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q4) is less than the third volumetric flow rate (Q3). Thesecond compressor outlet 158 may be coupled to thethird compressor 126 via athird conduit 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the process fluid discharged from thesecond compressor outlet 158 may be fed through thethird conduit 160 forming asecond junction 164 with afourth conduit 166 upstream of thethird compressor 126. - As shown in
Figures 1 and2 , thesecond junction 164 may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 160,166 in the form of a "T"-junction, such that thethird conduit 160 and thefourth conduit 166 are fluidly coupled at thesecond junction 164 and thethird conduit 160 further fluidly couples athird compressor inlet 168 of thethird compressor 126 to thesecond junction 164. In another embodiment, the first junction may form a "Y"-junction. Thefourth conduit 166 may be fluidly coupled to a third external fluid source (not shown) providing a fourth process fluid stream having a pressure (PS2), temperature (TS2), mass flow rate (MS2), and volumetric flow rate (QS2), such that at least the pressure (PS2) may be substantially similar to the third pressure (P3) and, optionally, the temperature (TS2) may be substantially similar to the temperature (T3) of the third process fluid stream discharged from thesecond compressor outlet 158. As such, the fourth process fluid stream may be referred to as a second sidestream. The third external fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized fluid storage tank. The process fluid from thesecond compressor outlet 158 and the second sidestream may be mixed at thesecond junction 164 to form a second combined process fluid stream having a third mass flow rate (M3) and a fifth volumetric flow rate (Q5). In an exemplary embodiment, the third mass flow rate (M3) may be the summation of the second mass flow rate (M2) and the mass flow rate (MS2), and the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q5) may be the summation of the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q4) and the volumetric flow rate (QS2). The second combined process fluid stream may be fed to thethird compressor inlet 168 via thethird conduit 160. - The
second junction 164 may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of thethird compressor 126. For example, if the internal pipe diameter of thethird conduit 160 is about eight inches (20.32 cm), thesecond junction 164 may be formed at least two feet (0.61 m) from thethird compressor inlet 168. By mixing the second sidestream with the third process fluid stream at thesecond junction 164, the mixing of the process fluids is more efficient, and pressure and temperature stratification to disturb the impeller inlet flow is minimalized or eliminated. - The second combined process fluid stream fed into the
third compressor 126 via thethird conduit 160 and thethird compressor inlet 168 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via athird compressor outlet 172. The discharged process fluid, referred to as a fifth process fluid stream, includes the third mass flow rate (M3), a fourth pressure (P4), a sixth volumetric flow rate (Q6), and a fourth temperature (T4), such that the fourth pressure (P4) and fourth temperature (T4) are greaterthan the third pressure (P3) and temperature (T3); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q6) is less than the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q5). Thethird compressor outlet 172 may be coupled to thefourth compressor 128 via afifth conduit 174. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth process fluid stream discharged from thethird compressor outlet 172 may be fed through thefifth conduit 174 forming athird junction 178 with asixth conduit 180 upstream of thefourth compressor 128. - As shown in
Figures 1 and2 , thethird junction 178 may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 174,180 in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein thefifth conduit 174 and thesixth conduit 180 are fluidly coupled at thethird junction 178 and thefifth conduit 174 further fluidly couples afourth compressor inlet 182 of thefourth compressor 128 to thethird junction 178. In another embodiment, the third junction may form a "Y"-junction. Thesixth conduit 180 may be fluidly coupled to a fourth external fluid source (not shown) providing a sixth process fluid stream having a pressure (PS3), temperature (TS3), mass flow rate (MS3), and volumetric flow rate (QS3), such that at least the pressure (PS3) may be substantially similar to the fourth pressure (P4) and, optionally, the temperature (TS3) may be substantially similar to the temperature (T4) of the fifth process fluid stream discharged from thethird compressor outlet 172. As such, the sixth process fluid stream may be referred to as a third sidestream. The fourth external fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized fluid storage tank. The process fluid from thethird compressor outlet 172 and the third sidestream may be mixed at thethird junction 178 to form a third combined process fluid stream having a fourth mass flow rate (M4) and a seventh volumetric flow rate (Q7). In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth mass flow rate (M4) may be the summation of the third mass flow rate (M3) and the mass flow rate (MS3), and the seventh volumetric flow rate (Q7) may be the summation of the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q6) and the volumetric flow rate (QS3). The third combined process fluid stream may be fed to thefourth compressor inlet 182 via thefifth conduit 174. - The
third junction 178 may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of thefourth compressor 128. For example, if the internal pipe diameter of thefifth conduit 174 is about eight inches (20.32 cm), thethird junction 178 may be formed at least two feet (0.61 m) from thefourth compressor inlet 182. By mixing the third sidestream with the fifth process fluid stream at thethird junction 178, the mixing of the process fluids is more efficient, and pressure and temperature stratification to disturb the impeller inlet flow is minimalized or eliminated. - The process fluid fed into the
fourth compressor 128 via thefifth conduit 174 and thefourth compressor inlet 182 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via afourth compressor outlet 186 having the mass flow rate (M4), a system outlet pressure (P5), temperature (T5), and volumetric flow rate (Q8). Thefourth compressor outlet 186 may be coupled to asystem outlet 188. Thesystem outlet 188 may be further fluidly coupled to one or more downstream processing components (not shown) configured to further process the exiting process fluid. - Looking now at the exemplary embodiments (outside of the scope of the invention) illustrated in
Figures 3 and4 , asystem fluid removal system sidestream mixing system Figures 1 and2 where like numerals designate like components and will not be described again in detail. - The piping 138 includes a
system inlet 140 configured to provide an initial process fluid stream fed from a first external fluid source (not shown), such as, for example, a process fluid storage tank, to the processfluid removal system first compressor inlet 142 of thefirst compressor 118 via thesystem inlet 140. The process fluid may be compressed in one or more stages in thefirst compressor 118 and discharged via afirst compressor outlet 144 of thefirst compressor 118. The discharged process fluid, referred to as the first process fluid stream, includes the first mass flow rate (M1), a second pressure (P2), a second volumetric flow rate (Q2), and a second temperature (T2), such that the second pressure (P2) and second temperature (T2) are greater than the first pressure (P1) and temperature (T1); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the second volumetric flow rate (Q2) is less than the first volumetric flow rate (Q1). Thefirst compressor outlet 144 may be fluidly coupled to thesecond compressor 120 via afirst conduit 146. In an exemplary embodiment, the first process fluid stream discharged from thefirst compressor outlet 142 may be fed through thefirst conduit 146, which forms afirst junction 150a with asecond conduit 152a upstream of thesecond compressor 120. - The
first junction 150a may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 146,152a in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein thefirst conduit 146 and thesecond conduit 152a are fluidly coupled at thefirst junction 150a, and thefirst conduit 146 further fluidly couples thesecond compressor inlet 154 of thesecond compressor 120 to thefirst junction 150a. In another embodiment, the first junction may form a "Y"-junction. Thesecond conduit 152a may be fluidly coupled to a first external process component (not shown) and may provide the first external process component with a portion of the first process fluid stream compressed from thefirst compressor 118 and having a pressure (Psi), temperature (TS1), mass flow rate (MS1), and volumetric flow rate (QS1). The portion of the first process fluid stream fed to the first external process component from thefirst junction 150a may be referred to as the primary sidestream and may be fed to the first external process component via thesecond conduit 152a. The remaining process fluid stream of the first process fluid stream may have a second mass flow rate (M2) and a third volumetric flow rate (Q3). In an exemplary embodiment, the second mass flow rate (M2) may be the difference between the first mass flow rate (M1) and the mass flow rate (Msi), and the third volumetric flow rate (Q3) may be the difference between the second volumetric flow rate (Q2) and the volumetric flow rate (QS1). The remaining process fluid stream of the first process fluid stream may be fed to thesecond compressor inlet 154 via thefirst conduit 146. Thefirst junction 150a may be formed in the piping 138 at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of thesecond compressor 120. - The process fluid fed into the
second compressor 120 via thefirst conduit 146 and thesecond compressor inlet 154 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via asecond compressor outlet 158. The discharged process fluid referred to as the third process fluid stream includes the second mass flow rate (M2), a third pressure (P5), a fourth volumetric flow rate (Q4), and a third temperature (T3), such that the third pressure (P3) and third temperature (T3) are greater than the second pressure (P2) and temperature (T2); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q4) is less than the third volumetric flow rate (Q3). Thesecond compressor outlet 158 may be coupled to thethird compressor 126 via athird conduit 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the process fluid discharged from thesecond compressor outlet 158 may be fed through thethird conduit 160 forming asecond junction 164a with afourth conduit 166a upstream of thethird compressor 126. - In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
Figures 3 and4 , thesecond junction 164a may be a connection of a plurality of conduits 160,166a in the form of a "T"-junction, wherein thethird conduit 160 and thefourth conduit 166a are fluidly coupled at thesecond junction 164a, andthird conduit 160 further fluidly couples thethird compressor inlet 168 of thethird compressor 126 to thesecond junction 164a. In another embodiment, thesecond junction 164a may form a "Y"-junction. Thefourth conduit 166a may be fluidly coupled to a second external process component (not shown) and may provide the second external process component with a portion of the third process fluid stream compressed from thesecond compressor 120 and having a pressure (PS2), temperature (TS2), mass flow rate (MS2), and volumetric flow rate (QS2). The portion of the third process fluid stream fed to the second external process component from thesecond junction 164a may be referred to as the secondary sidestream and may be fed to the second external process component via thefourth conduit 166a. The remaining process fluid stream of the third process fluid stream may have a third mass flow rate (M3) and a fifth volumetric flow rate (Q5). In an exemplary embodiment, the third mass flow rate (M3) may be the difference between the second mass flow rate (M2) and the mass flow rate (MS2), and the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q5) may be the difference between the fourth volumetric flow rate (Q4) and the volumetric flow rate (QS2). The remaining process fluid stream of the third process fluid stream may be fed to thethird compressor inlet 168 via thethird conduit 160. Thesecond junction 164a may be formed in the piping 138 at a distance of at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of thethird compressor 126. - The second combined process fluid stream fed into the
third compressor 126 via thethird conduit 160 and thethird compressor inlet 168 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via athird compressor outlet 172. The discharged process fluid, referred to as a fifth process fluid stream, includes the third mass flow rate (M3), a fourth pressure (P4), a sixth volumetric flow rate (Q6), and a fourth temperature (T4), such that the fourth pressure (P4) and fourth temperature (T4) are greaterthan the third pressure (P3) and temperature (T3); however, because of the increased pressure and temperature, the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q6) is less than the fifth volumetric flow rate (Q5). Thethird compressor outlet 172 may be coupled to thefourth compressor 128 via afifth conduit 174. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth process fluid stream discharged from thethird compressor outlet 172 may be fed through thefifth conduit 174 forming athird junction 178a with asixth conduit 180a upstream of thefourth compressor 128. - In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
Figures 3 and4 , thethird junction 178a may be a connection of a plurality ofconduits fifth conduit 174 and thesixth conduit 180a are fluidly coupled at thethird junction 178a, and thefifth conduit 174 further fluidly couples thefourth compressor inlet 182 of thefourth compressor 128 to thethird junction 178a. In another embodiment, thethird junction 178a may form a "Y"-junction. Thesixth conduit 180a may be fluidly coupled to a third external process component (not shown) and may provide the third external process component with a portion of the fifth process fluid stream compressed from thethird compressor 126 and having a pressure (PS3), temperature (TS3), mass flow rate (MS3), and volumetric flow rate (QS3). The portion of the fifth process fluid stream fed to the third external process component from thethird junction 178a may be referred to as the tertiary sidestream and may be fed to the third external process component via thesixth conduit 180a. The remaining process fluid stream of the fifth process fluid stream may have a fourth mass flow rate (M4) and a seventh volumetric flow rate (Q7). In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth mass flow rate (M4) may be the difference between the third mass flow rate (M3) and the mass flow rate (MS3), and the seventh volumetric flow rate (Q7) may be the difference between the sixth volumetric flow rate (Q6) and the volumetric flow rate (QS3). The remaining process fluid stream of the fifth process fluid stream may be fed to thefourth compressor inlet 182 via thefifth conduit 174. Thethird junction 178a may be formed in the piping 138 at least three pipe internal diameters upstream of thefourth compressor 128. - The process fluid fed into the
fourth compressor 128 via thefifth conduit 174 and thefourth compressor inlet 182 may be compressed in one or more stages and discharged via afourth compressor outlet 186 having the mass flow rate (M4), a system outlet pressure (P5), temperature (T5), and volumetric flow rate (Q8). Thefourth compressor outlet 186 may be coupled to asystem outlet 188. Thesystem outlet 188 may be further fluidly coupled to one or more downstream processing components (not shown) configured to further process the exiting process fluid. -
Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of anexemplary method 500 for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams. Themethod 500 may include driving a rotary shaft of at least one compressor via a first drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the first drive shaft driven by a first driver, as at 502. Themethod 500 may also include feeding a first process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a first conduit having a first conduit diameter and fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor, as at 504. Themethod 500 may further include feeding a second process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction disposed upstream of the at least one compressor a first distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter, as at 506. Themethod 500 may also include mixing the first process fluid stream and the second process fluid stream at the first junction, thereby forming a first combined process fluid stream, as at 508. Themethod 500 may further include feeding the first combined process fluid stream into the at least one compressor, as at 510, and pressurizing the first combined process fluid stream in the at least one compressor, as at 512. -
Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of anexemplary method 600 for removing at least a portion of a process fluid stream. Themethod 600 may include driving a rotary shaft of at least one compressor via a drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the drive shaft driven by a driver, as at 602. Themethod 600 may also include feeding the process fluid stream through a first conduit having a first conduit diameter and being fluidly coupled to the at least one compressor, as at 604. Themethod 600 may further include feeding the at least a portion of a process fluid stream through a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction disposed upstream of the at least one compressor a distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter, thereby removing the at least a portion of the process fluid stream from the process fluid stream, as at 606.
Claims (4)
- A system (100, 200, 300, 400) for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams, comprising:a first driver (102, 106) comprising a first drive shaft, the first driver configured to provide the first drive shaft with rotational energy;a first compressor (118) configured to pressurize an initial process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams and comprising a rotary shaft (112), the rotary shaft being operatively coupled to the first drive shaft and configured such that the rotational energy from the first drive shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft;a second compressor (120) comprising a rotary shaft (112); anda first junction (150) formed from a first plurality of conduits comprising:a first conduit (146) fluidly coupling the first compressor (118) and the second compressor (120), the first conduit forming a first conduit diameter and configured to flow therethrough a first process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams; anda second conduit (152) fluidly coupled to the first conduit and to the second compressor (120), the second conduit configured to flow therethrough a second process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams,wherein the first junction (150) is disposed a first distance at least three times the first conduit diameter upstream of the second compressor (120), such that the first process fluid stream and the second process fluid stream are mixed and form a first combined process fluid stream prior to being fed into and pressurized in the second compressor (120),a second driver (108), a third compressor (126) comprising a rotary shaft (112), and a fourth compressor (128) comprising a rotary shaft (112), wherein:the first drive shaft comprises a first drive shaft first end (114) and a first drive shaft second end (116), the first drive shaft first end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the first compressor (118) and the first drive shaft second end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the second compressor (120); andthe second driver (108) comprises a second drive shaft comprising a second drive shaft first end (122) and a second drive shaft second end (124), the second drive shaft first end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the third compressor (126) and the second drive shaft second end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the fourth compressor (128),a second junction (164) formed from a second plurality of conduits comprising:a third conduit (160) fluidly coupling the second compressor (120) and the third compressor (126), the third conduit forming a third conduit diameter and configured to flow therethrough a third process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams; anda fourth conduit (166) fluidly coupled to the third conduit (160) and the third compressor (126), the fourth conduit configured to flow therethrough a fourth process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams,wherein the second junction (164) is disposed a second distance at least three times the third conduit diameter upstream of the third compressor (126), such that the third process fluid stream and the fourth process fluid stream are mixed and form a second combined process fluid stream prior to being fed into and pressurized in the third compressor (126).
- The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a third junction (178) formed from a third plurality of conduits comprising:a fifth conduit (174) fluidly coupling the third compressor (126) and the fourth compressor (128), the fifth conduit forming a fifth conduit diameter and configured to flow therethrough a fifth process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams; anda sixth conduit (180) fluidly coupled to the fifth conduit (174) and the fourth compressor (128), the sixth conduit configured to flow therethrough a sixth process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams,wherein the third junction (178) is disposed a third distance at least three times the fifth conduit diameter upstream of the fourth compressor (128), such that the fifth process fluid stream and the sixth process fluid stream are mixed and form a third combined process fluid stream prior to being fed into and pressurized in the fourth compressor (128).
- A method for mixing and pressurizing a plurality of process fluid streams, comprising:driving a rotary shaft (112) of a first compressor (118) configured to pressurize an initial process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams via a first drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft, the first drive shaft driven by a first driver (102, 106);driving a rotary shaft (112) of a second compressor (120) via the first drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotary shaft;feeding a first process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a first conduit (146) having a first conduit diameter and fluidly coupling the first compressor (118) and the second compressor (120);feeding a second process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a second conduit (152) coupled to the first conduit (146) at a first junction (150) disposed upstream of the second compressor (120) a first distance of at least three times the first conduit diameter;mixing the first process fluid stream and the second process fluid stream at the first junction (150), thereby forming a first combined process fluid stream;feeding the first combined process fluid stream into the second compressor (120);pressurizing the first combined process fluid stream in the second compressor (120);providing a third compressor (126) and a fourth compressor (128);driving a rotary shaft (112) of the third compressor (126) via a second drive shaft integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft of the third compressor, the second drive shaft driven by a second driver (108);feeding a third process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a third conduit (160) fluidly coupled to the second compressor (120) and the third compressor (126) and having a third conduit diameter;feeding a fourth process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a fourth conduit (166) fluidly coupled to the third compressor (126) and fluidly coupled to the third conduit (160) at a second junction (164) disposed upstream of the third compressor (126) a second distance of at least three times the third conduit diameter;mixing the third process fluid stream and the fourth process fluid stream at the second junction (164), thereby forming a second combined process fluid stream;feeding the second combined process fluid stream into the third compressor (126); andpressurizing the second combined process fluid stream in the third compressor (126), whereinthe first drive shaft comprises a first drive shaft first end (114) and a first drive shaft second end (116), the first drive shaft first end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the first compressor (118) and the first drive shaft second end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the second compressor (120); andthe second drive shaft comprises a second drive shaft first end (122) and a second drive shaft second end (124), the second drive shaft first end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the third compressor (126) and the second drive shaft second end being integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft (112) of the fourth compressor (128).
- The method of claim 3, further comprising:driving a rotary shaft (112) of the fourth compressor (128) via a second drive shaft integral with or coupled to the rotary shaft of the fourth compressor, the second drive shaft driven by a second driver (108);feeding a fifth process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a fifth conduit (174) having a fifth conduit diameter and fluidly coupled to the fourth compressor (128);feeding a sixth process fluid stream of the plurality of process fluid streams through a sixth conduit (180) coupled to the fifth conduit (174) at a third junction (178) disposed upstream of the fourth compressor (128) a third distance of at least three times the fifth conduit diameter;mixing the fifth process fluid stream and the sixth process fluid stream at the third junction (178), thereby forming a third combined process fluid stream;feeding the third combined process fluid stream into the fourth compressor (128); andpressurizing the third combined process fluid stream in the fourth compressor (128).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201361781383P | 2013-03-14 | 2013-03-14 | |
US14/202,033 US10047753B2 (en) | 2014-03-10 | 2014-03-10 | System and method for sidestream mixing |
PCT/US2014/023293 WO2014159379A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-11 | System and method for sidestream mixing |
Publications (3)
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EP2969157A1 EP2969157A1 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
EP2969157A4 EP2969157A4 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
EP2969157B1 true EP2969157B1 (en) | 2018-12-26 |
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EP14774106.0A Active EP2969157B1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-03-11 | System and method for sidestream mixing |
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WO (1) | WO2014159379A1 (en) |
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IT201600080745A1 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2018-02-01 | Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie Srl | REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR DIVIDED FOR NATURAL GAS LIQUEFATION |
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BE788368A (en) * | 1971-09-10 | 1973-01-02 | D M Weatherly Cy | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MULTI-STAGE COMPRESSION OF A FIRST CURRENT OF GAS WITH ENERGY DERIVED FROM A SECOND CURRENT OF GAS |
JPS5815677Y2 (en) * | 1976-11-04 | 1983-03-30 | 石川島播磨重工業株式会社 | turbo compressor |
TW480325B (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2002-03-21 | Shell Int Research | Plant for liquefying natural gas |
US7620481B2 (en) * | 2007-01-10 | 2009-11-17 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Systems for self-balancing control of mixing and pumping |
AU2011256697B2 (en) * | 2010-05-21 | 2016-05-05 | Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company | Parallel dynamic compressor apparatus and methods related thereto |
WO2012012018A2 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2012-01-26 | Dresser-Rand Company | Combination of expansion and cooling to enhance separation |
-
2014
- 2014-03-11 WO PCT/US2014/023293 patent/WO2014159379A1/en active Application Filing
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EP2969157A4 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
WO2014159379A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 |
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