TWI656313B - Modularization of a hydrocarbon processing plant - Google Patents

Abstract

This document discloses a hydrocarbon processing plant, such as an LNG plant. The pipe frame structure has a major axis that is parallel to the main axis of the column associated therewith. A first multi-purpose module that has been sufficiently pre-assembled prior to delivery to an operational position has a spindle that is parallel or perpendicular to the main axis of the tube holder. The first multi-purpose module includes: a processing component that performs one of functions related to hydrocarbon processing or processing; and a piping system that directly connects the processing components to a first adjacent to the first multi-purpose module a second module, and wherein at least a portion of the piping systems are aligned with the main shaft of the pipe frame structure; and at least one heat exchanger located in the first multi-purpose module and operatively coupled to the carbon Processed parts in a hydrogen processing plant.

Description

Modification of hydrocarbon processing plants [Reciprocal Reference of Related Applications]

The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/237,838, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The manner of reference is incorporated.

This disclosure is generally related to the field of hydrocarbon processing plants. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to efficient design, construction, and operation of hydrocarbon processing plants, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing plants.

This section is intended to introduce many aspects of the technology that may be associated with the present disclosure. This discussion is intended to provide a framework for facilitating a better understanding of the particular aspects of the disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that this section should be read from this perspective and not necessarily the recognition of prior art.

As the competition for LNG production contracts increases, it is highly desirable to increase the profitability of future LNG projects. In order to do this, LNG Manufacturers can identify and optimize key cost drivers and efficiencies that apply to each project. Presenting an economical plan in a location with high cost and low on-site labor productivity may require minimizing the extent and extent of on-site labor required to construct and commission an LNG plant. Modular technology is being applied to address this challenge by shifting the scope from on-site construction to construction in specialized manufacturing sites. However, for large-scale LNG projects, architectural-wide modularization can still result in significant on-site integration costs. Thus, in contrast to other modular approaches currently deployed in the industry, it is recognized that it is necessary to remove additional work areas from the factory site in the factory construction industry.

1 and 2 depict a known layout of an LNG production facility, which may be referred to as an LNG column 10. The LNG column 10 includes a plurality of processing units disposed along the central pipe rack 12. The processing units are connected to one another and are connected to any functional unit within the pipe rack via a plurality of conduits and conduits that direct the utility flow, feed gas 14, and resulting products and by-products as needed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the LNG column 10 includes an acid gas removal (AGR) unit 16 that removes CO ₂ and H ₂ S molecules from the feed gas 14 to a low degree to prevent downstream refrigeration and liquefaction. Freeze in the unit. The dewatering unit 18 removes water molecules from the feed gas to a very low level to prevent freezing in the downstream refrigeration and liquefaction unit. Capture heavier hydrocarbons (the HHC) or heavy hydrocarbon removal unit ₂₀₆ ⁺ the molecule to prevent the liquefied refrigerant downstream of the freezing unit below the level necessary to remove from the feed gas C. The dewatering unit 18 can be spaced apart from the HHC unit 20 or, as shown in Figure 1, can be combined into a single module. Other processing units, such as a low temperature heat exchanger and the end flash gas equipment 22, the refrigerant compressor 24 and 26, and C ₃ refrigeration unit 28 is also included. The refrigeration and liquefaction of the feed gas is obtained using any of a number of known refrigeration circuits. By way of example, mechanical refrigeration coolers 30, 32 are included in or on the pipe rack 12, and the resulting extraction crucibles are discharged using ambient cooling heat exchangers, such as in the pipe rack 12 or preferably in a pipe rack. Air fin cooler 34 on top 12 (Fig. 2). Mechanical power is delivered to the refrigeration compressors 24, 26 by one or more drives (not shown). The plurality of drives may be gas turbines, electric motors, or the like. The cryogen superheater and supercooler unit 36 and the cryogen condenser unit 38 are used to superheat, return, condense, and supercool the waste cryogen (such as propane) according to known principles to cool using the surrounding environment. A heat exchanger, such as an air fin cooler, is used to discharge the helium. The LNG train 10 can be further modularized by dividing the pipe rack 12 into modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e. Each of the processing unit and the pipe rack module can be pre-assembled at the manufacturing site or other off-site manufacturing location, transported to the operational site of the LNG train, and joined together to construct a completed LNG train.

The LNG column 10 shown in Figure 1 represents a known attempt to modularize a gas processing plant design and is characterized by the installation of processing units (such as AGR units, dewatering units, and/or HHC units) along the central tube rack 12, And the pipe connections between the spaced apart units are routed through the central pipe rack 12. However, this modularization strategy results in a significant number of pipe connections at the interface between the processing unit and the pipeframe module. Connecting pipe connections at the site is a labor intensive activity. Furthermore, two processing modules are connected (such as AGR unit 16 and Each line 33 of the dewatering unit 18) must pass through the pipe rack to do so, and there will be at least two field connections at the interface of the respective central pipe rack sections that are separately installed at the site through which the wire passes.

Moreover, in ambient air cooled LNG column designs, air cooling heat exchangers 34 are typically mounted in a set or array on top of the central pipe frame structure. The size and number of these heat exchangers can increase the length and width of the central tube frame 12, and as a result, the overall footprint of the LNG column. This arrangement results in a significant number of labor-intensive, bulk-hole pipe connections at the interface between the air cooler tube rack module and the pipe sections running through the pipe rack module, and these connections are typically completed at the operational site rather than at the manufacturing site.

Another attempt to modularize the design of LNG columns uses a small capacity LNG column (~2 MTA) and uses a single natural gas processing module that performs the functions of the AGR unit, the dehydration unit, and the HHC unit. However, if a higher capacity LNG needs to be processed, multiple identical modular columns must be used, which results in the replication of the module interconnects and associated working ranges at the LNG site. Therefore, there is a need for a modular design for high volume hydrocarbon processing plants, such as LNG columns, where the amount of work required to assemble its modular components at the operational site is minimized.

In one aspect, a hydrocarbon processing plant is disclosed. A tube frame structure having a major axis parallel to the main axis of the associated column. a first multi-purpose module substantially pre-assembled prior to being transported to an operating site, the first multi-purpose module having a main parallel to the main axis of the pipe rack axis. The first multi-purpose module includes: a processing component that performs one function related to hydrocarbon processing or processing; a piping system that directly connects the processing components to the second multi-purpose module, where the a second multi-purpose module adjacent to the first multi-purpose module, and wherein at least a portion of the duct systems are aligned with the main shaft of the rack structure; and at least one heat exchanger located at the first plurality The use module is operatively coupled to the machined component of the hydrocarbon processing plant.

The present disclosure also provides a method of a hydrocarbon processing plant. A pipe frame structure has a major axis that is parallel to the main axis of the associated column. A first multi-purpose module that is substantially pre-assembled prior to being transported to an operating site, the first multi-purpose module having a spindle that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the tube frame. The first multi-purpose module includes: a processing component that performs one of functions related to hydrocarbon processing or processing; a piping system that directly connects the processing components to a second module, where the second The module is adjacent to the first multi-purpose module, and wherein at least a portion of the duct systems are aligned with the main shaft of the rack structure, and a plurality of heat exchangers are located in the first multi-purpose module And operatively connected to a machined component positioned in the hydrocarbon processing plant. The plurality of heat exchangers are aligned with the main axis of the first multi-purpose module.

The present disclosure further provides a method of constructing a hydrocarbon processing plant. Provide one column at an operation site. This column has a spindle. A pipe rack structure is provided at the operation site. The tube frame structure has a major axis parallel to the major axis of the column. A heat exchanger set operating along the main axis of the column is provided. Substantially pre-assembled at a manufacturing site separated from the operating site The first multi-purpose module. The first multi-purpose module includes: machined components that perform a function related to hydrocarbon processing or processing; a piping system; and a plurality of heat exchangers operatively coupled to the column Processing the component, wherein the plurality of heat exchangers are aligned with the main axis of the first multi-purpose module. The first multi-purpose module is delivered to the operating site. At the operational site, the first multi-purpose module is operatively coupled to the column such that (a) the main axis of the first multi-purpose module is parallel or substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the tube frame, b) the pipe systems directly connect the machined components to a second module adjacent to the first multi-purpose module, and (c) at least a portion of the pipe systems and the pipe frame structure The spindle is aligned.

The features disclosed herein have been broadly described above, so that the following embodiments can be better understood. Additional features will also be described herein.

10‧‧‧LNG (LNG) column

12‧‧‧Central tube rack

12a‧‧‧ module

12b‧‧‧ module

12c‧‧‧ module

12d‧‧‧ module

12e‧‧‧ module

14‧‧‧ Feed gas

16‧‧‧ Acid gas removal unit

18‧‧‧Dehydration unit

20‧‧‧High hydrocarbon capture or high hydrocarbon removal unit

22‧‧‧Cryogenic heat exchangers and end-flash gas equipment

24‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

26‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

28‧‧‧C ₃ freezer unit

30‧‧‧Mechanical refrigeration cooler

32‧‧‧Mechanical refrigeration cooler

33‧‧‧ line

34‧‧‧Air fin cooler or air cooled heat exchanger

36‧‧‧Refrigerant overheating return and subcooler unit

38‧‧‧Refrigerant condenser unit

300‧‧‧LNG (LNG) column

302‧‧‧ Spindle

304‧‧‧ Spindle

312‧‧‧Central pipe rack

314‧‧‧feed gas flow

316‧‧‧ Acid Gas Removal (AGR) Module

318‧‧‧Dehydration unit

320‧‧‧High Hydrocarbon Capture (HHC) or High Hydrocarbon Removal Unit

322‧‧‧Cryogenic heat exchangers and end-flash gas equipment

324‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

326‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

328‧‧‧C ₃ freezer unit

330‧‧‧Mechanical refrigeration cooler

332‧‧‧Mechanical refrigeration cooler

336‧‧‧Refrigerant overheating return and subcooler unit

400‧‧‧LNG (LNG) column

402‧‧‧ Spindle

404‧‧‧ Spindle

406‧‧‧ front end

412‧‧‧Central tube rack

416‧‧‧ Acid Gas Removal (AGR) Processing Module

418‧‧‧Multipurpose Dewatering/HHC Module

422‧‧‧Cryogenic heat exchangers and end-flash gas equipment

424‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

426‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

428‧‧‧C ₃ freezer unit

430‧‧‧Mechanical refrigeration cooler

432‧‧‧Mechanical refrigeration cooler

436‧‧‧Refrigerant overheating return and subcooler unit

438‧‧‧Refrigerant condenser unit

500‧‧‧LNG column

502‧‧‧ Spindle

504‧‧‧ Spindle

506‧‧‧ Spindle

508‧‧‧ Spindle

512‧‧‧Central tube rack

512a‧‧‧tube module

512b‧‧‧ pipe rack module

512c‧‧‧ pipe rack module

512d‧‧‧tube frame module

512e‧‧‧tube frame module

516‧‧‧Multi-purpose AGR module

518‧‧‧Multipurpose dewatering/HHC module

522‧‧‧Cryogenic heat exchangers and end-flash gas equipment

524‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

526‧‧‧Refrigeration compressor

528‧‧‧C ₃ freezer unit

534‧‧‧Heat exchanger unit

534a‧‧‧ parallel lines

534b‧‧‧ parallel lines

540‧‧‧Heat exchanger unit

542‧‧‧Environmental air fin heat exchanger

600‧‧‧LNG column

604‧‧‧ Spindle

606‧‧‧ Spindle

608‧‧‧ Spindle

612‧‧‧Central pipe rack

616‧‧‧Multipurpose AGR module

618‧‧‧Multipurpose dewatering/HHC module

634‧‧‧ heat exchanger

634a‧‧‧ parallel lines

634b‧‧‧ parallel lines

640‧‧‧heat exchanger unit

642‧‧‧heat exchanger unit

700‧‧‧LNG column

704‧‧‧ Spindle

706‧‧‧ Spindle

708‧‧‧ Spindle

712‧‧‧Central tube rack

716‧‧‧Multipurpose AGR module

718‧‧‧Multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module

734‧‧‧ heat exchanger

734a‧‧‧ parallel lines

734b‧‧‧ parallel lines

740‧‧‧Heat exchanger unit

742‧‧‧heat exchanger unit

800‧‧‧ method

802‧‧ steps

804‧‧‧ steps

806‧‧‧Steps

808‧‧‧Steps

810‧‧‧Steps

812‧‧‧ steps

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an LNG column in accordance with known principles.

Figure 2 is a top view of an LNG column in accordance with known principles.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the LNG column.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the LNG column.

Figure 5 is a top view of the LNG column.

Figure 6 is a top view of the LNG column.

Figure 7 is a top view of the LNG column.

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the figures are only examples, and thus are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the drawings are not to scale, but are designed for the purpose of illustration

In order to facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the features illustrated in the drawings. However, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Any alterations, further modifications, and any further applications of the principles disclosed herein will be considered, and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, for clarity, some features that are not relevant to the present disclosure may not be shown in the drawings.

In the beginning, for ease of reference, the specific terms used in this application and their meanings used in this context are set forth. To the extent that the terms used herein are not defined as follows, the broadest definition of the term that has been given by a person in the related art should be given to the term, as reflected in at least one printed publication or patent. In addition, the present technology is not limited by the use of the terms shown below, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques used for the same or similar purposes are considered to be within the scope of the claims .

As those with the usual knowledge will understand, different people may pass through The same names refer to the same features or components. This document is not intended to distinguish between only parts or features with different names. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Specific features and components may be shown in an exaggerated scale or schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown for clarity and conciseness. When referring to the figures illustrated herein, the same element symbols may be referenced in the various figures for the sake of simplicity. In the following embodiments and in the scope of the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open fashion and are therefore to be interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to".

The articles "a", "an", "an" and "an" are not necessarily meant to mean only one, but are meant to be inclusive and open, so that a plurality of such elements can be optionally included.

As used herein, the terms "approximately", "about", "substantially", and the like, are intended to have a broad scope consistent with the accepted usages of those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field associated with the subject matter disclosed herein. meaning. It is to be understood that the terms of the invention are intended to be construed as a Accordingly, the terms are to be interpreted as inconsistent or inconsequential modifications or variations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. However, when an element is oriented at an angle of between 80 and 100 degrees relative to the reference element, the element is "substantially perpendicular" to the reference element.

The terms "acid gas" and "acid gas" mean any gas that dissolves in water to produce an acidic solution. Non-limiting examples of acid gases include hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S), carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), or sulfur dioxide (SO ₂ ), or mixtures thereof.

The term "heat exchanger" means a device designed to effectively transfer or "swap" heat from one substance to another. Exemplary heat exchanger types include co-current or counter-current heat exchangers, indirect heat exchangers (eg, spiral wound heat exchangers, plate fin heat exchangers, such as brazed aluminum plate fin type, shell-and-tube heat exchange) Or the like, direct contact with the heat exchanger, or some combination of these, and the like.

The "spindle" of a component means a line of symmetry that is parallel to the major linear dimensions of the component. In other words, the element is the longest in the direction of its major axis than along any other axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular thereto.

The term "tube rack" means a structural system that supports pipes, conduits, and the like.

Although the terms "airflow", "vapor flow", and "liquid flow" mean that the gas, vapor, and liquid are mainly present as flows, respectively, but other phases may be present in the flow. For example, gas can also be present in the "liquid stream." In some cases, the terms "gas stream" and "vapor stream" are used interchangeably.

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for standardized design and architecture of a hydrocarbon processing plant, such as an LNG column. In one aspect, a large number of connections between modules and/or processing units can be eliminated by integrating processing equipment and rack components into a multi-purpose module that is connected to other different adjacent modules. In addition, ambient cooling heat exchangers, such as air fin coolers, can be positioned in multi-purpose modules. This is in contrast to the traditional LNG column design, where (1) all processing units and modules are centered around the central tube. The rack arrangement, and (2) the ambient cooling heat exchanger system that vents heat from the processing unit is positioned in or on the central rack.

Figures 3 through 7 of the present disclosure show many aspects of the system and method as compared to known LNG plant layouts. FIG. 3 depicts a hydrocarbon processing plant, and specifically depicts an LNG column 300. The LNG column can have a main axis 302. The LNG column 300 can include a plurality of processing units configured along the central tube rack 312. The central pipe rack 312 can have a main shaft 304. In one aspect, the main shaft 302 of the LNG train 300 and the main shaft 304 of the central rack 312 are parallel to each other. In a further aspect, the main shaft 302 and the main shaft 304 overlap each other, or in other words, coincide. The central pipe rack 312 can be divided into a plurality of pipe rack modules. The processing unit can connect other processing units to adjacent tube rack modules, and/or any functional unit within or associated with the central tube rack 312 that directs the feed gas stream 314 as desired. A plurality of conduits and conduits of the resulting product and by-products. In the aspect shown in Figure 3, the processing unit can include a dewatering unit 318 that can be included to remove water molecules from the feed gas to a low degree to prevent downstream refrigeration and liquefaction unit freezing. Another heavy hydrocarbon processing unit may capture (the HHC) or heavy hydrocarbon removal unit 320, which may be included to the extent of the feed gas is removed from the C ₆ ⁺ molecule to prevent freezing of the downstream cooling and liquefaction unit required the following. The dewatering unit 318 can be spaced apart from the HHC unit 320 or, as shown in FIG. 3, can be combined into a single module. It may also include other processing units, such as a low temperature heat exchanger and the end flash gas equipment 322, refrigeration compressor 324 and 326, and the freezer unit C ₃ 328. The refrigeration and liquefaction of the feed gas is obtained using any of a number of known refrigeration circuits. By way of example, mechanical refrigeration coolers 330, 332 are included in or on the pipe rack 312, and the resulting extraction crucibles are discharged using ambient cooling heat exchangers, such as in the pipe rack 312 or preferably in a pipe rack. Air fin cooler on 312. Mechanical power is delivered to refrigeration compressors 324, 326 by one or more drives (not shown). The plurality of drives may be gas turbines, electric motors, or the like. Using a cryogen superheat receding unit and subcooler unit 336 and a cryogen condenser unit (not shown) to superheat, return, condense, and supercool the waste cryogen (such as propane) according to known principles. Use a surrounding environment to cool the heat exchanger, such as an air fin cooler. Each of the processing unit and the pipe rack module can be pre-assembled at a manufacturing location (such as a manufacturing plant or other location outside the site), transported to an assembly site (such as an expected operational site or location of an LNG column), and connected together to construct a complete LNG column.

LNG column 300 may also include an acid gas removal (the AGR) device or member 314 is removed from the feed gas CO ₂ and H ₂ S to a low level of molecules, in order to prevent freezing of the downstream cooling and liquefaction unit. As shown in Figure 3, the AGR device or component is modularized to form a multi-purpose AGR module 316. The AGR module is called "multi-purpose" because it includes the AGR-enabled machining components, the AGR components to other multi-purpose modules or to the central pipe rack piping, and is operatively connected to the AGR components or connected to At least one heat exchanger (preferably, ambient cooling heat exchanger) of other processing components elsewhere in the LNG column 300. Other processing units can also be defined as multi-purpose processing units as required. The multi-purpose AGR module 316 is positioned at the front end of the LNG train 300, and the piping connections from other portions of the central rack 312 to the multi-purpose AGR module 316 and/or to other processing units can be routed through the multi-purpose AGR module 316. . All ambient cooling heat exchangers used by AGR processing, such as lean amine coolers (not shown) and/or regenerator overhead coolers (not shown), are positioned in or on the multi-purpose AGR module 316. . This configuration eliminates the multiple connections between the multi-purpose AGR module 316 and the central rack 312 that are necessary in the conventional layout configuration illustrated and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. For example, labor costs at the installation site can be saved by eliminating four or more large hole connections (greater than 12 inches or about 0.3 meters) and ten or more small hole connections (less than 12 inches or about 0.3 meters). As another example, an AGR module can include an amine solvent unit for removing acid gases from a natural gas stream. As a further example, the amine system AGR can use two large columns: an amine absorber and an amine regenerator. These two towers can be included in the multi-purpose AGR module 316. Alternatively, the two towers can be erected and connected to a multi-purpose AGR module 316 at the operational site.

Another aspect is shown in the LNG column 400 of FIG. The LNG column can have a main axis 402. The LNG column 400 can include a plurality of processing units configured along the central tube rack 412. The central pipe rack 412 can have a main shaft 404. In one aspect, the main shaft 402 of the LNG train 400 and the main shaft 404 of the central rack 412 are parallel to each other. In a further aspect, the main shaft 402 and the main shaft 404 overlap each other or coincide with each other. The central pipe rack 412 can be divided into a plurality of pipe rack modules. The processing units can be coupled to one another and to any functional unit within or co-located with the central tube rack 412 that directs a plurality of conduits and conduits of the feed gas stream with the resulting product and by-products as desired. . In the aspect shown in Figure 4, the processing unit may include an AGR processing module 416, which may be the multi-purpose AGR processing module previously described. The AGR machining module 416 is disposed along the central pipe frame 412 but is spaced from the main shaft 404 of the central pipe frame 412. As previously described may include other processing units or modules, such as: the end of the low temperature heat exchanger 422 by flash gas equipment; refrigerant compressor 424 and 426; C ₃ freezer unit 428; mechanical refrigeration chiller 430, 432 a refrigerant superheat return collector and subcooler unit 436; and a cryogen condenser unit 438.

The dewatering process can be modularized and integrated with the pipe section or module to form a multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 418. The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 418 can be positioned at an appropriate location for LNG processing, as shown in FIG. 4, which faces the front end 406 of the LNG column 400 and downstream of the multi-purpose AGR module 416. For the purpose of removing heavy hydrocarbons from the natural gas stream, the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 418 can include one or more of a scrubber, a molecular sieve adsorption bed, and a Joule-Thompson assembly. The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 418 can include a molecular sieve adsorption bed for dewatering that may be positioned in parallel with the central tube rack. In another aspect, dehydration with a molecular sieve adsorption bed system associated with having positioned heavier hydrocarbons extracted from a natural gas stream (i.e., C ₆ ⁺ components) associated with the same molecular sieve adsorbent beds in multi-purpose module And wherein the two molecular sieve adsorbent beds are positioned in parallel with the assembly of the pipe rack.

The piping connections from the pipe rack 412 to the multi-purpose AGR module 416 to other downstream processing units or pipe rack modules in the LNG train are routed through the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 418. Used in dewatering and HHC processing All or substantially all of the ambient cooling heat exchanger, such as a regeneration gas cooler, is positioned on or in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module. This solution eliminates the need for multiple connections between the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 418 and the pipe rack 412 that are necessary in the previously described known LNG layout configuration.

Figure 5 shows other aspects of the disclosed invention. The LNG train 500 includes a central pipe rack 512 having a main shaft 504 that overlaps or coincides with the main shaft 502 of the LNG train 500. The central pipe rack 512 includes pipe rack modules 512a, 512b, 512c, 512d, and 512e. Each of the tube rack modules 512a through 512e can be fabricated at the manufacturing site and transported to the assembly site for assembly, which may be the operational position of the LNG train. Other column LNG processing unit 500 may include a low temperature heat exchanger and the end flash gas equipment 522, 524 and the refrigerant compressor 526, and C ₃ freezer unit 528, all herein are as previously described. The other processing units previously described (i.e., the mechanical refrigeration chiller, the refrigerant superheat return eliminator and subcooler unit, and the cryogen condenser unit) form a portion of the LNG column 500 along their major axis 502. A plurality of heat exchanger units 534, which may be referred to as heat exchanger banks, are disposed in or on the central pipe rack 512 along their main axes 504. The heat exchanger unit 534 can be a ambient heat exchanger unit and can be a ambient air fin heat exchanger unit. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat exchanger unit 534 can be arranged in two parallel lines 534a, 534b.

The multi-purpose AGR module 516 is disposed along the main axis 502 of the LNG column 500. The multi-purpose AGR module 516 has a spindle 506. In one aspect, the main shaft 506 is parallel and/or coincident with the main shafts 502, 504. The multi-purpose AGR module 516 includes a heat exchanger unit 540 that is provided for use with the heat exchanger unit Some or all of the required cooling of the AGR equipment or components thereon. The heat exchanger unit 540 can be a ambient heat exchanger unit and can be a ambient air fin heat exchanger unit. Although the heat exchanger unit 540 can be configured along the main shaft 506 and thus at least parallel to the configuration of the heat exchanger unit 534 associated with the central pipe rack 512, the heat exchanger unit can be designed and configured to provide only heat exchange functionality. To the equipment or components in the multi-purpose AGR module 516, and thus may not be considered part of the heat exchanger unit 534, the heat exchanger unit 534 is designed to provide heat exchange functionality to other processing units of the LNG column 500.

The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 518 is also disposed along the main axis 502 of the LNG column 500. The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 518 has a main shaft 508. The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 518 includes a ambient air fin heat exchanger 542 that provides some or all of the required cooling for the dewatering/HHC equipment or components thereon. The heat exchanger unit 542 can be a ambient heat exchanger unit and can be a ambient air fin heat exchanger unit. Although the heat exchanger unit 542 is disposed along the main shaft 508 and thus at least parallel to the configuration of the heat exchanger unit 534 associated with the central pipe rack 512, the heat exchanger unit 542 can be designed and configured to provide only heat exchange. The function is given to equipment or components in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 518, and thus may not be considered part of the heat exchanger unit 534, which is designed to provide heat exchange functionality to the LNG column 500. Processing unit.

Another aspect is shown in the LNG column 600 of Figure 6, which is similar to the LNG column 500. The LNG column 600 includes a spindle having a central tube holder 612 The multi-purpose AGR module 616 and the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 618 of 604 parallel but non-coincident spindles 606, 608. The multi-purpose AGR module 616 and/or the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 618 can be placed such that the respective series of heat exchanger units 640, 642 associated with each other can be aligned with the heat exchanger associated with the central pipe rack 612 One of the two parallel lines 634a, 634b of 634.

Another aspect is shown in LNG column 700, which is similar to LNG columns 500 and 600. The LNG train 700 includes a multi-purpose AGR module 716 having a spindle 706 and a multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 718 having a spindle 708. The multi-purpose AGR module 716 can be placed such that its major axis 706 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main axis 704 of the pipe rack. The series of heat exchanger units 740 associated therewith are aligned with the main shaft 706. The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 718 can be placed such that its main shaft 708 is parallel and/or coincident with the main shaft 704 of the central pipe rack 712. The multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module 718 can be placed such that its associated series of heat exchanger units 742 can align with one of the two parallel lines 734a, 734b of the heat exchanger 734 associated with the central rack 712.

In another aspect, the functions performed by the multi-purpose module can include mechanical refrigeration of the natural gas stream, which can be partially discharged to the surrounding environment by using one or more air and/or water cooled heat exchangers. (ie, to the environment at the operating site). Mechanical refrigeration can be achieved by a cryogen containing propane and/or propylene. Alternatively or additionally, mechanical refrigeration may be achieved in part by a mixed refrigerant comprising methane, ethane and/or ethylene, propane and/or propylene, and/or butane.

The disclosed aspects discuss one or more multi-purpose modules that are assembled and transported to an operational site at a manufacturing location that is separated or remote from the operational site of a hydrocarbon processing facility, such as an LNG plant. And connected to some of the hydrocarbon processing equipment. As discussed herein, it may not be feasible to assemble all of the components or components of the multi-purpose module at the manufacturing location. In accordance with the disclosed aspects, the multi-purpose module can include components that are built or assembled on a multi-purpose module or adjacent to a multi-purpose module, but that are transported to an operational site that is separate from the multi-purpose module. Because the components perform a portion of the functionality associated with the remaining components on the multi-purpose module, such components can be considered part of a multi-purpose module. Moreover, while the disclosed aspects have been described as part of an LNG plant, such aspects can be advantageously utilized in the construction of other hydrocarbon processing plants.

Another aspect uses a refrigerant drive and compressor line module that includes an interstage and discharge cooler for the refrigerant compressor. The compressor discharge flow is directly cooled by an air cooled heat exchanger mounted on top of the compression line module or by a recirculating or tubular water cooling system having a heat exchanger mounted in the compression module. This disclosed aspect can be deployed with an electric motor, a gas turbine, or a vapor compressor drive. Benefits of the disclosed aspects include a reduction in central tube frame size and LNG column footprint, a reduction in the number of process streams (eg, compressor discharge streams) requiring on-site pipe connections to the central pipe rack, and costs associated with these benefits save. Additional benefits can be realized by collaborating with the logistics associated with the reconfigured layout and with the opportunity for more pre-commissioning of the refrigerant drive and compressor system in the manufacturing facility. In an example, it is estimated that the modularization is disclosed in this article. The compressor eliminates approximately 20% of the labor required to structure a single LNG column. Since the LNG processing plant has three or more LNG columns, the savings in construction costs are significant. Furthermore, positioning the air fin cooler on top of the compressor module provides the potential to remove the two tube rack modules and eliminates up to 60 large hole connections required at the assembly site. In addition, approximately 25% of high-reliability soldering (ie, "gold soldering") is also dispensed with. The cost savings associated with the reduced number of connections and welds are expected to be significant.

FIG. 8 depicts a method 800 of constructing a hydrocarbon processing plant in accordance with the aspects disclosed herein. At step 802, at the operational site, a column is provided. This column has a main axis. At step 804, at the operating site, a pipe rack structure is provided. The pipe frame structure has a major axis parallel to the main axis of the column. At step 806, a heat exchanger set is provided that runs along the main axis of the column. At step 808, the first multi-purpose module is fully pre-assembled at a manufacturing location separate from the operational site. The first multi-purpose module includes: a machined component that performs functions related to hydrocarbon processing or processing; a piping system; and a plurality of heat exchangers operatively coupled to the machined component positioned therein, wherein the plurality of The heat exchanger is aligned with the main shaft of the first multi-purpose module. At step 810, the first multi-purpose module is delivered to the operating site. At step 812, at the operational site, the first multi-purpose module is operatively coupled to the column such that (a) the main shaft of the first multi-purpose module is parallel or substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the tube frame, ( b) The piping system directly connects the machined component to the second module adjacent the first multipurpose module, and (c) at least a portion of the pipe system is aligned with the main axis of the pipeframe structure.

The steps depicted in Figure 8 are provided for illustrative purposes only and may be No specific steps can be required to carry out the method of the invention. Moreover, FIG. 8 may not show all the steps that may be performed. The scope of the patent application, and only the scope of the patent application, defines the system and method of the present invention.

The disclosed aspects can be used in hydrocarbon management activities. As used herein, "hydrocarbon management" or "management of hydrocarbons" includes hydrocarbon extraction, hydrocarbon production, hydrocarbon detection, identification of potential hydrocarbon resources, identification of appropriate locations, and determination Proper injection and/or extraction rates, identification of reservoir connectivity, acquisition, configuration, and/or abandonment of hydrocarbon resources, review of previous hydrocarbon management decisions, and any other hydrocarbon-related actions or activities. The term "hydrocarbon management" is also used for the discharge or storage of hydrocarbons or CO ₂ , such as the storage of CO ₂ , such as reservoir evaluation, R&D projects, and reservoir management. The disclosed methods and techniques can be used to extract hydrocarbons and/or process hydrocarbons from subterranean zones. Hydrocarbons and contaminants can be extracted and processed from the reservoir. For example, in LNG plants or other processing plants described herein, hydrocarbons and contaminants can be processed. Other hydrocarbon extraction activities, and more generally, other hydrocarbon management activities, can be performed according to known principles.

It should be understood that many changes, modifications, and variations may be made in the foregoing disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Instead, the scope of the disclosure is to be determined only by the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is also contemplated that the structures and features in this example may be changed, rearranged, substituted, deleted, duplicated, combined, or added to each other.

Claims (20)

A hydrocarbon processing plant comprising: a column having a main axis; a pipe frame structure having a main axis parallel to the main axis of the column; a multipurpose dehydration/heavy hydrocarbon capture (HHC) module Configuring to be pre-assembled prior to being conveyed to an operating position, the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module having a spindle parallel to the spindle of the tube frame structure, the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module containing dehydration/HHC Processing a component that performs the function of removing water molecules/heavy hydrocarbons from the natural gas stream, and at least one heat exchanger is located on the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module; a multi-purpose acid gas removal (AGR) module is Configuring to be pre-assembled prior to being transported to the operating position, the multi-purpose AGR module containing AGR processing components that perform an AGR function of removing acid gases from the natural gas stream, and at least one heat exchanger located at that The AGR module; and a plurality of piping systems directly connecting the dewatering/HHC processing component to the pipe frame structure, and the at least one heat exchanger of the dewatering/HHC module is along the pipe frame structure The spindle configuration and The AGR machined component is directly coupled to the dewatering/HHC machined component, wherein the multipurpose AGR module is adjacent to the multipurpose dewatering/HHC module, and wherein at least a portion of the pipe system is associated with the pipe frame structure The spindle is aligned. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, further comprising an amine solvent unit for removing an acid gas. For example, in the hydrocarbon processing plant of the first patent scope, One step comprises an amine absorber and at least one amine regenerator column, wherein the amine absorber and the at least one amine regenerator column are configured to be erected and connected to the AGR at an installation site of the hydrocarbon processing plant Machined parts. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, wherein the dewatering/HHC processing component contained in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module comprises an order in parallel with the main axis of the pipe structure. Molecular sieve adsorption bed. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 4, wherein the molecular sieve adsorbent bed is a first molecular sieve adsorption bed, and further comprising in the multipurpose dehydration/HHC module and extracting C ₆ ⁺ from the natural gas stream A second molecular sieve adsorbent bed associated with the component, wherein the first and second molecular sieve adsorbent beds are arranged in an order parallel to the major axis of the tubular structure. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, wherein the function performed by the dewatering/HHC processing component contained in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module is to extract C ₆ ⁺ from the natural gas stream ^. component. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 6 wherein the dewatering/HHC processing component contained in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module comprises a scrubber and a Joule-Thompson assembly. One or more of them. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, wherein the function performed by the dewatering/HHC processing component contained in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module is partly by using one or more An air and/or water cooling heat exchanger discharges heat to the surrounding environment to effect mechanical refrigeration of the natural gas stream. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 8 wherein the mechanical refrigeration system is partially realized by a refrigerant comprising propane and/or propylene or a mixed refrigerant comprising methane and ethane. And/or ethylene, and propane and/or propylene. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 9 wherein the mixed refrigerant further comprises butane. A hydrocarbon processing plant as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of operational field assembly or operational field assembly components coupled to the multipurpose dewatering/HHC module, the operations being assembled or operated on site. The component performs a portion of this function associated with the dewatering/HHC processing component contained in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose AGR module has a main shaft that is parallel or perpendicular to the main shaft of the pipe structure. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, further comprising a heat exchanger group disposed along the main axis of the column. A hydrocarbon processing plant according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat exchanger of the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module is aligned with the main shaft of the pipe frame structure. A method of constructing a hydrocarbon processing plant, comprising: providing a column at an operating site, the column having a spindle; providing a pipe frame structure at the operating site, the pipe frame structure having a spindle parallel to the column Spindle Providing a heat exchanger set along the spindle of the column; pre-assembling a multi-purpose dewatering/heavy hydrocarbon capture (HHC) module at a manufacturing location spaced from the operational site, the multi-purpose dewatering The /HHC module includes a plurality of dewatering/HHC processing components that perform a function of removing water molecules/heavy hydrocarbons from the natural gas stream, and a plurality of heat exchangers located in the multipurpose dehydration /HHC module; pre-assembled a multi-purpose acid gas removal (AGR) module at the manufacturing site, the multi-purpose AGR module comprising an AGR processing component that performs an AGR function that removes acid gas from the natural gas stream, And at least one heat exchanger is disposed on the multi-purpose AGR module; the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module and the multi-purpose AGR module are delivered to the operation site; at the operation site, the multi-purpose dehydration/HHC Connecting the module to the column such that a spindle of the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module is parallel to the spindle of the tube frame structure; and connecting the multi-purpose AGR module to the multi-purpose dehydration/HHC module using a piping system To make this multi-purpose AGR At least a portion aligned with the spindle of the frame structure of the shaft tube parallel or perpendicular to the group of the rack structure of the spindle, and such piping systems. The method of claim 15, further comprising: erecting an amine absorber with at least one amine regenerator tower and connecting to the processing components at the operating site. The method of claim 15, wherein the multipurpose The dewatering/HHC processing components contained in the dewatering/HHC module comprise a molecular sieve adsorption bed and further comprising arranging the molecular sieve adsorption beds in an order parallel to the major axis of the tubular structure. The method of claim 17, wherein the molecular sieve adsorption bed is a plurality of first molecular sieve adsorption beds, and further comprising: positioning a plurality of second molecular sieve adsorption beds in the multi-purpose dehydration/HHC module, The second molecular sieve adsorption beds are associated with extracting C ₆ ⁺ components from the natural gas stream; and the first molecular sieve adsorption bed and the second molecular sieve adsorption beds are in a sequence parallel to the major axis of the tubular structure arrangement. The method of claim 15, wherein the function performed by the dewatering/HHC processing components contained in the multi-purpose dewatering/HHC module is partly by using one or more air and / or water cooling the heat exchanger to discharge heat to an ambient environment to achieve mechanical refrigeration of the natural gas stream. The method of claim 19, wherein the mechanical refrigeration is achieved in part by: a cryogen comprising propane and/or propylene, or a mixed refrigerant comprising methane, ethane and/or Ethylene, and propane and/or propylene.