A coupled air compression system and method of operation

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of oil and gas station air compression station system, and particularly relates to a coupled air compression system and a running method. In the coupled air compression system, the air outlet end of a centrifugal air compressor is connected to the air inlet end of a first adsorption dryer, and the air outlet end of the first adsorption dryer is respectively connected to a key user gas storage tank and an auxiliary user gas storage tank; a first pressure detection instrument is arranged on a pipeline for connecting the centrifugal air compressor and the first adsorption dryer, and a cut-off valve is arranged on a pipeline for connecting the first adsorption dryer and the key user gas storage tank; a generator is used for supplying power to a screw air compressor, the air outlet end of the screw air compressor is connected to the air inlet end of a second adsorption dryer, and the air outlet end of the second adsorption dryer is connected to the key user gas storage tank; a second pressure detection instrument is arranged on a pipeline for connecting the second adsorption dryer and the key user gas storage tank; the system has the advantages of improving station safety and ensuring stable production of the station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of air compressor station systems in oil and gas stations, and specifically relates to a coupled air compressor system and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] In oil and gas processing production, air compressor stations provide compressed air to production equipment. This includes providing air as a power source for pneumatic valves, supplying raw material air for nitrogen production units, and supplying air to valves within the air compressor station. If an air compressor station malfunctions or experiences a power outage or other emergency, it will cause production equipment to stop and the station to cease operations. Therefore, the operational status of the air compressor station directly affects the safety and stable production of the station.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a coupled air compressor system and its operation method.

[0005] This invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0006] The first aspect of this invention provides a coupled air compressor system, comprising:

[0007] Centrifugal air compressors, screw air compressors, first adsorption dryers, second adsorption dryers, key user air storage tanks, auxiliary user air storage tanks, and generators;

[0008] The outlet of the centrifugal air compressor is connected to the inlet of the first adsorption dryer, and the outlet of the first adsorption dryer is connected to the critical user air tank and the auxiliary user air tank respectively; a first pressure detection instrument is installed on the pipeline connecting the centrifugal air compressor and the first adsorption dryer, and an isolation valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the first adsorption dryer and the critical user air tank.

[0009] The generator is used to supply power to the screw air compressor. The outlet of the screw air compressor is connected to the inlet of the second adsorption dryer. The outlet of the second adsorption dryer is connected to the critical user air storage tank. A second pressure detection instrument is installed on the pipeline connecting the second adsorption dryer and the critical user air storage tank.

[0010] Centrifugal air compressors have a larger displacement than screw air compressors.

[0011] Furthermore, at least three centrifugal air compressors are provided, and multiple centrifugal air compressors are connected in parallel.

[0012] Furthermore, at least three of the first adsorption dryers are provided, and multiple first adsorption dryers are connected in parallel.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a main power supply, which supplies power to both the centrifugal air compressor and the screw air compressor.

[0014] Furthermore, the centrifugal air compressor is equipped with an operating status monitoring instrument.

[0015] Furthermore, the outlet of the second adsorption dryer is connected to the critical user gas storage tank through a first pipe, the outlet of the first adsorption dryer is connected to the auxiliary user gas storage tank through a second pipe, the first pipe and the second pipe are connected through a third pipe, and the isolation valve is installed on the third pipe.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides an operation method for a coupled air compressor system. Based on the coupled air compressor system described above, the operation method includes the following steps:

[0017] When the coupled air compressor system is operating normally, the centrifugal air compressor starts up and supplies air to the critical user's air storage tank;

[0018] When the air compressor station loses power, the isolation valve is closed, the generator supplies power to the screw air compressor, and the screw air compressor starts running to supply air to the critical user's air storage tank.

[0019] Furthermore, the start-up and operation of the centrifugal air compressor includes the following steps:

[0020] The first centrifugal air compressor started operation;

[0021] When the air consumption of key users and auxiliary users increases: when the pressure value detected by the first pressure measuring instrument drops to the first preset value, the second centrifugal air compressor starts running; when the pressure value detected by the first pressure measuring instrument continues to drop to the second preset value, the third centrifugal air compressor starts running.

[0022] Further, the first preset value is: 0.7~1.2 MPaG.

[0023] Furthermore, the second preset value is 0.6 to 1.1 MPaG.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] 1. The system of the present invention can achieve seamless switching between normal operation and power outage operation by setting up a centrifugal air compressor, a screw air compressor and a generator, which has the advantages of improving station safety and ensuring stable production at the station.

[0026] 2. This invention, through the coupled operation of centrifugal air compressors and screw air compressors, can flexibly adjust the operating modes of the centrifugal air compressors and screw air compressors according to actual needs. This not only effectively reduces the number of air compressors and the floor space required, thereby reducing capital investment costs, but also allows the system to respond quickly in the face of emergencies. By using the generator and screw compressor, it ensures continuous operation of the oil and gas station under low load, greatly avoiding unnecessary economic losses caused by shutdowns of the oil and gas processing plant, and providing sufficient time for equipment maintenance.

[0027] 3. This invention is applicable to the use of large-scale air compressor stations in overseas oil and gas stations.

[0028] 4. The operating method of this invention can achieve seamless adjustment of different air compressor types (i.e., screw air compressors and centrifugal air compressors).

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a coupled air compressor system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] In the diagram, 10 is a centrifugal air compressor, 20 is a screw air compressor, 30 is the first adsorption dryer, 40 is the second adsorption dryer, 50 is a critical user air tank, 60 is an auxiliary user air tank, 80 is a generator, 90 is the first pressure measuring instrument, 100 is an isolation valve, 110 is the second pressure measuring instrument, 120 is the main power supply, 130 is the operating status monitoring instrument, 140 is the first pipeline, 150 is the second pipeline, and 160 is the third pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various features of the invention. The elements and arrangements described in the specific examples below are only for concise expression of the invention and are merely examples, not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] This embodiment provides a coupled air compressor system, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0036] Centrifugal air compressor 10, screw air compressor 20, first adsorption dryer 30, second adsorption dryer 40, key user air storage tank 50, auxiliary user air storage tank 60, and generator 80; the generator 80 may be a diesel generator.

[0037] The outlet of the centrifugal air compressor 10 is connected to the inlet of the first adsorption dryer 30, and the outlet of the first adsorption dryer 30 is connected to the critical user air storage tank 50 and the auxiliary user air storage tank 60 respectively; a first pressure detection instrument 90 is provided on the pipeline connecting the centrifugal air compressor 10 and the first adsorption dryer 30, and an isolation valve 100 is provided on the pipeline connecting the first adsorption dryer 30 and the critical user air storage tank 50.

[0038] The generator 80 is used to supply power to the screw air compressor 20. The outlet of the screw air compressor 20 is connected to the inlet of the second adsorption dryer 40. The outlet of the second adsorption dryer 40 is connected to the critical user air storage tank 50. A second pressure detection instrument 110 is installed on the pipeline connecting the second adsorption dryer 40 and the critical user air storage tank 50.

[0039] The centrifugal air compressor 10 has a larger displacement than the screw air compressor 20. The critical user air tank 50 is a vertical carbon steel tank with a minimum buffer time of 30 minutes, longer than the switching start-up time of the screw air compressor 20. The critical user air tank 50 is used to supply air to critical users. The auxiliary user air tank 60 is also a vertical carbon steel tank with a minimum buffer time of 10 minutes. The auxiliary user air tank 60 is used to supply air to auxiliary users. By configuring the critical user air tank 50, it can continuously supply air to critical users during the power outage and screw compressor switching period.

[0040] The first adsorption dryer 30 is a large adsorption dryer, and the second adsorption dryer 40 is a small adsorption dryer.

[0041] The number of centrifugal air compressors 10 is not limited in this invention; the number of centrifugal air compressors 10 can be determined based on consumption and power limitations of the centrifugal air compressors 10; however, it is based on considerations of floor space and cost. In some embodiments, at least three centrifugal air compressors 10 are provided, and multiple centrifugal air compressors 10 are connected in parallel. Figure 1 The system includes three centrifugal air compressors 10. The use of three centrifugal air compressors 10 not only meets the needs of driving high-power equipment, but also reduces the floor space and cost.

[0042] Since the first pressure measuring instrument 90 is used to detect the air pressure in the pipe connecting the centrifugal air compressor 10 and the first adsorption dryer 30; when multiple centrifugal air compressors 10 are installed, the air pressure in the pipe connecting each centrifugal air compressor 10 and the first adsorption dryer 30 is equal, so only one first pressure measuring instrument 90 is needed for detection and control. Alternatively, it could be... Figure 1 In this configuration, three first pressure detection instruments 90 are provided, and the three first pressure detection instruments 90 are respectively located at the air outlet end of the centrifugal air compressor 10.

[0043] The present invention does not limit the number of first adsorption dryers 30; in some embodiments, at least three first adsorption dryers 30 are provided, and multiple first adsorption dryers 30 are connected in parallel. When three first adsorption dryers 30 are provided, during normal operation of the air compressor system, the three first adsorption dryers 30 can be used simultaneously or only partially, but at least one first adsorption dryer 30 must be in use; the unused ones serve as backups, and when the first adsorption dryer 30 in use cannot meet the adsorption and drying effect or is damaged, the backup first adsorption dryer 30 can ensure the normal operation of the air compressor system.

[0044] Figure 1 The image shows three centrifugal air compressors 10 connected in parallel and three first adsorption dryers 30 connected in parallel; each centrifugal air compressor 10 has a first pressure measuring instrument 90 connected to the pipe at its outlet end.

[0045] When the air compressor system of this embodiment is applied to oil and gas stations, under normal operation, the centrifugal air compressor 10 is directly powered by the power grid, supplying air to key users and auxiliary users. In the event of a power outage, the centrifugal air compressor 10 stops working, and the generator 80 generates electricity to power the screw air compressor 20, which then operates to supply air to key users. This ensures that key users can continue to operate normally even during a power outage, guaranteeing the safety and stable production of the station. However, in some oil and gas stations where geographical limitations prevent grid power supply, some embodiments also include a main power supply 120, which supplies power to the centrifugal air compressor 10. Of course, the main power supply 120 can also supply power to the screw air compressor 20. When air demand is high and all centrifugal air compressors 10 cannot meet the demand, the screw air compressor 20 is activated.

[0046] The start-stop control of the centrifugal air compressor 10 is mainly controlled by the detection value of the first pressure detection instrument 90. In order to further improve the accuracy of control, in some embodiments, the centrifugal air compressor 10 is equipped with an operating status monitoring instrument 130. The operating status monitoring instrument 130 can detect the operating status of the centrifugal air compressor 10, so as to control the start-stop of the centrifugal air compressor 10 more accurately. Moreover, in the event of a fault in the centrifugal air compressor 10, the operating status monitoring instrument 130 can also be used for monitoring, thereby improving the safety of the air compressor system.

[0047] Since both the screw air compressor 20 and the centrifugal air compressor 10 need to supply air to critical users, the outlet of the second adsorption dryer 40 needs to be connected to the critical user's air storage tank 50 via a pipeline, and the outlet of the first adsorption dryer 30 also needs to be connected to the critical user's air storage tank 50 via a pipeline. Therefore, this connection method could be that the outlet of the second adsorption dryer 40 is connected to the critical user's air storage tank 50 via a fourth pipeline, and the outlet of the first adsorption dryer 30 is connected to the critical user's air storage tank 50 via a fifth pipeline; if the fourth and fifth pipelines have no connection relationship, then the isolation valve 100 is installed on the fifth pipeline. For cost considerations, it could also be, as... Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the small adsorbent desiccant is connected to the critical user gas storage tank 50 through the first pipe 140, and the outlet of the large adsorbent desiccant is connected to the auxiliary user gas storage tank 60 through the second pipe 150. The first pipe 140 and the second pipe 150 are connected through the third pipe 160, and the isolation valve 100 is installed on the third pipe 160.

[0048] This embodiment also provides an operation method for a coupled air compressor system. Based on the coupled air compressor system described above, the operation method includes the following steps:

[0049] During normal operation of the coupled air compressor system, the centrifugal air compressor 10 starts and supplies air to the critical user's air storage tank 50;

[0050] When the air compressor station loses power, the isolation valve 100 is closed, the generator 80 supplies power to the screw air compressor 20, and the screw air compressor 20 starts running to supply air to the critical user's air storage tank 50.

[0051] In some embodiments, the start-up and operation of the centrifugal air compressor 10 includes the following steps:

[0052] The first centrifugal air compressor, number 10, has started operation.

[0053] When the air consumption of key users and auxiliary users increases: when the pressure value detected by the first pressure measuring instrument 90 drops to the first preset value, the second centrifugal air compressor 10 starts to run; when the pressure value detected by the first pressure measuring instrument 90 continues to drop to the second preset value, the third centrifugal air compressor 10 starts to run.

[0054] The operating method of this invention can achieve seamless adjustment of different air compressor types (i.e., screw air compressor 20 and centrifugal air compressor 10).

[0055] In some embodiments, the first preset value is 0.7 to 1.2 MPaG. It should be noted that 0.7 to 1.2 can be any value between 0.7 and 1.2.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second preset value is 0.6 to 1.1 MPaG. It should be noted that 0.6 to 1.1 can be any value between 0.6 and 1.1.

[0057] Based on the aforementioned operating method, more specifically and exemplaryly, the starting pressure of the first centrifugal air compressor is 0.95 MPaG, the starting pressure of the second centrifugal air compressor 10 is 0.90 MPaG, the starting pressure of the third centrifugal air compressor is 0.80 MPaG, the loading pressure of the screw air compressor 20 is 0.7 MPaG, and the unloading pressure is 0.8 MPaG.

[0058] During normal operation, the first centrifugal air compressor supplies air to critical and auxiliary users. When air consumption increases among critical and auxiliary users, the pressure detected by the first pressure gauge 90 decreases. When it drops to 0.90 MPaG, the second centrifugal air compressor starts operating. If the pressure detected by the first pressure gauge 90 continues to decrease to 0.80 MPaG, the third centrifugal air compressor starts operating. When air consumption decreases among critical and auxiliary users, the pressure detected by each of the first pressure gauges 90 increases, and the processing capacity of the centrifugal air compressor 10 decreases accordingly.

[0059] When centrifugal air compressor 10 loses power (power outage or main power supply 120 fails to provide power), all three centrifugal air compressors 10 stop simultaneously, the operating status monitoring instrument 130 displays a stopped state, and the isolation valve 100 closes. The second pressure detection instrument 110 detects a pressure drop to 0.7 MPaG, and generator 80 generates electricity to power and start screw air compressor 20, supplying air to critical users.

[0060] When power is restored to centrifugal air compressor 10, the isolation valve 100 is opened, and the three centrifugal air compressors 10 are started step by step according to the above control process. When the pressure detected by the second pressure measuring instrument 110 gradually rises to 0.8 MPaG, the screw compressor is unloaded.

[0061] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features.

[0062] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of multiple components or the interaction between multiple components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that all terms used to indicate orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coupled air compressor system, characterized in that, include: Centrifugal air compressor (10), screw air compressor (20), first adsorption dryer (30), second adsorption dryer (40), key user air storage tank (50), auxiliary user air storage tank (60) and generator (80); The outlet of the centrifugal air compressor (10) is connected to the inlet of the first adsorption dryer (30), and the outlet of the first adsorption dryer (30) is connected to the key user air storage tank (50) and the auxiliary user air storage tank (60) respectively; a first pressure detection instrument (90) is provided on the pipeline for connecting the centrifugal air compressor (10) and the first adsorption dryer (30), and an isolation valve (100) is provided on the pipeline for connecting the first adsorption dryer (30) and the key user air storage tank (50); The generator (80) is used to supply power to the screw air compressor (20). The outlet of the screw air compressor (20) is connected to the inlet of the second adsorption dryer (40). The outlet of the second adsorption dryer (40) is connected to the critical user air storage tank (50). A second pressure detection instrument (110) is installed on the pipeline connecting the second adsorption dryer (40) and the critical user air storage tank (50). The centrifugal air compressor (10) has a larger displacement than the screw air compressor (20).

2. The coupled air compressor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least three centrifugal air compressors (10) are provided, and multiple centrifugal air compressors (10) are connected in parallel.

3. A coupled air compressor system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, At least three of the first adsorption dryers (30) are provided, and multiple first adsorption dryers (30) are connected in parallel.

4. The coupled air compressor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a main power supply (120), which supplies power to the centrifugal air compressor (10) and the screw air compressor (20) respectively.

5. A coupled air compressor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centrifugal air compressor (10) is equipped with an operating status monitoring instrument (130).

6. A coupled air compressor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the second adsorption dryer (40) is connected to the key user gas storage tank (50) through the first pipe (140), the outlet of the first adsorption dryer (30) is connected to the auxiliary user gas storage tank (60) through the second pipe (150), the first pipe (140) and the second pipe (150) are connected through the third pipe (160), and the isolation valve (100) is installed on the third pipe (160).

7. A method for operating a coupled air compressor system, characterized in that, Based on the coupled air compressor system according to any one of claims 1-6, the operating method includes the following steps: During normal operation of the coupled air compressor system, the centrifugal air compressor (10) starts up and supplies air to the critical user's air storage tank (50); When the air compressor station is powered off, the isolation valve (100) is closed, the generator (80) supplies power to the screw air compressor (20), and the screw air compressor (20) starts running to supply air to the critical user's air storage tank (50).

8. The method for operating a coupled air compressor system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The start-up and operation of the centrifugal air compressor (10) includes the following steps: The first centrifugal air compressor started operation; When the air consumption of key users and auxiliary users increases: when the pressure value detected by the first pressure measuring instrument (90) drops to the first preset value, the second centrifugal air compressor starts running; when the pressure value detected by the first pressure measuring instrument (90) continues to drop to the second preset value, the third centrifugal air compressor starts running.

9. The method for operating a coupled air compressor system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first preset value is: 0.7~1.2 MPaG.

10. The method for operating a coupled air compressor system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second preset value is: 0.6~1.1 MPaG.

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