Cooling device for intercooler of chlorine compressor

Abstract

The invention provides a chlorine compressor intercooler cooling device which comprises an intercooler and further comprises a pure water circulating pipeline, the pure water circulating pipeline exchanges heat with an intercooler cooling pipeline, and after the pure water circulating pipeline exchanges heat with the intercooler cooling pipeline, pure water is cooled through a closed cooler and then returns to be recycled. According to the invention, the energy consumption is reduced, and the safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to chemical equipment, in particular to a cooling system and device for a chlorine compressor intercooler. Background Art

[0002] The cooling system of a chlorine compressor is a crucial component, playing a key role in the entire chlor-alkali production process. The cooling system is primarily designed to effectively remove heat generated by high-speed operation and friction during the compression and transportation of chlorine gas, ensuring the continuous, stable, and safe operation of the chlorine compressor.

[0003] After being washed, cooled, and dried, the wet chlorine gas is drawn into the first stage inlet of the chlorine compressor's main engine, where it is passed through the high-speed rotating impeller to generate work. During this process, some of the kinetic energy is converted into internal energy, causing the chlorine gas's temperature to rise. To control the temperature and ensure the proper functioning of the chlorine compressor, this heat must be removed promptly. This is where the cooling device plays a crucial role.

[0004] The cooling system typically includes a volute, which draws out the compressed chlorine gas and provides intermediate cooling. The volute's design allows the flow area to expand as the outer diameter gradually increases during the gas collection process. This not only reduces the speed and pressure but also helps dissipate heat more effectively. The cooling system effectively controls the temperature of the chlorine gas, ensuring continuous and stable operation of the impellers at all levels of the chlorine compressor.

[0005] Furthermore, the performance and efficiency of the cooling system directly impact the lifespan and operating costs of the chlorine compressor. Therefore, the maintenance and upkeep of the cooling system are equally crucial in chlor-alkali production. Regular inspection, cleaning, and repair ensure that the cooling system remains in optimal working condition, providing a strong guarantee for the long-term, stable operation of the chlorine compressor. In short, the cooling system in a chlorine compressor is an integral part of the entire production system, and its efficient operation is crucial to ensuring the smooth operation of the entire chlor-alkali industry.

[0006] Chinese patent CN205559370U discloses a chlorine compressor intercooler circulating water system designed to reduce pressure in the chlorine compressor intercooler's circulating water circuit and minimize the amount of circulating water leaking into the chlorine gas supply, thereby mitigating corrosion damage to downstream equipment and pipelines. The system primarily comprises an intercooler assembly, a pressure-free return tank, a pressure-free return pump, a circulating water return pipeline, and a sewage pipe. The intercooler assembly consists of a primary and secondary intercooler connected in parallel, both coated with rust- and acid-resistant paint. The circulating water supply pipe connects to the pressure-free return tank. The pressure-free return tank is connected to the pressure-free return pump via a supply pipe and is equipped with an outlet regulating valve that connects to the circulating water return pipe and sewage pipe. The system is also equipped with online pH and free chlorine monitoring alarms to monitor water quality in real time. This system effectively treats chlorinated circulating water, preventing corrosion of other equipment while facilitating reconnection to the original circulating water pipe during maintenance.

[0007] Chinese patent CN216481835U proposes an innovative chlorine compressor intercooler circulating water system. This system effectively reduces the heat energy generated by the compressed gas in the chlorine compressor by arranging a circulating water cooling component under the intercooler. The circulating water cooling component includes a cooling room, a water circulation component and a heat exchange component. The cooling room is located under the intercooler and is equipped with a water circulation component for circulating the cooling liquid. The heat exchange component is responsible for cooling the heated liquid. The system uses a temperature-controlled water pump to automatically sense the liquid temperature and start the cooling operation to ensure that the liquid maintains a low temperature during the circulation process. In addition, the system is designed with components such as off-ground brackets and sealing rubber rings to enhance the stability and sealing of the structure. This system can not only effectively reduce energy consumption costs and reduce liquid losses, but also operate in a semi-sealed environment, extending the service life of the equipment and improving overall production efficiency.

[0008] However, the quality problem of circulating water leads to a short service life of the intercooler (chloride ions corrode the tubes), and even if it is not discovered in time, it will cause serious safety accidents and environmental pollution accidents; such problems have always plagued industrial production. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provides a new cooling device for a chlorine compressor intercooler.

[0010] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following scheme:

[0011] A chlorine compressor intercooler cooling device includes an intercooler and a pure water circulation pipeline. The pure water circulation pipeline performs heat exchange with the intercooler cooling pipeline. After the heat exchange between the pure water circulation pipeline and the intercooler cooling pipeline, the pure water is cooled in a closed cooler and then returned for circulation.

[0012] Furthermore, a pure water preparation and storage system includes a pure water preparation device and a pure water storage tank. The pure water preparation device is a reverse osmosis water treatment system or an ion exchange device, which is used to prepare pure water that meets the requirements and ensure that the intercooler has sufficient pure water supply during continuous operation.

[0013] Furthermore, the pure water preparation device is connected to the pure water storage tank via a pipeline.

[0014] Furthermore, a closed cooler is included, which is used to perform heat exchange between pure water and circulating water to achieve cooling and recycling of pure water.

[0015] Furthermore, the closed cooler is provided with sufficient heat exchange area.

[0016] Furthermore, the pure water circulation pipeline system, the closed cooler and the closed circulation pump together constitute a closed cooling system.

[0017] Furthermore, an air pump is fixedly connected to the side of the intercooler, and the air pump is used to continuously supply chlorine gas into the intercooler.

[0018] Furthermore, an air charging pipe is provided on the side of the intercooler, and a supercharger is fixedly provided on the side of one end of the air charging pipe away from the intercooler, and the supercharger pressurizes the gas fed into it.

[0019] Furthermore, a bracket compatible with the pure water cooling system is fixedly connected to the side wall of the intercooler, and the bracket is used to support and fix relevant components of the pure water cooling system.

[0020] Furthermore, an output pipe is provided through the bottom end of the intercooler, and a shut-off valve is provided on the output pipe for controlling the flow rate and flow velocity of the output gas.

[0021] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0022] Extend equipment life. Changing the cooling medium to pure water, which is non-corrosive, can effectively avoid intercooler tube corrosion caused by circulating water quality problems, thereby significantly extending the service life of the intercooler.

[0023] Improve system cleanliness and operating efficiency. Pure water, as a cooling medium, is characterized by its high cleanliness, which can reduce system contamination caused by water impurities and improve overall system efficiency. The use of pure water also ensures stable and consistent cooling effects, contributing to the efficient and stable operation of the chlorine compressor.

[0024] Energy conservation and emission reduction. The introduction of a closed cooling system and closed circulation pump reduces power consumption compared to the original circulating water pump (e.g., from 45 kW to 22 kW), significantly reducing electricity consumption. This not only reduces production costs but also aligns with current green and low-carbon environmental protection concepts. The high heat exchange efficiency of the closed cooling system allows for more efficient energy utilization, further improving the system's energy efficiency.

[0025] Reduced environmental pollution risks. The introduction of a closed cooling system reduces pure water loss and environmental pollution risks caused by system leaks. Compared to open circulating water systems, closed systems can better control media leakage, protecting the environment and ecological safety.

[0026] Improved system stability and reliability. This improvement program enhances the stability and reliability of the chlorine compressor intercooler by optimizing the cooling medium and cooling system. This stable cooling effect helps reduce fluctuations in the chlorine compressor caused by temperature changes, thereby improving operational stability and product quality across the entire production line.

[0027] Easy maintenance and repair. The closed cooler features heat exchange components that are easily disassembled and replaced, significantly reducing maintenance effort and costs. Furthermore, the pure water cooling system's components are relatively straightforward, facilitating routine inspections and troubleshooting by maintenance personnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in describing the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the contents of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without any creative work.

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an intercooler device in the prior art;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an improved intercooler cooling device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved by the present invention more clearly understood, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] The schematic diagram of the intercooler in the prior art is shown in FIG. Figure 1 , combined with the attached Figure 1 The following is an introduction to the technical solution of the chlorine compressor intercooler circulating water system in the prior art.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional chlorine compressor intercooler circulating water system mainly includes an intercooler assembly, a pressure-free return water tank 3, a pressure-free return water pump 4, a circulating water return line 5, a sewage pipe 6, an online pH value monitoring alarm 7, and an online free chlorine monitoring alarm 8. The intercooler assembly consists of a primary intercooler 1 and a secondary intercooler 2 connected in parallel.

[0034] In terms of structural design, both the first-stage intercooler 1 and the second-stage intercooler 2 are connected to the pressure-free return water tank 3 via delivery pipelines. These two delivery pipelines are respectively equipped with an online pH value monitoring alarm 7 and a free chlorine online monitoring alarm 8 for real-time monitoring of the circulating water quality. The pressure-free return water tank 3 is further connected to the pressure-free return water pump 4 via delivery pipelines. An outlet regulating valve 9 is installed on one side of the pressure-free return water tank 3. This valve is connected to the circulating water return pipeline 5 and the sewage pipe 6 to regulate the flow direction of return water and drainage. The pressure-free return water pump 4 is connected to the circulating water return pipeline 5 and the sewage pipe 6 via two delivery pipelines, respectively, to enable the reuse or discharge of the circulating water.

[0035] In practice, both the primary intercooler 1 and the secondary intercooler 2 are fixed tube-and-sheet shell-and-tube coolers, their inner walls coated with rust- and acid-resistant paint to enhance corrosion resistance. Both the primary and secondary intercoolers 1 and 2 within the intercooler assembly are also connected to the circulating water return line 5 via separate delivery lines with shutoff valves, allowing for isolation and maintenance when necessary.

[0036] In terms of operating principle, the prior art chlorine compressor intercooler circulating water system reduces the pressure on the circulating water side of the primary and secondary intercoolers 1 and 2, thereby reducing the amount of circulating water leaking into the chlorine gas stream, thereby minimizing corrosion damage to downstream equipment and pipelines. In the event of an intercooler leak, the system directly discharges the chlorine-containing circulating water into the sewage pipe 6 to prevent corrosion of other heat exchange equipment. Furthermore, if valves, pumps, instrumentation, and other components in the non-pressure return system malfunction and require maintenance, the system can be switched back to the original circulating water pipe to ensure continuous system operation.

[0037] The inventors discovered that conventional chlorine compressor intercoolers use circulating water as the refrigerant. However, in actual operation, the intercooler's service life is significantly shortened due to issues with the circulating water's quality. Specifically, chloride ions in the circulating water corrode the intercooler's tubes, impacting heat exchange efficiency and potentially leading to tube leaks, potentially causing serious safety and environmental hazards.

[0038] Chloride ion corrosion is a serious problem. In the chlor-alkali industry, chlorine is one of the primary raw materials. Chloride ions in circulating water react with components in the chlorine to produce corrosive substances. These corrosive substances continuously erode the intercooler tubes, gradually thinning their walls and ultimately causing leaks. Once a leak occurs in the intercooler tubes, the circulating water enters the chlorine side and mixes with the chlorine to form highly corrosive and toxic substances. These substances not only corrode and damage subsequent equipment and pipelines but can also leak into the environment, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health.

[0039] In order to solve this problem and ensure that the intercooler circulating water return water can be delivered to the circulating water main in time, the existing technology adopts specific circulating water pump parameters. For example, the design parameters of the circulating water pump are: flow rate Q = 200m 3 / h, head H = 50m, power = 45kW, and a one-in-operation and one-in-standby configuration. However, this design presented new operational challenges. The circulating water pump required high power and continuous operation to maintain the intercooler's return water pressure, resulting in high energy consumption. This not only increased production costs but also placed a certain burden on the environment.

[0040] In order to solve the corrosion and energy consumption problems, the present invention proposes the following solutions:

[0041] Switch the intercooler's cooling medium from circulating water to pure water. Pure water, as a cooling medium, offers advantages such as non-corrosiveness, high thermal conductivity, and excellent cleanliness. It effectively prevents equipment corrosion caused by water quality issues, thereby extending the intercooler's service life. Furthermore, the use of pure water reduces contamination of the system by impurities caused by corrosion, improving overall system efficiency.

[0042] The pure water circulation piping system 10, the closed-loop cooler 11, and the closed-loop pump 12 together form a highly efficient closed-loop cooling system. This system replaces the intercooler's cooling medium with pure water instead of conventional circulating water. Leveraging pure water's non-corrosive properties, high thermal conductivity, and high cleanliness, it effectively prevents equipment corrosion, extends intercooler life, reduces system contamination, and improves overall operating efficiency.

[0043] The closed cooler 11 introduced in the system is responsible for the heat exchange between pure water and circulating water, realizing the cooling and recycling of pure water. The closed circulation pump 12, design parameters (Q = 200m 3 / h, H = 18m, power = 22kW), efficiently delivering cooled pure water to the intercooler, which is more energy-efficient than the original circulating water pump. Furthermore, the use of a closed system significantly reduces pure water loss and environmental pollution risks caused by system leakage.

[0044] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention can also include a pure water cooling system, including: a pure water preparation and storage system; a pure water preparation device, such as a reverse osmosis water treatment system or ion exchange equipment, is added to the system to produce pure water that meets the requirements. Sufficient pure water storage tanks are also provided to ensure an adequate supply of pure water to the intercooler during continuous operation. A dedicated pure water circulation piping system is added to direct pure water from the intercooler, pass it through a closed-loop cooler for cooling, and then return it to the intercooler for recycling. Necessary valves, filters, and other accessories are installed in the piping system to ensure smooth pure water flow and stable system operation. A closed-loop cooler is added; the closed-loop cooler is designed using high-efficiency heat exchange materials and technologies, offering advantages such as high heat exchange efficiency and strong corrosion resistance. Sufficient heat exchange area is provided in the closed-loop cooler to ensure sufficient heat exchange between the pure water and the circulating water. Furthermore, considering the maintenance and overhaul requirements of the equipment, heat exchange elements should be installed in the closed-loop cooler to facilitate removal and replacement.

[0045] Example 1:

[0046] During the operation of a chlorine compressor, the intercooler is a key component, and its cooling performance directly impacts the overall system's efficiency and stability. Traditional intercoolers typically use circulating water as a refrigerant. However, over long periods of operation, impurities and corrosive substances in the circulating water can easily damage the intercooler, shortening its service life. To address this issue and further improve the system's energy efficiency, this paper proposes a novel cooling device for a chlorine compressor intercooler. This device uses pure water as a refrigerant and circulates cooling through a closed cooling system.

[0047] The chlorine compressor intercooler cooling system primarily consists of an intercooler, pure water circulation piping, a pure water preparation and storage system, a closed-loop cooler, and related pumps, valves, and other components. The pure water circulation piping exchanges heat with the intercooler's cooling pipes, removing heat from the intercooler and achieving a cooling effect. After the heat exchange, the pure water's temperature rises, at which point it passes through the closed-loop cooler for cooling and then returns to circulation.

[0048] The pure water preparation and storage system is a crucial component of the system, consisting of a pure water preparation unit and a pure water storage tank. The pure water preparation unit can utilize a reverse osmosis water treatment system or ion exchange equipment to produce pure water that meets specific requirements. The pure water storage tank stores the prepared pure water, ensuring an adequate supply of pure water for continuous intercooler operation. Pipelines connect the pure water preparation unit and the pure water storage tank, forming a complete pure water supply system.

[0049] The closed-circuit cooler is another key component in the system. It exchanges heat between pure water and circulating water, enabling cooling and recycling of the pure water. Sufficient heat exchange area is provided within the closed-circuit cooler to ensure efficient heat exchange. Furthermore, the use of the closed-circuit cooler prevents direct corrosion of the circulating water on the intercooler, extending its service life.

[0050] In addition to the aforementioned key components, the system also includes a pure water circulation piping system, a closed-circuit pump, and related brackets and valves. The pure water circulation piping system transports pure water from the storage tank to the intercooler, and then returns to the storage tank through the closed-circuit cooler, forming a closed-circuit system. The closed-circuit pump provides the circulation power to ensure the pure water's continuous flow. Brackets support and secure the relevant components of the pure water cooling system, ensuring stable operation. Valves control the flow and direction of the pure water to meet cooling requirements under different operating conditions.

[0051] Technical advantages:

[0052] This chlorine compressor intercooler cooling system uses pure water as the refrigerant, offering significant technical advantages over traditional circulating water cooling methods. First, pure water, a refrigerant with high purity and free of impurities and corrosive substances, does not corrode the intercooler, significantly extending its service life. Second, pure water has excellent thermal conductivity, improving heat exchange efficiency and enhancing the intercooler's cooling effectiveness. Furthermore, the system utilizes a closed cooling system, eliminating environmental pollution and waste associated with circulating water and improving the system's environmental performance.

[0053] During implementation, the system has demonstrated significant energy savings. Because the closed-circulation pump requires significantly less power than traditional circulating water pumps, electricity consumption is reduced. Preliminary estimates suggest that the system will save 158,240 kWh of electricity annually, or approximately 19.5 tons of standard coal annually. This not only reduces operating costs for the company but also contributes positively to environmental protection.

[0054] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chlorine compressor intercooler cooling device, comprising an intercooler, characterized in that: It also includes a pure water circulation pipeline, which performs heat exchange with the intercooler cooling pipeline. After the pure water circulation pipeline and the intercooler cooling pipeline perform heat exchange, the pure water is cooled in a closed cooler and then returned for circulation.

2. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pure water preparation and storage system, which includes a pure water preparation device and a pure water storage tank. The pure water preparation device is a reverse osmosis water treatment system or an ion exchange device, which is used to prepare pure water that meets the requirements and ensure that the intercooler has sufficient pure water supply during continuous operation.

3. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pure water preparation device is connected to the pure water storage tank via a pipeline.

4. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a closed cooler, which is used to cool the pure water to achieve cooling and recycling of the pure water.

5. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 4, characterized in that: The closed cooler is provided with sufficient heat exchange area.

6. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The pure water circulation pipeline system, the closed cooler and the closed circulation pump together constitute a closed cooling system.

7. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: A charging pump is fixedly connected to the side of the intercooler, and the charging pump is used to continuously feed chlorine gas into the intercooler.

8. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the intercooler is also provided with an air charging pipe, and a supercharger is fixedly provided on the side of one end of the air charging pipe away from the intercooler, and the supercharger supercharges the gas introduced therein.

9. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: A bracket adapted to the pure water cooling system is fixedly connected to the side wall of the intercooler, and the bracket is used to support and fix relevant components of the pure water cooling system.

10. The cooling device for the chlorine compressor intercooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: An output pipe is provided through the bottom end of the intercooler, and a stop valve is provided on the output pipe to control the flow rate and flow velocity of the output gas.

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