US20180209427A1 - Lng plant including an axial compressor and a centrifugal compressor - Google Patents
Lng plant including an axial compressor and a centrifugal compressor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180209427A1 US20180209427A1 US15/747,178 US201615747178A US2018209427A1 US 20180209427 A1 US20180209427 A1 US 20180209427A1 US 201615747178 A US201615747178 A US 201615747178A US 2018209427 A1 US2018209427 A1 US 2018209427A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- impellers
- compression train
- compressor
- compression
- train
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 90
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 90
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 claims description 49
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 40
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 36
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethane Chemical compound CC OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 20
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- DNORZUSMZSZZKU-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl 2-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)pentyl]oxirane-2-carboxylate Chemical compound C=1C=C(Cl)C=CC=1CCCCCC1(C(=O)OCC)CO1 DNORZUSMZSZZKU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 “APCI”) Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052729 chemical element Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D17/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D17/02—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps having non-centrifugal stages, e.g. centripetal
- F04D17/025—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps having non-centrifugal stages, e.g. centripetal comprising axial flow and radial flow stages
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04D27/02—Surge control
- F04D27/0207—Surge control by bleeding, bypassing or recycling fluids
- F04D27/0238—Details or means for fluid reinjection
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D17/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D17/08—Centrifugal pumps
- F04D17/10—Centrifugal pumps for compressing or evacuating
- F04D17/12—Multi-stage pumps
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
- F04D19/02—Multi-stage pumps
- F04D19/028—Layout of fluid flow through the stages
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/16—Combinations of two or more pumps ; Producing two or more separate gas flows
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04D27/02—Surge control
- F04D27/0207—Surge control by bleeding, bypassing or recycling fluids
- F04D27/023—Details or means for fluid extraction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04D27/02—Surge control
- F04D27/0269—Surge control by changing flow path between different stages or between a plurality of compressors; load distribution between compressors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/26—Rotors specially for elastic fluids
- F04D29/28—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for centrifugal or helico-centrifugal pumps for radial-flow or helico-centrifugal pumps
- F04D29/284—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for centrifugal or helico-centrifugal pumps for radial-flow or helico-centrifugal pumps for compressors
- F04D29/286—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for centrifugal or helico-centrifugal pumps for radial-flow or helico-centrifugal pumps for compressors multi-stage rotors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/26—Rotors specially for elastic fluids
- F04D29/32—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps
- F04D29/321—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps for axial flow compressors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
- F04D29/40—Casings; Connections of working fluid
- F04D29/52—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps
- F04D29/522—Casings; Connections of working fluid for axial pumps especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
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- 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
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- 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
- F25J1/0032—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 the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
- F25J1/004—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 the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by flash gas recovery
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
- F25J1/0082—Methane
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- 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
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- 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
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0203—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
- F25J1/0207—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as at least a three level SCR refrigeration cascade
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0203—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
- F25J1/0208—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle in combination with an internal quasi-closed refrigeration loop, e.g. with deep flash recycle loop
- F25J1/0209—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle in combination with an internal quasi-closed refrigeration loop, e.g. with deep flash recycle loop as at least a three level refrigeration cascade
- F25J1/021—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle in combination with an internal quasi-closed refrigeration loop, e.g. with deep flash recycle loop as at least a three level refrigeration cascade using a deep flash recycle loop
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- 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
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- 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
- F25J1/0218—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 with one or more SCR cycles, e.g. with a C3 pre-cooling cycle
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- 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.
Definitions
- Improvements may derive from e.g. the structure and/or operation of the machines, the connection of machines, or the combination of machines (for example trains of machines).
- Improvements may consist in e.g. increased efficiency and/or reduced losses, increased production and/or decreased wastes, increased functions, reduced cost, reduced size and/or footprint.
- a further LNG process is known in the field of “Oil & Gas” as “AP-X”; this process uses two pure-refrigerants, i.e. propane and nitrogen, and a mixed refrigerant, i.e. a mixture of typically propane, ethylene, and methane; this process is a 3-cycles (two) pure-refrigerants and (one) mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technology; this process is an evolution of the “APCI” process.
- pure refrigerant actually means that one substance is predominant (for example, at least 90% or 95% or 98%) in the refrigerant; the substance may be a chemical compound (for example, propane, ethane, ethylene, methane) or a chemical element (for example, nitrogen).
- Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to LNG plants.
- the LNG plant comprises a compression train and a further compression train.
- the compression train comprises an engine and a compressor driven by the engine;
- the compressor is an axial compressor and comprises a first set of axial compression stages and a second set of axial compression stages arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages; at least the first set and the second set of axial compression stages are housed inside one case;
- the compressor has: one main inlet arranged upstream the first set of axial compression stages, one main outlet arranged downstream the second set of axial compression stages, at least one auxiliary inlet and/or at least one outlet arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages and upstream the second set of axial compression stages;
- the compressor is configured so that a fluid entering the compressor through the auxiliary inlet is redirected from a substantially radial direction to a substantially axial direction and/or a fluid exiting the compressor through the auxiliary outlet is redirected from a substantially axial direction to a substantially radial direction.
- the further compression train comprises a further engine and a further compressor driven by the further engine;
- the further compressor is a centrifugal compressor and comprises a first set of impellers and a second set of impellers arranged downstream or upstream the first set of impellers; the impellers of the first set are centrifugal and unshrouded; the impellers of the second set are centrifugal and shrouded; at least the impellers of the first set and of the second set are housed inside one case; the impellers of the first set and of the second set are coupled to each other through mechanical connections.
- This kind of axial compressor is a high-flow compressor and hereinafter is also referred to as “high-flow axial compressor”.
- substantially axial direction is a direction parallel to the direction of the compressor axis or a direction substantially tangential to the compression flow path, the compression flow path being the path defined by the flow of the fluid during its compression.
- Such LNG plant may implement, for example, 3-cycles pure-refrigerants liquefaction technologies or multiple-cycles pure-refrigerant and mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technologies.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a compression train
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a compression train
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram an embodiment of a compressor that may be a component of the compression train of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram an embodiment of a compressor that may be a component of the compression train of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a LNG plant
- FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a LNG plant.
- FIG. 1 shows a compression train 100 comprising an engine 110 and a compressor 130 driven by the engine 110 .
- the compressor 130 is an axial (i.e. axial flow) compressor and comprises at least a first set of axial compression stages (i.e. one or more stages) and at least a second set of axial compression stages (i.e. one or more stages) arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages.
- the first set includes two stages 311 and 312 , but any number of stages from 1 to e.g. 20 is suitable.
- the second set includes three stages 321 and 322 and 323 , but any number of stages from 1 to e.g. 20 is suitable.
- At least the first set and the second set of axial compression stages are housed inside one case 300 ; typically, all the sets of stages are housed inside this case.
- the compressor 130 has:
- one main inlet 301 for receiving a fluid to compressed (labelled 131 in FIG. 1 ) arranged upstream the first set of axial compression stages the inlet may be directly (i.e. nothing in-between) arranged upstream these stages,
- one main outlet 302 for providing a compressed fluid (labelled 132 in FIG. 1 ) arranged downstream the second set of axial compression stages the outlet may be directly (i.e. nothing in-between) arranged downstream these stages,
- auxiliary inlet and/or at least one outlet arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages and upstream the second set of axial compression stages according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 , there is only one auxiliary inlet 303 that is arranged directly downstream stages 311 and 312 and directly upstream stages 321 and 322 and 323 .
- the first set and the second set of axial compression stages may be arranged to compress the same type of working fluid or different types of working fluid.
- the axial compression stages of the first set process a first flow of the working fluid (see e.g. arrow 301 in FIG. 3 ), while the axial compression stages of the second set process the first flow of the working fluid after that it has been processed by stages of the first set (see e.g. arrow 304 in FIG. 3 ), and a second flow of the working fluid (see e.g. arrow 303 C in FIG. 3 ) entering in an auxiliary inlet (see e.g. arrow 303 in FIG. 3 ).
- a first working fluid enters in the main inlet (e.g. inlet 301 in FIG. 3 ) and exits from an auxiliary outlet ( FIG. 3 does not show an auxiliary outlet), while the second working fluid enters in an auxiliary inlet (e.g. inlet 303 in FIG. 3 ) and exits from the main outlet (e.g. outlet 302 in FIG. 3 ).
- the main inlet 301 is used for receiving a first fluid flow to be compressed and the auxiliary inlet 303 is used for receiving a second fluid flow to be compressed;
- the auxiliary inlet 303 is substantially radially (or perfectly) oriented on an external side 303 A and provides an injection of a fluid flow that is substantially (or perfectly) axially oriented on an internal side 303 C;
- the first fluid flow that is already partially compressed by stages 311 and 312 and that flows axially ( 304 ) and the second fluid flow that is not yet compressed and that flows axially ( 303 C) meet and are compressed by stages 321 and 322 and 323 ;
- the second fluid flow is redirected, i.e. bent, from the radial direction to the axial direction along an intermediate path 303 B from the external side 303 A to the internal side 303 C.
- the sets of axial compression stages may be more than two, for example three or four.
- auxiliary inlets There may be one or more auxiliary inlets.
- auxiliary outlets There may be one or more auxiliary outlets.
- the machine results very compact and only one casing is required for processing more than one flows of fluid.
- the axial injection of one or more side streams of working fluid in the main stream of working fluid processed by the compressor can increase the overall efficiency of the compressor.
- Axial compressor is a type of compressor that, on equal terms, can process higher flow rates than other types of compressor.
- axial compressors are more efficient than centrifugal compressors, so, at the same power, they can compress more fluid, i.e. a higher flow rate of fluid. Therefore, it is advantageous to use axial compressors for propane as the quantity of liquefied natural gas produced is directly proportional to the flow rate of propane.
- axial compressors are, at the same power, smaller than centrifugal compressors. Therefore, it is advantageous to use axial compressors for propane as the size and/or the number of compressors in a plant, in particular an LNG plant, is reduced.
- auxiliary inlet/s and/or auxiliary outlet/s enable the compressor to be more flexible and to adapt the operative conditions of the machine to the process where the compressor is used.
- the auxiliary inlet/s and auxiliary outlet/s may be used to extract working fluid from the compressor and refrigerate it before being reinjected.
- the engine 110 may be an electric motor or a steam turbine or a gas turbine, in particular an aeroderivative gas turbine. It is to be noted that, in addition to a main engine, there may be an auxiliary engine which is connected to the shaft of the compression train (in particular of a LNG plant) to help the main engine when the power absorbed by the compressor exceeds certain thresholds; such auxiliary engine is sometimes called “helper”.
- the engine 110 and the compressor 130 may be connected directly or through a gear train 120 (that is usually part of a gearbox), as shown in FIG. 1 .
- a train identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 3 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed propane.
- LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of three pure-refrigerants (e.g. “CPOC”)
- LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 2-cycles of one pure-refrigerant and one mixed-refrigerant e.g. “APCI”
- LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of two pure-refrigerants and one mixed-refrigerant
- FIG. 2 shows a compression train 200 comprising an engine 210 and a high-compression-ratio compressor 230 driven by the engine 210 .
- the high-compression-ratio compressor 230 is a centrifugal (i.e. centrifugal flow) compressor and comprises a first set of impellers (i.e. one or more impellers) and a second set of impellers (i.e. one or more impellers) arranged downstream or upstream the first set of impellers.
- the first set includes two impellers 411 and 412 , but any number of impellers from 1 to e.g. 20 is suitable.
- the second set includes three impellers 421 and 422 and 423 , but any number of impellers from 1 to e.g. 20 is suitable.
- the impellers 411 and 412 of the first set are centrifugal and unshrouded.
- the impellers 421 and 422 and 423 of the second set are centrifugal and shrouded.
- At least impellers 411 and 412 and 421 and 422 and 423 of the first set and of the second set are housed inside one case 400 .
- the impellers 411 and 412 and 421 and 422 and 423 of the first set and of the second set are coupled to each other through mechanical connections.
- the sets of axial compression stages may be more than two, for example three or four.
- auxiliary inlets There may be one or more auxiliary inlets.
- auxiliary outlets There may be one or more auxiliary outlets.
- At least some of the impellers of said high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor are stacked on each other and mechanically coupled by means Hirth joint.
- the stacked and coupled impellers are tightened together by means of a tie rod, in this way, a very stable and reliable mechanical connection is achieved.
- Each impeller has for example a passing hole at its rotational axis and is configured so that the tie rod can pass through it. A rotor is achieved when the impellers are stacked and tightened together.
- Compressor 230 has a main inlet 401 (labelled 231 in FIG. 2 ), a main outlet 402 (labelled 232 in FIG. 2 ), and at least one auxiliary inlet and/or at least one auxiliary outlet at an intermediate position along the flow path from the main inlet 401 to the main outlet 402 ;
- FIG. 4 shows the general case of one intermediate tap 403 , being in some embodiments an auxiliary inlet (see upward arrow) and being in some embodiments an auxiliary outlet (see downward arrow).
- the second set of impellers ( 421 and 422 and 423 ) are downstream the first set of impellers ( 411 and 412 ), and the impellers ( 421 and 422 and 423 ) of the second set may have a smaller diameter than the impellers ( 411 and 412 ) of the first set.
- the impellers of the first set of impellers ( 411 and 412 ) are unshrouded and with a larger diameter than those of the second set of impellers ( 421 and 422 and 423 ).
- Unshrouded impellers can rotate faster than shrouded impellers, due to the absence of the shroud; in fact, when the impeller rotates the shroud is pull outwardly by the centrifugal force acting on it and over a certain rotary speed the shroud risks to pull out the impeller.
- the compressor can rotate faster than traditional centrifugal compressors thus achieving a greater compression ratio.
- unshrouded impellers and shrouded impellers may alternate between each other; this happens, in particular, when there is one or more auxiliary inlets and/or outlets.
- the engine 210 may be an electric motor or a steam turbine or a gas turbine, in particular an aeroderivative gas turbine. It is to be noted that, in addition to a main engine, there may be an auxiliary engine which is connected to the shaft of the compression train (in particular of a LNG plant) to help the main engine when the power absorbed by the compressor exceeds certain thresholds; such auxiliary engine is sometimes called “helper”.
- the engine 210 and the compressor 230 may be connected directly or through a gear train 120 (that is usually part of a gearbox), as shown in FIG. 1 .
- Centrifugal compressors identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 4 ) may rotate very quickly and so they can reach a very high compression ratio. Therefore, a single innovative centrifugal compressor in a single (and small) case may replace two or more traditional centrifugal compressors in distinct cases.
- a train identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 4 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed methane.
- this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of three pure-refrigerants (e.g. “CPOC”).
- CPOC pure-refrigerants
- a train identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 4 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed mixed refrigerant.
- this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 2-cycles of one pure-refrigerant and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “APCI”), and LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of two pure-refrigerants and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “AP-X”).
- a train identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 4 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed nitrogen.
- this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of two pure-refrigerants and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “AP-X”).
- AP-X mixed-refrigerant
- One or more train identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 3 ) and/or one or more train identical or similar to the one shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 4 ) may be included into a LNG plant.
- FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show embodiments of LNG liquefaction lines 500 and 600 of LNG plants.
- Labels 501 and 601 indicate the gaseous natural gas inlets and labels 502 and 602 indicate the liquefied natural gas outlets.
- Labels 540 and 640 indicate the equipment of the line that processes the natural gas, cools it and liquefies it. The other components of the line provide pressurized refrigerant gasses to such equipment.
- equipment 540 implements a 2-cycles pure-refrigerant and mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technology (e.g. “APCI”); therefore, it uses pressurized propane and pressurized mixed refrigerant.
- APCI pure-refrigerant and mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technology
- equipment 640 implements a 3-cycles pure-refrigerants liquefaction technology (e.g. “CPOC”); therefore, it uses pressurized propane, pressurized methane and pressurized ethane or ethylene.
- CPOC pure-refrigerants liquefaction technology
- the LNG liquefaction line of FIG. 5 there is at least one high-flow axial compressor 510 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing propane from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure.
- the low-pressure propane inlets may be typically two or three or four.
- the LNG liquefaction line of FIG. 5 there is at least one high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor 520 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing mixed refrigerant from at least two different lower pressures to at least two different higher pressures.
- the compressor 520 is fluidly connected to an intercooler 550 by means of a corresponding auxiliary inlet and a corresponding auxiliary outlet of the compressor 520 to provide an inter-refrigeration step.
- the LNG liquefaction line of FIG. 6 there is at least one high-flow axial compressor 610 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing propane from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure.
- the low-pressure propane inlets may be typically two or three or four.
- the LNG liquefaction line of FIG. 6 there is at least one high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor 620 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing methane from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure.
- the low-pressure methane inlets may be typically two or three or four.
- the LNG liquefaction line of FIG. 6 there is at least one compressor 630 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing ethane or ethylene from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure.
- the low-pressure ethane or ethylene inlets may be typically two or three or four.
- a single engine may drive one or more compressors.
- a gear train that is usually part of a gearbox
- a gear train may be used for rotating the two compressors at two different speeds.
Abstract
Description
- Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein correspond to LNG [=Liquefied Natural Gas] plants including an axial compressor and a centrifugal compressor.
- In the field of “Oil & Gas”, i.e. machines and plants for exploration, production, storage, refinement and distribution of oil and/or gas, there is always a search for improved solutions.
- Improvements may derive from e.g. the structure and/or operation of the machines, the connection of machines, or the combination of machines (for example trains of machines).
- Improvements may consist in e.g. increased efficiency and/or reduced losses, increased production and/or decreased wastes, increased functions, reduced cost, reduced size and/or footprint.
- Two main LNG processes are known in the field of “Oil & Gas”:
-
- the C3-MR process designed by Air Products & Chemicals Inc., therefore sometimes referred to simply as “APCI”; this process uses a pure-refrigerant (“C3”), i.e. propane, and a mixed refrigerant (“MR”), i.e. a mixture of typically propane, ethylene, and methane; this process is a 2-cycles (one) pure-refrigerant and (one) mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technology;
- the cascade process designed by Conoco Phillips, therefore sometimes referred to simply as “CPOC”; this process uses three pure-refrigerants, i.e. typically propane, ethylene or ethane, and methane; this process is a 3-cycles (three) pure-refrigerants liquefaction technology.
- A further LNG process is known in the field of “Oil & Gas” as “AP-X”; this process uses two pure-refrigerants, i.e. propane and nitrogen, and a mixed refrigerant, i.e. a mixture of typically propane, ethylene, and methane; this process is a 3-cycles (two) pure-refrigerants and (one) mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technology; this process is an evolution of the “APCI” process.
- It is to be noted that the expression “pure refrigerant” actually means that one substance is predominant (for example, at least 90% or 95% or 98%) in the refrigerant; the substance may be a chemical compound (for example, propane, ethane, ethylene, methane) or a chemical element (for example, nitrogen).
- These known processes are already optimized in term of process but improvements in particular in terms of number of machines and/or footprint of machines used in an LNG plant are still sought.
- Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to LNG plants.
- According to such embodiments, the LNG plant comprises a compression train and a further compression train. The compression train comprises an engine and a compressor driven by the engine; the compressor is an axial compressor and comprises a first set of axial compression stages and a second set of axial compression stages arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages; at least the first set and the second set of axial compression stages are housed inside one case; the compressor has: one main inlet arranged upstream the first set of axial compression stages, one main outlet arranged downstream the second set of axial compression stages, at least one auxiliary inlet and/or at least one outlet arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages and upstream the second set of axial compression stages; the compressor is configured so that a fluid entering the compressor through the auxiliary inlet is redirected from a substantially radial direction to a substantially axial direction and/or a fluid exiting the compressor through the auxiliary outlet is redirected from a substantially axial direction to a substantially radial direction. The further compression train comprises a further engine and a further compressor driven by the further engine; the further compressor is a centrifugal compressor and comprises a first set of impellers and a second set of impellers arranged downstream or upstream the first set of impellers; the impellers of the first set are centrifugal and unshrouded; the impellers of the second set are centrifugal and shrouded; at least the impellers of the first set and of the second set are housed inside one case; the impellers of the first set and of the second set are coupled to each other through mechanical connections.
- This kind of axial compressor is a high-flow compressor and hereinafter is also referred to as “high-flow axial compressor”.
- The above mentioned “substantially axial direction” is a direction parallel to the direction of the compressor axis or a direction substantially tangential to the compression flow path, the compression flow path being the path defined by the flow of the fluid during its compression.
- Such LNG plant may implement, for example, 3-cycles pure-refrigerants liquefaction technologies or multiple-cycles pure-refrigerant and mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technologies.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute an integral part of the present specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, explain these embodiments. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a compression train; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a compression train; -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram an embodiment of a compressor that may be a component of the compression train ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram an embodiment of a compressor that may be a component of the compression train ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a LNG plant; and -
FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a LNG plant. - The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings.
- The following description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of in an embodiment defined by the appended claims.
- Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
- In the following (and according to its mathematical meaning) the term “set” means a group of one or more items.
-
FIG. 1 shows acompression train 100 comprising anengine 110 and acompressor 130 driven by theengine 110. Thecompressor 130 is an axial (i.e. axial flow) compressor and comprises at least a first set of axial compression stages (i.e. one or more stages) and at least a second set of axial compression stages (i.e. one or more stages) arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages. According to the embodiment ofFIG. 3 , the first set includes twostages FIG. 3 , the second set includes threestages case 300; typically, all the sets of stages are housed inside this case. Thecompressor 130 has: - one
main inlet 301 for receiving a fluid to compressed (labelled 131 inFIG. 1 ) arranged upstream the first set of axial compression stages the inlet may be directly (i.e. nothing in-between) arranged upstream these stages, - one
main outlet 302 for providing a compressed fluid (labelled 132 inFIG. 1 ) arranged downstream the second set of axial compression stages the outlet may be directly (i.e. nothing in-between) arranged downstream these stages, - at least one auxiliary inlet and/or at least one outlet arranged downstream the first set of axial compression stages and upstream the second set of axial compression stages according to the embodiment of
FIG. 3 , there is only oneauxiliary inlet 303 that is arranged directlydownstream stages upstream stages - The first set and the second set of axial compression stages may be arranged to compress the same type of working fluid or different types of working fluid.
- When the type of working fluid is the same, for example, the axial compression stages of the first set process a first flow of the working fluid (see
e.g. arrow 301 inFIG. 3 ), while the axial compression stages of the second set process the first flow of the working fluid after that it has been processed by stages of the first set (seee.g. arrow 304 inFIG. 3 ), and a second flow of the working fluid (seee.g. arrow 303C inFIG. 3 ) entering in an auxiliary inlet (seee.g. arrow 303 inFIG. 3 ). - When the types of working fluid are different, for example, a first working fluid enters in the main inlet (
e.g. inlet 301 inFIG. 3 ) and exits from an auxiliary outlet (FIG. 3 does not show an auxiliary outlet), while the second working fluid enters in an auxiliary inlet (e.g. inlet 303 inFIG. 3 ) and exits from the main outlet (e.g. outlet 302 inFIG. 3 ). - In the embodiment of
FIG. 3 , themain inlet 301 is used for receiving a first fluid flow to be compressed and theauxiliary inlet 303 is used for receiving a second fluid flow to be compressed; theauxiliary inlet 303 is substantially radially (or perfectly) oriented on anexternal side 303A and provides an injection of a fluid flow that is substantially (or perfectly) axially oriented on aninternal side 303C; the first fluid flow that is already partially compressed bystages stages intermediate path 303B from theexternal side 303A to theinternal side 303C. - The sets of axial compression stages may be more than two, for example three or four.
- There may be one or more auxiliary inlets.
- There may be one or more auxiliary outlets.
- According to the configuration of the axial compressor defined above, the machine results very compact and only one casing is required for processing more than one flows of fluid.
- Moreover, the axial injection of one or more side streams of working fluid in the main stream of working fluid processed by the compressor, can increase the overall efficiency of the compressor.
- Axial compressor is a type of compressor that, on equal terms, can process higher flow rates than other types of compressor.
- In general, axial compressors are more efficient than centrifugal compressors, so, at the same power, they can compress more fluid, i.e. a higher flow rate of fluid. Therefore, it is advantageous to use axial compressors for propane as the quantity of liquefied natural gas produced is directly proportional to the flow rate of propane.
- In general, axial compressors are, at the same power, smaller than centrifugal compressors. Therefore, it is advantageous to use axial compressors for propane as the size and/or the number of compressors in a plant, in particular an LNG plant, is reduced.
- The auxiliary inlet/s and/or auxiliary outlet/s enable the compressor to be more flexible and to adapt the operative conditions of the machine to the process where the compressor is used. For example, the auxiliary inlet/s and auxiliary outlet/s may be used to extract working fluid from the compressor and refrigerate it before being reinjected.
- The
engine 110 may be an electric motor or a steam turbine or a gas turbine, in particular an aeroderivative gas turbine. It is to be noted that, in addition to a main engine, there may be an auxiliary engine which is connected to the shaft of the compression train (in particular of a LNG plant) to help the main engine when the power absorbed by the compressor exceeds certain thresholds; such auxiliary engine is sometimes called “helper”. - The
engine 110 and thecompressor 130 may be connected directly or through a gear train 120 (that is usually part of a gearbox), as shown inFIG. 1 . - A train identical or similar to the one shown in
FIG. 1 (andFIG. 3 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed propane. For example, this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of three pure-refrigerants (e.g. “CPOC”), LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 2-cycles of one pure-refrigerant and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “APCI”), and LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of two pure-refrigerants and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “AP-X”). -
FIG. 2 shows acompression train 200 comprising anengine 210 and a high-compression-ratio compressor 230 driven by theengine 210. The high-compression-ratio compressor 230 is a centrifugal (i.e. centrifugal flow) compressor and comprises a first set of impellers (i.e. one or more impellers) and a second set of impellers (i.e. one or more impellers) arranged downstream or upstream the first set of impellers. According to the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , the first set includes twoimpellers FIG. 4 , the second set includes threeimpellers impellers impellers least impellers case 400. Theimpellers - The sets of axial compression stages may be more than two, for example three or four.
- There may be one or more auxiliary inlets.
- There may be one or more auxiliary outlets.
- As in the embodiment of
FIG. 4 , at least some of the impellers of said high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor are stacked on each other and mechanically coupled by means Hirth joint. The stacked and coupled impellers are tightened together by means of a tie rod, in this way, a very stable and reliable mechanical connection is achieved. Each impeller has for example a passing hole at its rotational axis and is configured so that the tie rod can pass through it. A rotor is achieved when the impellers are stacked and tightened together. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 4 allimpellers tie rod 430. -
Compressor 230 has a main inlet 401 (labelled 231 inFIG. 2 ), a main outlet 402 (labelled 232 inFIG. 2 ), and at least one auxiliary inlet and/or at least one auxiliary outlet at an intermediate position along the flow path from themain inlet 401 to themain outlet 402;FIG. 4 shows the general case of oneintermediate tap 403, being in some embodiments an auxiliary inlet (see upward arrow) and being in some embodiments an auxiliary outlet (see downward arrow). - As in the embodiment of
FIG. 4 , the second set of impellers (421 and 422 and 423) are downstream the first set of impellers (411 and 412), and the impellers (421 and 422 and 423) of the second set may have a smaller diameter than the impellers (411 and 412) of the first set. - According to the embodiment of
FIG. 4 , the impellers of the first set of impellers (411 and 412) are unshrouded and with a larger diameter than those of the second set of impellers (421 and 422 and 423). - Unshrouded impellers can rotate faster than shrouded impellers, due to the absence of the shroud; in fact, when the impeller rotates the shroud is pull outwardly by the centrifugal force acting on it and over a certain rotary speed the shroud risks to pull out the impeller.
- Thanks to the rotor configuration of the high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor defined above, the compressor can rotate faster than traditional centrifugal compressors thus achieving a greater compression ratio.
- It is to be noted that unshrouded impellers and shrouded impellers may alternate between each other; this happens, in particular, when there is one or more auxiliary inlets and/or outlets.
- The
engine 210 may be an electric motor or a steam turbine or a gas turbine, in particular an aeroderivative gas turbine. It is to be noted that, in addition to a main engine, there may be an auxiliary engine which is connected to the shaft of the compression train (in particular of a LNG plant) to help the main engine when the power absorbed by the compressor exceeds certain thresholds; such auxiliary engine is sometimes called “helper”. - The
engine 210 and thecompressor 230 may be connected directly or through a gear train 120 (that is usually part of a gearbox), as shown inFIG. 1 . - Centrifugal compressors identical or similar to the one shown in
FIG. 2 (andFIG. 4 ) may rotate very quickly and so they can reach a very high compression ratio. Therefore, a single innovative centrifugal compressor in a single (and small) case may replace two or more traditional centrifugal compressors in distinct cases. - Furthermore, thanks to high rotation speeds of the impellers, high flow coefficients may be obtained.
- A train identical or similar to the one shown in
FIG. 2 (andFIG. 4 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed methane. For example, this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of three pure-refrigerants (e.g. “CPOC”). - A train identical or similar to the one shown in
FIG. 2 (andFIG. 4 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed mixed refrigerant. For example, this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 2-cycles of one pure-refrigerant and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “APCI”), and LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of two pure-refrigerants and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “AP-X”). - A train identical or similar to the one shown in
FIG. 2 (andFIG. 4 ) is, in one embodiment, arranged to provide compressed nitrogen. For example, this is the case of LNG plants that implement liquefaction technologies with 3-cycles of two pure-refrigerants and one mixed-refrigerant (e.g. “AP-X”). - One or more train identical or similar to the one shown in
FIG. 1 (andFIG. 3 ) and/or one or more train identical or similar to the one shown inFIG. 2 (andFIG. 4 ) may be included into a LNG plant. - By using such trains with such compressors, a higher LNG production may be obtained in a smaller space and/or in a smaller footprint and with a lesser number of machines.
- It is to be noted that having only one case instead of two or more cases is advantageous from many points of view:
- it simplifies installation and maintenance, it reduces maintenance time, it increases reliability (less components and less likelihood of failure), it reduces footprint and weight of machines, it reduces leakages of gasses, it reduces the complexity and size of the lubricant oil system.
-
FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 show embodiments ofLNG liquefaction lines Labels labels Labels - For example,
equipment 540 implements a 2-cycles pure-refrigerant and mixed-refrigerant liquefaction technology (e.g. “APCI”); therefore, it uses pressurized propane and pressurized mixed refrigerant. - For example,
equipment 640 implements a 3-cycles pure-refrigerants liquefaction technology (e.g. “CPOC”); therefore, it uses pressurized propane, pressurized methane and pressurized ethane or ethylene. - In the LNG liquefaction line of
FIG. 5 , there is at least one high-flow axial compressor 510 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing propane from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure. The low-pressure propane inlets may be typically two or three or four. - In the LNG liquefaction line of
FIG. 5 , there is at least one high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor 520 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing mixed refrigerant from at least two different lower pressures to at least two different higher pressures. Thecompressor 520 is fluidly connected to anintercooler 550 by means of a corresponding auxiliary inlet and a corresponding auxiliary outlet of thecompressor 520 to provide an inter-refrigeration step. There may be more than one inter-refrigeration steps, for example two or three, in such LNG liquefaction line. - In the LNG liquefaction line of
FIG. 5 , there may be at least one compressor (not shown) (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing nitrogen from a lower pressure to a higher pressure. - In the LNG liquefaction line of
FIG. 6 , there is at least one high-flow axial compressor 610 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing propane from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure. The low-pressure propane inlets may be typically two or three or four. - In the LNG liquefaction line of
FIG. 6 , there is at least one high-compression-ratio centrifugal compressor 620 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing methane from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure. The low-pressure methane inlets may be typically two or three or four. - In the LNG liquefaction line of
FIG. 6 , there is at least one compressor 630 (driven by an engine not shown in the figure) in a single case for compressing ethane or ethylene from at least two different lower pressures to a higher pressure. The low-pressure ethane or ethylene inlets may be typically two or three or four. - It is to be noted that, depending on the power of the engines used and the power of the compressors used, a single engine may drive one or more compressors.
- When a single engine drives e.g. two compressors, a gear train (that is usually part of a gearbox) may be used for rotating the two compressors at two different speeds.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (12)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITUB2015A002501A ITUB20152501A1 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2015-07-24 | COMPRESSION TRAIN WITH A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR AND LNG SYSTEM WITH A CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR |
IT102015000038073 | 2015-07-24 | ||
ITUB2015A002489A ITUB20152489A1 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2015-07-24 | COMPRESSION TRAIN WITH AN AXIAL COMPRESSOR AND LNG SYSTEM WITH AN AXIAL COMPRESSOR |
IT102015000038051 | 2015-07-24 | ||
PCT/EP2016/067567 WO2017017025A1 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2016-07-22 | Lng plant including an axial compressor and a centrifugal compressor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180209427A1 true US20180209427A1 (en) | 2018-07-26 |
Family
ID=56497794
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/747,178 Abandoned US20180209427A1 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2016-07-22 | Lng plant including an axial compressor and a centrifugal compressor |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20180209427A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3325811A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2019502046A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20180040153A (en) |
CN (1) | CN107850077A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112018001366A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017017025A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180347571A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2018-12-06 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation | Centrifugal compressor |
US11821433B2 (en) * | 2016-01-18 | 2023-11-21 | Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.R.L | Rotary machine with improved shaft |
Family Cites Families (9)
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GB580841A (en) * | 1941-05-07 | 1946-09-23 | David Macleish Smith | Improvements in gas impressors |
CH579218A5 (en) * | 1974-06-17 | 1976-08-31 | Bbc Sulzer Turbomaschinen | |
US7069733B2 (en) * | 2003-07-30 | 2006-07-04 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Utilization of bogdown of single-shaft gas turbines to minimize relief flows in baseload LNG plants |
US6962060B2 (en) * | 2003-12-10 | 2005-11-08 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Refrigeration compression system with multiple inlet streams |
GB0400986D0 (en) * | 2004-01-16 | 2004-02-18 | Cryostar France Sa | Compressor |
US8360744B2 (en) * | 2008-03-13 | 2013-01-29 | Compressor Controls Corporation | Compressor-expander set critical speed avoidance |
KR101606364B1 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2016-03-25 | 쉘 인터내셔날 리써취 마트샤피지 비.브이. | Method and apparatus for controlling a compressor and method of cooling a hydrocarbon stream |
EP2769159B1 (en) * | 2011-10-21 | 2018-01-10 | Single Buoy Moorings, Inc. | Multi nitrogen expansion process for lng production |
ITCO20120030A1 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2013-12-07 | Nuovo Pignone Srl | HIGH PRESSURE-RELATED COMPRESSORS WITH MULTIPLE INTERCOOLER AND RELATED METHODS |
-
2016
- 2016-07-22 BR BR112018001366A patent/BR112018001366A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2016-07-22 EP EP16741347.5A patent/EP3325811A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-07-22 CN CN201680043560.2A patent/CN107850077A/en active Pending
- 2016-07-22 KR KR1020187004088A patent/KR20180040153A/en unknown
- 2016-07-22 JP JP2018501356A patent/JP2019502046A/en active Pending
- 2016-07-22 US US15/747,178 patent/US20180209427A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-07-22 WO PCT/EP2016/067567 patent/WO2017017025A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180347571A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2018-12-06 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation | Centrifugal compressor |
US10670025B2 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2020-06-02 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation | Centrifugal compressor |
US11821433B2 (en) * | 2016-01-18 | 2023-11-21 | Nuovo Pignone Tecnologie S.R.L | Rotary machine with improved shaft |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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BR112018001366A2 (en) | 2018-12-04 |
JP2019502046A (en) | 2019-01-24 |
CN107850077A (en) | 2018-03-27 |
KR20180040153A (en) | 2018-04-19 |
WO2017017025A1 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
EP3325811A1 (en) | 2018-05-30 |
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