GB2582763A - Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes - Google Patents

Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2582763A
GB2582763A GB1904525.1A GB201904525A GB2582763A GB 2582763 A GB2582763 A GB 2582763A GB 201904525 A GB201904525 A GB 201904525A GB 2582763 A GB2582763 A GB 2582763A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
refrigerant fluid
waste heat
gas
heat generated
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1904525.1A
Other versions
GB201904525D0 (en
Inventor
Bauer Heinz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Priority to GB1904525.1A priority Critical patent/GB2582763A/en
Publication of GB201904525D0 publication Critical patent/GB201904525D0/en
Priority to EP19020458.6A priority patent/EP3719425A1/en
Priority to CN202080026359.XA priority patent/CN113710978A/en
Priority to AU2020255798A priority patent/AU2020255798A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2020/025127 priority patent/WO2020200516A1/en
Priority to EP20713167.3A priority patent/EP3948122A1/en
Priority to US17/593,985 priority patent/US20220170695A1/en
Publication of GB2582763A publication Critical patent/GB2582763A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0047—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/005—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by expansion of a gaseous refrigerant stream with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—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
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0027—Oxides of carbon, e.g. CO2
    • 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
    • F25J1/003—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
    • F25J1/0055—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 originating from an incorporated cascade
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/007—Primary atmospheric gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0072—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/008—Hydrocarbons
    • F25J1/0085—Ethane; Ethylene
    • 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
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/0095—Oxides of carbon, e.g. CO2
    • 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
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0212—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a single flow MCR cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0214—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0214—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle
    • F25J1/0215—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0214—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle
    • F25J1/0215—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle
    • F25J1/0216—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle using a C3 pre-cooling cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0217—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as at least a three level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0235—Heat exchange integration
    • F25J1/0242—Waste heat recovery, e.g. from heat of compression
    • 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
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0262—Details of the cold heat exchange system
    • F25J1/0263—Details of the cold heat exchange system using different types of heat exchangers
    • 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
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0262—Details of the cold heat exchange system
    • F25J1/0264—Arrangement of heat exchanger cores in parallel with different functions, e.g. different cooling streams
    • F25J1/0265—Arrangement of heat exchanger cores in parallel with different functions, e.g. different cooling streams comprising cores associated exclusively with the cooling of a refrigerant stream, e.g. for auto-refrigeration or economizer
    • 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
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0262—Details of the cold heat exchange system
    • F25J1/0264—Arrangement of heat exchanger cores in parallel with different functions, e.g. different cooling streams
    • F25J1/0265—Arrangement of heat exchanger cores in parallel with different functions, e.g. different cooling streams comprising cores associated exclusively with the cooling of a refrigerant stream, e.g. for auto-refrigeration or economizer
    • F25J1/0268—Arrangement of heat exchanger cores in parallel with different functions, e.g. different cooling streams comprising cores associated exclusively with the cooling of a refrigerant stream, e.g. for auto-refrigeration or economizer using a dedicated refrigeration means
    • 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
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0274—Retrofitting or revamping of an existing liquefaction unit
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0283—Gas turbine as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0284—Electrical motor as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0288—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings using work extraction by mechanical coupling of compression and expansion of the refrigerant, so-called companders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0289—Use of different types of prime drivers of at least two refrigerant compressors in a cascade refrigeration system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/029—Mechanically coupling of different refrigerant compressors in a cascade refrigeration system to a common driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/80—Hot exhaust gas turbine combustion engine
    • F25J2240/82—Hot exhaust gas turbine combustion engine with waste heat recovery, e.g. in a combined cycle, i.e. for generating steam used in a Rankine cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2260/00—Coupling of processes or apparatus to other units; Integrated schemes
    • F25J2260/02—Integration in an installation for exchanging heat, e.g. for waste heat recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/12—External refrigeration with liquid vaporising loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/60—Closed external refrigeration cycle with single component refrigerant [SCR], e.g. C1-, C2- or C3-hydrocarbons

Abstract

A method of capturing waste heat produced in a gas liquification process, comprising liquefying a feed gas by heat exchange with a refrigerant, compressing the spent refrigerant in a compressor C1, C2, and capturing waste heat from the compression process (such as by heat exchanger E4) before liquefying the compressed refrigerant fluid. The refrigerant fluid is then pumped with pump P1 to a higher pressure, then superheated with the waste heat from the compression process (from heat exchanger E4). The superheated compressed refrigerant is used to power a mechanical process, such as a work expander X1, which may also generate electrical power.

Description

Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes
Background
Natural gas liquification processes are energy intensive and often use part of the natural gas feed for liquification as the energy source to power the refrigeration processes used in the natural gas liquification process. Depending on the natural gas liquification process used between 5% to 15 % of the natural gas feed for liquification is consumed in generating the power needed for the natural gas liquification process. In addition to the cost of the natural gas feed to power the natural gas liquification process there are additional costs to consider when selecting a natural gas liquification process. A more efficient natural gas liquification process will often require a higher capital equipment cost than a less efficient natural gas liquification process as the more efficient natural gas liquification processes will often require more sophisticated equipment and systems.
In addition, much of the energy generated by consuming the natural gas feed in the efficient natural gas liquification process is often lost or wasted. For example, only 30 to 45 % of the energy (heating value) from the consumed natural gas feed is converted into mechanical shaft power for the gas turbines to drive large refrigeration cycle compressors. The balance of the energy, 55 % to 70 %, generated from the consumed natural gas feed is wasted in many cases, especially if the hot exhaust gas expelled by the gas turbine is not utilised by other systems in the natural gas liquification process.
That said there are systems and processes in the natural gas liquification process that utilise the waste heat contained in gas turbine exhaust gases. Simple systems that recover the waste heat in form of process heat, e.g. in a hot oil system, are used. These systems transfer heat from the gas turbine exhaust gas to process heaters like reboilers of amine regeneration columns, regeneration gas heaters for dehydration systems or any other heat consumer of suitable temperature level.
More sophisticated waste heat recovery systems also use a closed steam cycle, where the waste heat is generating steam, which can be used for work expansion in a steam turbine. The steam turbine will drive any type of refrigeration cycle compressor including dedicated pre-cooling cycles with propane or ammonia, for example, as a refrigerant or act as helper for a gas turbine driven main compressor.
Summary of Invention
The current invention is a method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process comprising, liquefying a gas by a heat exchange process using a refrigerant fluid, compressing the spent refrigerant fluid from the liquefication process by a process that generates excess heat, liquefying at least part of the compressed refrigerant fluid, pumping a portion of the liquefied compressed refrigerant fluid to a higher pressure, heating the portion of the higher pressure liquefied compressed refrigerant fluid by capturing the excess heat generated from the compression of the spent refrigerant fluid, thereby superheating the portion of the higher pressure compressed refrigerant fluid and using the superheated compressed refrigerant fluid to power a mechanical process.
An embodiment of the current invention applies to a natural gas liquification process with at least one compressor being used in the refrigerant cycle for the cryogenic process of the natural gas liquification process. The current invention uses a compressor in the refrigerant cycle, the compressor being driven by a gas turbine or similar power source that generates waste heat in the generation of power to operate the compressor. The current invention uses a work expander with the fluid cycle for the work expander being used to capture the waste heat from the gas turbine or similar power source that drives the compressor in the refrigerant cycle. In an embodiment of the invention, the fluid cycle for the work expander is both pressurised and heated to enable the fluid cycle to capture the waste heat present in the exhaust stream of the gas turbine or other waste heat generated by the power source that drives the compressor in the refrigeration cycle. The resulting superheated fluid produced from the waste energy capturing process is then used as the energy source to power the work expander.
In a further embodiment of the current invention fluid used in the fluid cycle for the work expander is also used for the refrigerant cycle. In this embodiment of the invention a second compressor is also used in the refrigerant cycle, with the second compressor being driven by the work expander. Accordingly, in this embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant fluid used in the cryogenic process to liquification for natural gas, is also used to capture waste heat generated to drive the first compressor to provide energy to drive the work expander which in turn drives the second compressor to further compresses the refrigerant fluid. Accordingly, this embodiment of the current invention offers advantages over other waste energy capturing systems. For example, this embodiment of the current invention does not require the introduction of additional working fluid, like water for example, or the addition of other fluids (e.g. steam, ammonia, propane, etc.) in closed loops.
The current invention provides advantages in the operation of mid-scale (0.3 to 2 million tonnes per year (mtpa)) natural gas liquification systems in that the current invention provides a thermodynamically efficient process with limited equipment costs; thereby obviating the need for more expensive, more efficient waste heat capture systems, such as higher capacity systems which utilize steam to capture waste heat but require higher capital costs than the current invention.
On the other hand, the current invention could be utilized in large-scale (2-10 mtpa) natural gas liquification processing plants that require more than one cycle compressor to meet its capacity needs. For example, in large scale natural gas liquification process plants the optimum speed of the refrigerant compressors is not similar or identical and may require a gearing mechanism between the individual compressors if they are driven by a common gas turbine driver. In case of independent gas turbine drivers an imbalance of the required shaft power for each compressor may also occur. In either of these situations the current invention could be used to provide a waste heat recovery system to overcome the imbalances in speed or power that may occur in the operations of a large-scale natural gas liquification processing plant.
Description of Drawings
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of the prior art that illustrates a waste heat recovery system in a natural gas liquification process that generates steam from the waste heat generated by the gas turbine compressors.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a prior art natural gas liquification process that uses a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) with a two-stage SMR compression process.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of generic example of an embodiment of the current invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) configuration using coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) configuration using plate-fin heat exchangers (PFHEs) in the cryogenic section.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a dual mixed refrigerant (DMR) configuration with three coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section.
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a dual mixed refrigerant (DMR) configuration with three coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section in an alternative configuration to Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant (C3MR) configuration with a single coil wound heat exchanger (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section and independent drivers for the compressors.
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant (C3MR) configuration with a single coil wound heat exchanger (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section and a common compressor driver.
Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) configuration with an N2 expander cycle for LNG sub-cooling for a two-stage cryogenic section in the gas liquification process with at least two compressors for each refrigerant cycle.
Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the current invention using a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) configuration with an N2 expander cycle for LNG sub-cooling for a two-stage cryogenic section in the gas liquification process with at least two compressors for each refrigerant cycle in an alternative configuration to Figure 10.
Detailed Description of Invention
Figure 2 provides a schematic diagram of a prior art natural gas liquification process that uses a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) with a two-stage SMR compression process. In Figure 2 both compressors Cl and C2 are driven by a single gas turbine GT1. As shown in Figure 2 the cryogenic section of the process performs the liquification of the natural gas by a heat exchange process using a mixed refrigerant fluid. In the natural gas liquification process the mixed refrigerant is compressed, cooled and partially liquefied before being recycled in the cryogenic process. As shown in Figure 2 the reservoir D1 holds mixed refrigerant expelled by the cryogenic section which is then fed into the first compressor Cl and heat exchanger El. In the two-stage compression process as shown in Figure 2, the liquid fraction from the first compressor Cl and heat exchanger El is collected in reservoir D2 with the vapour fraction from the first compressor Cl being fed into the second stage of the process through the second compressor C2 and heat exchanger E2. The resulting fraction being collected from the second compressor C2 and heat exchanger E2 being collected in reservoir D3. As shown in Figure 2 both of fractions collected in reservoirs D2 and D3 are fed into the cryogenic section to perform the natural gas liquification process by a heat exchange process.
Figure 4 provides an embodiment of the current invention in a natural gas liquification process that uses a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) with a two-stage SMR compression process. In Figure 4 the second compressor C2 is driven by a work expander X1 instead of a gas turbine. The work expander Xl is driven by superheated fluid delivered by a heat exchanger, E4. The fluid discharged by the work expander Xl is cooled through an economizer E3 and then combined with the mixed refrigerant generated by the first compressor, Cl. The combined fluids are then further cooled by a heat exchanger or similar, El, and collected in a reservoir D2. Part of the combined fluids collected in the reservoir D2 are then pumped by pump P1 to the heat exchanger E3. The cooled fluid pumped into the economizer E3 is heated and then fed into the heat exchanger E4. Heat exchanger E4 is in fluid connection with the warm exhaust gas from the gas turbine GT1 that drives the first compressor Cl. Thereby the heat exchanger E4 uses the heat from the exhaust gas from the gas turbine GT1 to superheat the heated fluid supplied to heat exchanger E4 from the economizer E3. The superheated fluid from heat exchanger E4 is then fed into the work expander X1 to drive the second compressor C2.
In an embodiment of the current invention the cryogenic section can be designed with Co!k Wound Heat Exchangers (CWHEs), Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers (PFHEs) or a combination thereof. For example, Figure 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the current invention using a single mixed refrigerant (SMR) configuration using plate-fin heat exchangers (PEHEs) in the cryogenic section.
In an embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 a partial stream, of 30% to 90% by volume, of the liquid leaving reservoir D2 is pumped by means of pump P1 to at least three times the pressure in reservoir D2. The high-pressure stream from pump P1 is then warmed by an economizer E3 and fed into the superheater E4. The superheater E4 recovers the waste heat from the exhaust stream from the gas turbine GT1 and heats the high-pressure stream from the economizer E3 to at least 180°C, preferably at least 200°C. The hot gas from the superheater E4 is then fed into work expander X1 and let down to a pressure that is slightly above the operating pressure of the reservoir D2. In an embodiment of the invention the pressure of the stream leaving the work expander Xl is high enough to overcome the pressure drop in the heat exchangers E3 and El still meeting the pressure in D2. The stream leaving the work expander X1 is then cooled and at least partially condensed by the economizer E3 and heat exchanger El and then returned to the reservoir D2. The shaft power generated by the work expander X1 is used to drive the compressor C2 to compress the refrigerant which is then stored in reservoir D3 and then fed into the cryogenic section on the process.
As explained in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the pressure ratio of at least three times the suction pressure in reservoir D2 produced by pump P1 results in a similar, only slightly lower pressure ratio in the work expander Xl, which is a preferred operating range for a work expander. Further, the inlet pressure to the work expander X1 can be kept below a pressure of 100 bar which provides an affordable mechanical design. In addition, the increased pressure produced by pump P1 will assure an inlet pressure to the work expander X1 well above the critical pressure of the fluid and thereby avoids any two-phase effects within the fluid. In embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 3 to 11 the refrigerant in the process is being used for two processes, the natural gas liquification process in the cryogenic section and the process of capturing of the waste heat generated from the gas turbine to drive the refrigerant compression process. Other enhancements can be made to the current invention to improve the performance of the current invention. For example, the power output of the work expander Xl could be increased by auxiliary firing of an additional heat source into the flue gas ducts of the gas turbine GT1. The work expansion as performed by the work expander Xl could can be split into sequential steps with, or without, the need to re-superheat the working fluid as desired.
In other embodiments of the invention the shaft power generated by the work expander X1 could be used to drive other processes, such as an electric power generator, a feed gas compression, an end flash gas compression, or any type of refrigerant compression, or other service, which requires power.
The overall refrigerant system will have at least one refrigerant consisting of either a pure component or a mixture of components, in an embodiment of the invention the refrigerant may be condensed at least partially at ambient temperature. In an embodiment of the invention the eligible refrigerant components could include nitrogen and light paraffinic or olefinic hydrocarbons from C1 to C5 (such as CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, C3H8, iC4H10, nC4H10, iC5H12, nC5H12, etc.). The refrigeration system may also include more than one cycle with the additional cycles being pure refrigerant cycles, and/or mixed refrigerant cycles, and/or gas expansion cycles.
Figure 6 is an embodiment of the current invention using a dual mixed refrigerant (DMR) configuration with three coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section and a single gas turbine GT1 being used for both mixed refrigerant circuits. As shown in Figure 6, the configuration decouples a high-pressure compressor C2 from the lower pressure compressors CIA, C1B driven by a common shaft driven by the gas turbine GT1. This embodiment of the current invention also eliminates the need for a gear mechanism, which would be required to run the compressor C2 at a higher pressure and operating speed if compressor C2 has a similar in capacity to either compressor C1A or C1B.
Figure 7 is an embodiment of the current invention using a dual mixed refrigerant (DMR) configuration with three coil wound heat exchangers (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section where the compressors C1A and C1B are driven by independent gas turbines GT1A and GT1B respectively with the capture of the waste heat from both gas turbines GT1A and GT1B being used in heat exchangers E4A and E4B respectively to superheat the fluid fed into the work expander X1. An advantage of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 is the ability to achieve a higher power output from the work expander X1 to drive the compressor C2.
Figure 8 is an embodiment of the current invention using a propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant (C3MR) configuration with a single coil wound heat exchanger (CWHEs) in the cryogenic section. In Figure 8 the compressors C1A and C1B are driven by independent power mechanisms with the waste heat from the gas turbine GT1 driving the compressor C1B being used to superheat the fluid fed into the work expander X1. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 would use an appropriate fluid, such as propane, propylene or other hydrocarbons, for the precooling process. Alternatively, shown in Figure 9, the compressors C1A and C1B can be driven by a common gas turbine GT1.
In other embodiments of the invention where the refrigeration system includes more than one cycle, the additional cycles may be pure refrigerant cycles, mixed refrigerant cycles, and/or gas expansion cycles. In addition, in other configurations one or more gas turbines may be used in parallel or serial configurations. For example, Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative application of the current invention for a gas liquification process using a two-stage cryogenic process. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 a mixed refrigerant cycle is used for pre-cooling and liquefaction and a gas expander process for sub-cooling of the natural gas in separate stages of the cryogenic process.

Claims (9)

  1. Claims 1. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process comprising, liquefying a gas by a heat exchange process using a refrigerant fluid, compressing the spent refrigerant fluid from the liquefication process by a process that generates excess heat, liquefying at least part of the compressed refrigerant fluid, pumping a portion of the liquefied compressed refrigerant fluid to a higher pressure, heating the portion of the higher pressure liquefied compressed refrigerant fluid by capturing the excess heat generated from the compression of the spent refrigerant fluid, thereby superheating the portion of the higher pressure compressed refrigerant fluid, and using the superheated compressed refrigerant fluid to power a mechanical process.
  2. 2. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 1 further comprising the mechanical process is a further compression of the compressed refrigerant fluid.
  3. 3. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 1 further comprising the mechanical process is the operation of a work expander.
  4. 4. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 3 further comprising the heating of the portion of the higher pressure liquefied compressed refrigerant fluid is by heat exchange with the fluid discharged by the work expander.
  5. 5. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 4 further comprising the fluid from the work expander used in the heat exchange is combined with the liquified compressed refrigerant fluid.
  6. 6. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 3 further comprising the mechanical process is a further compression of the compressed refrigerant fluid.
  7. 7. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 6 further comprising the further compression refrigerant fluid is the refrigerant fluid in the liquefying step.
  8. 8. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 1 further comprising the mechanical process generates electrical power.
  9. 9. A method of capturing waste heat generated in a gas liquification process as in Claim 1 further comprising the heating of the portion of the higher pressure liquefied compressed refrigerant fluid is the auxiliary firing of an additional heat source into the captured excess heat generated from the compression of the spent refrigerant fluid.
GB1904525.1A 2019-04-01 2019-04-01 Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes Withdrawn GB2582763A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1904525.1A GB2582763A (en) 2019-04-01 2019-04-01 Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes
EP19020458.6A EP3719425A1 (en) 2019-04-01 2019-08-02 Method and installation for liquefaction of a gas
CN202080026359.XA CN113710978A (en) 2019-04-01 2020-03-12 Method and apparatus for liquefying gas
AU2020255798A AU2020255798A1 (en) 2019-04-01 2020-03-12 Method and system for condensing a gas
PCT/EP2020/025127 WO2020200516A1 (en) 2019-04-01 2020-03-12 Method and system for condensing a gas
EP20713167.3A EP3948122A1 (en) 2019-04-01 2020-03-12 Method and system for condensing a gas
US17/593,985 US20220170695A1 (en) 2019-04-01 2020-03-12 Method and system for condensing a gas

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1904525.1A GB2582763A (en) 2019-04-01 2019-04-01 Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201904525D0 GB201904525D0 (en) 2019-05-15
GB2582763A true GB2582763A (en) 2020-10-07

Family

ID=66443005

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1904525.1A Withdrawn GB2582763A (en) 2019-04-01 2019-04-01 Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20220170695A1 (en)
EP (2) EP3719425A1 (en)
CN (1) CN113710978A (en)
AU (1) AU2020255798A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2582763A (en)
WO (1) WO2020200516A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4332063A1 (en) * 2022-09-02 2024-03-06 Linde GmbH Method and plant for producing ammonia

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6691531B1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2004-02-17 Conocophillips Company Driver and compressor system for natural gas liquefaction
CN106091574A (en) * 2016-06-02 2016-11-09 成都深冷液化设备股份有限公司 Gas liquefaction device with compression heat recovery function and liquefaction method thereof
WO2017079711A1 (en) * 2015-11-06 2017-05-11 Fluor Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for lng refrigeration and liquefaction

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4970867A (en) * 1989-08-21 1990-11-20 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Liquefaction of natural gas using process-loaded expanders
US6308531B1 (en) * 1999-10-12 2001-10-30 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Hybrid cycle for the production of liquefied natural gas
JP4317187B2 (en) * 2003-06-05 2009-08-19 フルオー・テクノロジーズ・コーポレイシヨン Composition and method for regasification of liquefied natural gas
US20080216510A1 (en) * 2006-08-22 2008-09-11 David Vandor Combined Cycle System For Gas Turbines and Reciprocating Engines and a Method for the Use of Air as Working Fluid in Combined Cycle Power Plants
US8464551B2 (en) * 2008-11-18 2013-06-18 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Liquefaction method and system
US20100147024A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-17 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Alternative pre-cooling arrangement
US20120000243A1 (en) * 2009-03-09 2012-01-05 Matthew Bough Separation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen
DE102009018248A1 (en) * 2009-04-21 2010-10-28 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Process for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich fraction
GB2479940B (en) * 2010-04-30 2012-09-05 Costain Oil Gas & Process Ltd Process and apparatus for the liquefaction of natural gas
CN102374153B (en) * 2010-08-19 2014-04-02 大连冷星企业有限公司 Screw-type and piston-type combined double-stage compressor set and intermediate container
DE102016000393A1 (en) * 2015-10-01 2017-04-06 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Process for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich fraction
FR3053770B1 (en) * 2016-07-06 2019-07-19 Saipem S.P.A. METHOD FOR LIQUEFACTING NATURAL GAS AND RECOVERING LIQUID EVENTS OF NATURAL GAS COMPRISING A SEMI-OPENING REFRIGERANT CYCLE WITH NATURAL GAS AND TWO REFRIGERANT GAS REFRIGERANT CYCLES

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6691531B1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2004-02-17 Conocophillips Company Driver and compressor system for natural gas liquefaction
WO2017079711A1 (en) * 2015-11-06 2017-05-11 Fluor Technologies Corporation Systems and methods for lng refrigeration and liquefaction
CN106091574A (en) * 2016-06-02 2016-11-09 成都深冷液化设备股份有限公司 Gas liquefaction device with compression heat recovery function and liquefaction method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020200516A8 (en) 2021-11-25
GB201904525D0 (en) 2019-05-15
US20220170695A1 (en) 2022-06-02
EP3719425A1 (en) 2020-10-07
AU2020255798A1 (en) 2021-10-28
CN113710978A (en) 2021-11-26
EP3948122A1 (en) 2022-02-09
WO2020200516A1 (en) 2020-10-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101060381B1 (en) Motor Driven Compressor System for Natural Gas Liquefaction
CN102334001B (en) Liquefaction method and system
JP5006515B2 (en) Improved drive and compressor system for natural gas liquefaction
AU622825B2 (en) Liquefaction of natural gas using process-loaded expanders
JP5139292B2 (en) Natural gas liquefaction method for LNG
US20020148225A1 (en) Energy conversion system
DK2634383T3 (en) Method and assembly for storing energy
MX2013014870A (en) Process for liquefaction of natural gas.
RU2496066C2 (en) Method of nitrogen double expansion
NO803742L (en) PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR COOLING A FLUIDUM TO BE COOLED TO A LOW TEMPERATURE
EA013234B1 (en) Semi-closed loop lng process
US20100071409A1 (en) Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream
US20170131027A1 (en) Systems and Methods for LNG Refrigeration and Liquefaction
US20070113584A1 (en) Optimized LNG system with liquid expander
US11815308B2 (en) Pretreatment and pre-cooling of natural gas by high pressure compression and expansion
CN100554837C (en) Provide cooling to be used for the method for gas liquefaction
Barclay et al. Thermodynamic cycle selection for distributed natural gas liquefaction
GB2582763A (en) Method and device for the recovery of waste energy from refrigerant compression systems used in gas liquefaction processes
US11806639B2 (en) Pretreatment and pre-cooling of natural gas by high pressure compression and expansion
RU2798109C2 (en) Method and unit for gas liquefication
WO2023012513A2 (en) Gas liquefaction procedure and applying plant
WO2023198311A1 (en) Apparatus and method for transferring a fluid from a subcritical gaseous state into a supercritical state
Chiu et al. Improve Energy Efficiency in LNG Production for Baseload LNG Plants
EP3371535A1 (en) Systems and methods for lng refrigeration and liquefaction

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)