System for supplying steam

By combining the design of an annular steam pipeline network with a specific valve group, the steam flow can be monitored and adjusted in real time, solving the reliability and safety issues of the steam pipeline network in large-scale petrochemical integrated bases, realizing pressure-free maintenance and transformation, and improving the reliability and safety of steam supply.

CN223484003UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28BASF INTEGRATED SITE (GUANGDONG) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521539721.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-22
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2035-07-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The steam pipeline network of large-scale integrated petrochemical bases faces reliability and safety issues during construction and operation. Traditional branch-shaped pipeline networks cause single-node failures to affect downstream supply, and the risk of pressurized operation of high-energy steam pipelines is high, making it difficult to meet the requirements of construction safety and steam supply reliability.

Method used

An annular steam pipe network design is adopted, with steam supply and consumption devices connected through parallel branches. A double-blocking and one-release valve group and a two-way flow meter are installed to monitor and adjust the steam flow in real time to ensure the reliability and safety of steam supply.

Benefits of technology

It enables pressure-free maintenance or renovation while ensuring steam supply to units already in production, prevents water hammer accidents, and improves operational reliability and construction safety of the steam pipeline network.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of steam pipe networks, and particularly relates to a system for supplying steam, which comprises an annular steam pipe network, the annular steam pipe network comprises an annular steam pipeline for conveying steam, one or more steam supply devices and a plurality of steam consumption devices, each of the steam supply device and the steam consumption device is connected with the annular steam pipeline through two branch pipes which are arranged in parallel, the two branch pipes are standby for each other, and a first double-cut-off first release valve group and a second double-cut-off first release valve group are respectively arranged on the two branch pipes; a third double-cut-off first release valve group is arranged on the annular steam pipeline and between the two branch pipes and the connection point of the annular steam pipeline; wherein a two-way flow meter is arranged on the annular steam pipeline and between the adjacent steam supply devices or the adjacent steam consumption devices. According to the system, the operation reliability and the construction safety of the annular steam pipe network can be improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of steam pipeline networks, specifically relating to a system for supplying steam. Background Technology

[0002] In chemical production processes, steam is both a critical process medium and an important energy carrier. It provides heat energy for heating, separating, and purifying products, and participates in chemical reactions to increase reaction rates and product yields, thus playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of chemical production. Large-scale integrated petrochemical plants typically contain multiple steam generation and consumption units, and the operating status of a single unit often has a cascading effect on upstream and downstream units, thus placing extremely high demands on the reliability of the steam supply.

[0003] Such facilities often require phased construction and commissioning. During the initial design and construction phase of the steam supply network (steam pipeline network), it is difficult to accurately predict the steam demand of subsequent units and to pre-plan all interfaces. In the subsequent production and operation phase, upgrades and modifications to the steam pipeline network are frequently necessary. Furthermore, leaks in the steam pipeline network that occur while the system is not shut down require repair and plugging. However, steam is a high-energy substance, and performing pressurized work on steam pipelines carries extremely high risks, with related accidents occurring frequently. Therefore, when working in the construction area, the corresponding pipe sections must be isolated and the high-pressure steam released, while ensuring that the steam supply to already commissioned units is not disrupted.

[0004] Traditional chemical plants typically use a branched pipeline network for steam supply, with a single steam flow direction. This structure has a significant drawback: the failure or isolation of any single node will lead to an interruption of the downstream steam supply, making it difficult to meet the requirements of integrated bases for the safety of steam pipeline construction and the reliability of steam supply.

[0005] CN115234840A provides a steam transport method for a ring-shaped steam network. The method aims to find the minimum upstream pipeline source-side pressure that satisfies the lowest steam parameter conditions relative to the downstream pipeline demand side. By adjusting the upstream pipeline source-side pressure to this minimum value, the total condensate or heat loss across all pipelines from the source side to the demand side is minimized. While this method can reduce energy consumption and condensate generation through pressure regulation, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the ring-shaped network, its implementation relies on various complex environmental and pipeline parameters to accurately determine the upstream and downstream pressures.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need to develop ring-shaped steam networks that can improve operational reliability and construction safety. Utility Model Content

[0007] One objective of this invention is to overcome at least one drawback of the prior art and to provide a system for supplying steam.

[0008] Therefore, in a first aspect of this utility model, the system is provided to include a ring-shaped steam network, wherein the ring-shaped steam network comprises:

[0009] a) A ring-shaped steam pipeline used to transport steam.

[0010] b) One or more steam supply devices, and

[0011] c) Multiple steam consumption devices.

[0012] Each of the steam supply device and the steam consumption device is connected to the annular steam pipeline through two parallel branch pipes, which serve as backups for each other. A first double-stop-release valve group and a second double-stop-release valve group are respectively installed on the two branch pipes. A third double-stop-release valve group is installed on the annular steam pipeline between the connection points of the two branch pipes and the annular steam pipeline. Each double-stop-release valve group includes two stop valves and a release valve located between the two stop valves.

[0013] A bidirectional flow meter is installed on the annular steam pipeline between adjacent steam supply devices or steam consumption devices to detect the steam flow rate in the annular steam pipeline in real time.

[0014] It has been unexpectedly discovered that the system of this utility model, through the combination of a steam ring network and a specific valve group, and by monitoring and regulating the steam flow in the ring network, can improve the operational reliability and construction safety of the ring steam network. In particular, it can enable pressureless maintenance or modification under the condition of ensuring the steam supply of the already commissioned equipment and can prevent water hammer accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a steam supply system according to the present invention is shown, wherein the system includes a ring-shaped steam network.

[0016] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates pressureless maintenance or modification of the system of this utility model.

[0017] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0018] System 10 for supplying steam; ring steam network 101; ring steam pipeline 1011; steam supply device 1012; steam consumption device 1013; branch pipes 1014a, 1014b; first double shut-off and vent valve assembly 1015a, 1015a-i, 1015a-ii; second double shut-off and vent valve assembly 1015b, 1015b-i, 1015b-ii; third double shut-off and vent valve assembly 1015c, 1015c-i, 1015c-ii; bidirectional flow meter F; site to be constructed C.

[0019] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the system for supplying steam according to the present invention is shown, wherein the system includes three annular steam pipe networks.

[0020] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0021] System 20 for supplying steam; higher pressure annular steam network 201; local annular steam network 202; lower pressure annular steam network 203; annular steam lines 2011, 2021, 2031 of each network; interstage steam conversion devices 2001a, 2001b; steam supply device 2022 for local annular steam network 202; steam consumption device 2023 for local annular steam network 202; double shut-off and vent valve assembly (not shown).

[0022] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the system for supplying steam according to the present invention is shown, wherein the system includes two annular steam pipe networks.

[0023] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0024] A system 30 for supplying steam; a high-pressure ring steam network 301; a low-pressure ring steam network 303; ring steam lines 3011 and 3031 of each network; an interstage steam supply and demand device 3002; a steam consumption device 3033 for the low-pressure ring steam network 303; a steam supply device 3012 for the high-pressure ring steam network 301; and a double shut-off and vent valve assembly (not shown). Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention is described in more detail in the following paragraphs. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be used in any other aspect of the present invention. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each aspect described may be combined with any other aspect or combination thereof. In particular, any feature indicated as preferred may be combined with any other feature indicated as preferred or combination thereof.

[0026] The list of numerical endpoints includes all numbers and fractions within the corresponding range, along with the listed endpoints. It should be noted that when specifying any range of numerical values, any particular upper limit can be associated with any particular lower limit.

[0027] All references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0028] In the context of this invention, unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this invention, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0029] The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including” or “containing” and is open-ended and does not exclude additional, unlisted ingredients, components or process steps.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, the term "steam consuming device" refers to a conventional steam-consuming device known in the art that consumes steam from a ring-shaped steam network. The steam inlet of the steam consuming device is connected to the ring-shaped steam pipeline via two parallel branch pipes. These two parallel branch pipes serve as backups for each other. The steam consuming device can obtain steam from the connected ring-shaped steam pipeline through one or both of the branch pipes. The steam outlet of the steam consuming device (if present) is typically not connected to the network. The steam consuming device used herein can be a heater, endothermic reactor, stripping tower, power unit, steam turbine, desuperheater, pressure reducer, etc.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise specified, the term "steam supply device" refers to a conventional device known in the art that generates and outputs steam, supplying steam to the local network within a ring-shaped steam pipeline. The steam outlet of the steam supply device is connected to the ring-shaped steam pipeline via two parallel branch pipes. These two parallel branch pipes serve as backups for each other. The steam supply device can supply steam to the connected ring-shaped steam pipeline via one or both of the branch pipes. The steam supply device used herein can be a steam boiler, such as a superheated steam boiler, an electrically heated superheated steam boiler, or a gas turbine waste heat boiler.

[0032] As used herein, the term "interstage steam unit" includes an interstage steam conversion unit and an interstage steam supply and demand unit, which connects at least two annular steam networks, preferably annular steam networks supplying steam at different pressures to form a cascaded annular steam network. The interstage steam unit can be connected to each of the at least two annular steam networks via two parallel branch pipes. The two parallel branch pipes serve as backups for each other. The interstage steam unit can supply steam to and / or obtain steam from the connected annular steam networks via one or both of the two branch pipes. A first double-stop-vent valve assembly and a second double-stop-vent valve assembly are respectively installed on the two backup branch pipes, and a third double-stop-vent valve assembly is installed on the annular steam network between the connection points of the two branch pipes and the annular steam network. Each double-stop-vent valve assembly includes two stop valves and a vent valve located between the two stop valves.

[0033] In the context of interstage steam apparatuses in this invention, unless otherwise stated, the terms "(higher) pressure" and "(lower) pressure" refer to the steam pressure at the connection point of the interstage steam apparatus to one annular steam network compared to the steam pressure at the connection point of the interstage steam apparatus to another annular steam network, or to the steam pressure at the inlet of the interstage steam apparatus compared to the steam pressure at the outlet of the interstage steam apparatus. For example, two annular steam networks supplying steam at different pressures are interconnected by an interstage steam apparatus, wherein the annular steam network connected to which the higher-pressure steam is supplied refers to the pressure relative to the connection point of the interstage steam apparatus to the other annular steam network. For example, the high / low pressure steam acquired / consumed by the interstage steam apparatus is relative to the pressure of the steam output / generated by the interstage steam apparatus, and vice versa.

[0034] The term "interstage steam converter" as used in this invention refers to a device that consumes high-pressure steam and produces low-pressure steam by performing work or by non-working means, and is connected to at least two annular steam networks with different steam pressures. Those skilled in the art will understand that the interstage steam converter can serve as a steam consumption device for supplying annular steam networks with higher pressure steam, and simultaneously as a steam supply device for supplying annular steam networks with lower pressure steam.

[0035] The term "interstage steam supply and demand device" as used in this invention refers to a device connecting at least two annular steam networks, including a multi-condition production device capable of dynamically consuming or generating steam under different conditions. For example, in a first condition, the multi-condition production device can consume steam from one annular steam network connected to it; in a second condition, the multi-condition production device can generate steam at a higher or lower pressure than the consumed steam and supply the generated steam to the same or different annular steam networks connected to it.

[0036] The term "double block and bleed (DBB) valve assembly" as used in this invention refers to a double block and bleed (DBB) valve assembly known in the art, which may include two block valves and a bleed valve located between the two block valves.

[0037] The term "steam turbine" as used in this invention refers to a commonly known turbine in the art, which can consume high-pressure steam and generate low-pressure steam by expanding and doing work.

[0038] The term "de-cooling and pressure reducing device" as used in this utility model refers to commonly known de-cooling and pressure reducing devices in the art, which can consume high-pressure steam and generate low-pressure steam through non-work methods such as throttling and pressure reduction and water spraying for cooling. It typically includes valves such as pressure reducing valves or regulating valves and water spraying for cooling, and usually does not output shaft work externally.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, the terms “(higher) pressure steam” and “(lower) pressure steam” used in this invention refer to the comparison between the inlet and outlet steam pressures of the same steam consuming device, steam supply device, interstage steam device, interstage steam conversion device, or interstage steam supply and demand device.

[0040] The term "superheated steam" as used in this invention refers to steam with a temperature higher than the saturation temperature of the medium. Unless otherwise specified, "steam" in this invention refers to superheated steam. The superheated steam of this invention typically has a pressure of 0.4 to 5.0 MPa or a temperature of 150 to 320°C.

[0041] The term "water hammer accident" used in this invention refers to a hydraulic transition phenomenon in a steam pipeline where a sudden change in pressure or temperature causes internal steam to condense into liquid water, and a sudden change in water flow velocity causes a change in pressure. This phenomenon is very harmful to the pipeline system.

[0042] The term "adjacent steam supply device and / or steam consumption device" used in this utility model means that there are no other steam supply devices or steam consumption devices between two adjacent devices. The combination of adjacent devices may include two adjacent steam supply devices, two adjacent steam consumption devices, and / or one steam supply device and one adjacent steam consumption device.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for supplying steam is provided, characterized in that the system comprises one or more annular steam pipe networks.

[0044] Each of the aforementioned annular steam pipe networks includes:

[0045] a) A ring-shaped steam pipeline used to transport steam.

[0046] b) One or more steam supply devices, and

[0047] c) Multiple steam consumption devices.

[0048] Each of the steam supply device and the steam consumption device is connected to the annular steam pipeline through two parallel branch pipes, which serve as backups for each other. A first double-stop-release valve group and a second double-stop-release valve group are respectively installed on the two branch pipes. A third double-stop-release valve group is installed on the annular steam pipeline between the connection points of the two branch pipes and the annular steam pipeline. Each double-stop-release valve group includes two stop valves and a release valve located between the two stop valves.

[0049] A bidirectional flow meter is installed on the annular steam pipeline between adjacent steam supply devices or steam consumption devices to detect the steam flow rate in the annular steam pipeline in real time.

[0050] In one embodiment of this utility model, the system may include multiple annular steam networks, wherein at least two annular steam networks supply steam with different pressures and are interconnected through interstage steam devices to form a cascaded annular steam network. Preferably, the interstage steam device may include:

[0051] An interstage steam converter that can obtain higher-pressure steam from a connected annular steam network supplying higher-pressure steam and output lower-pressure steam to a connected annular steam network supplying lower-pressure steam, and / or

[0052] An interstage steam supply and demand device that can obtain steam from one of the at least two annular steam networks connected to it under one operating condition, and output steam to the other of the at least two annular steam networks connected to it under another operating condition, particularly outputting steam with higher or lower pressure.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the interstage steam conversion device may include a steam turbine that consumes higher-pressure steam to generate lower-pressure steam and / or a desuperheater and pressure reducer.

[0054] In one embodiment of this utility model, the interstage steam supply and demand device may include a multi-condition production device, which consumes the acquired steam in a first condition and generates steam with a higher or lower pressure than the acquired steam in a second condition.

[0055] In one embodiment of this invention, the steam may be superheated steam. Preferably, the superheated steam may have a pressure of 0.4 to 5.0 MPa, for example, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 or 4.5 to 5.0 MPa, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.2, 1.4 or 1.6 to 2.0 MPa, 0.4 or 0.5 to 0.6 MPa, 0.5 to 4.5 MPa, 1 to 4 MPa, 1.5 to 3.5 MPa, or 2.0 to 3.0 MPa. Preferably, the superheated steam may have a temperature of 150 to 320°C, for example, 150 to 190°C, 200 to 240°C, 220 to 260°C, 210 to 250°C, 220 to 240°C, or 250 to 320°C.

[0056] In one embodiment of this utility model, the steam may be superheated steam, and the system includes three or more annular steam networks, wherein the superheated steam in the three annular steam networks has a pressure of 0.4 to 0.6 MPa and a temperature of 150 to 190°C; a pressure of 1.2 to 2.0 MPa and a temperature of 200 to 240°C; and a pressure of 3.5 to 5.0 MPa and a temperature of 250 to 320°C, respectively.

[0057] In one embodiment of this utility model, each of the bidirectional flow meters integrates a low flow rate alarm, which is used to trigger a low flow rate alarm signal when the steam flow rate is lower than a preset minimum allowable flow rate.

[0058] In one embodiment of this utility model, each of the bidirectional flow meters integrates a low flow rate alarm, wherein when any of the bidirectional flow meters detects a steam flow rate lower than a preset minimum allowable flow rate, a low flow rate alarm signal is triggered to indicate the low steam flow rate at the corresponding location in the local annular steam pipeline network where the corresponding bidirectional flow meter is located.

[0059] In one embodiment of this invention, in each of the annular steam pipe networks, the steam supply rate of some or all of the steam supply devices is adjustable, and / or the steam consumption rate of some or all of the steam consumption devices is adjustable. Preferably, when the low flow rate alarm signal is triggered, the low flow rate phenomenon is eliminated by adjusting the steam supply rate of the steam supply devices and / or the steam consumption rate of the steam consumption devices in the corresponding annular steam pipe network.

[0060] In one embodiment of this utility model, the steam supply device with adjustable steam supply may include a steam boiler.

[0061] In one embodiment of this utility model, the steam supply device with adjustable steam consumption may include a steam turbine or a desuperheater / pressure reducer.

[0062] In one embodiment of this invention, the annular steam pipeline may be provided with a reserved interface for subsequent expansion to connect additional steam supply devices and / or steam consumption devices. In another embodiment, the annular steam pipeline is extended at any point to form an interface, for example, by cutting and forming an interface at the desired pipeline location, for subsequent expansion to connect additional steam supply devices and / or steam consumption devices.

[0063] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, a system 10 for supplying steam is provided, characterized in that the system includes a ring-shaped steam network 101, wherein the ring-shaped steam network 101 includes:

[0064] a) 1011 ring-shaped steam pipeline for transporting steam.

[0065] b) Two steam supply units 1012a and 1012b, and

[0066] c) Two steam consumption devices 1013a and 1013b,

[0067] Each of the steam supply devices 1012a and 1012b and the steam consumption devices 1013a and 1013b is connected to the annular steam pipeline 1011 via two parallel branch pipes 1014a and 1014b, which serve as backups for each other. A first double-stop-release valve group 1015a and a second double-stop-release valve group 1015b are respectively installed on the two branch pipes 1014a and 1014b. A third double-stop-release valve group 1015c is installed on the annular steam pipeline 1011 between the connection points of the two branch pipes 1014a and 1014b and the annular steam pipeline 1011. Each of the double-stop-release valve groups 1015a to 1015c includes two stop valves and a release valve located between the two stop valves.

[0068] A bidirectional flow meter F is installed on the annular steam pipeline 1011 between adjacent steam supply devices 1012a and 1012b, between adjacent steam consumption devices 1013a and 1013b, between adjacent steam supply device 1012a and steam consumption device 1013a, and between adjacent steam supply device 1012b and steam consumption device 1013b, to detect the steam flow rate in the annular steam pipeline in real time.

[0069] In a further implementation scheme, such as Figure 1 As shown, steam consuming device 1013a has a large pressure drop (e.g., more than 20%) relative to the nearest steam supply device 1012a. Steam consuming device 1013a can obtain steam through one of its two backup branch pipes 1014a or both 1014a and 1014b. Steam consuming device 1013b has a small pressure drop (e.g., less than 20%) relative to the nearest steam supply device 1012b. Steam consuming device 1013b can obtain steam only through one of its two backup branch pipes 1014a, with the other branch pipe 1014b as a backup, to increase steam flow rate and reduce heat loss.

[0070] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, a system 20 for supplying steam is provided, characterized in that the system includes three annular steam networks: a primary annular steam network 202, a higher-pressure annular steam network 201 supplying steam at a higher pressure than 202, and a lower-pressure annular steam network 203 supplying steam at a lower pressure than 202.

[0071] Each of the aforementioned annular steam pipe networks includes:

[0072] a) Annular steam pipelines 2011, 2021, or 2031 used for transporting steam.

[0073] b) Multiple steam supply units, and

[0074] c) Multiple steam consumption devices.

[0075] Each of the steam supply device and the steam consumption device is connected to the annular steam pipeline via two parallel branch pipes, which serve as backups for each other. A first double-stop-release valve group (not shown) and a second double-stop-release valve group (not shown) are respectively installed on the two branch pipes. A third double-stop-release valve group (not shown) is installed on the annular steam pipeline between the connection points of the two branch pipes and the annular steam pipeline. Each double-stop-release valve group includes two stop valves and a release valve located between the two stop valves.

[0076] A bidirectional flow meter (not shown) is installed on the annular steam pipeline between adjacent steam supply devices and / or steam consumption devices to detect the steam flow rate in the annular steam pipeline in real time.

[0077] In a further embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the system 20 includes three annular steam networks: a primary annular steam network 202, a higher-pressure annular steam network 201 supplying steam at a higher pressure than the primary annular steam network 202, and a lower-pressure annular steam network 203 supplying steam at a lower pressure than the primary annular steam network 202. These three annular steam networks supply steam at different pressures. The primary annular steam network 202, the higher-pressure annular steam network 201, and the lower-pressure annular steam network 203 are respectively connected by an interstage steam conversion device 2001a and... The interstage steam converters 2001a and 2001b are interconnected, wherein the interstage steam converter 2001a obtains higher-pressure steam from the higher-pressure annular steam network 201 and outputs lower-pressure steam to the annular steam network 202 of its own stage, serving as a steam supply device 2022 for the annular steam network 202; and the interstage steam converter 2001b obtains higher-pressure steam from the annular steam network 202 of its own stage and outputs lower-pressure steam to the lower-pressure annular steam network 203, serving as a steam consumption device 2023 for the annular steam network 202 of its own stage, thereby forming a cascaded annular steam network. Preferably, the steam flux of the interstage steam converters 2001a and 2001b is adjustable.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the interstage steam converters 2001a and 2001b can independently function as steam turbines or desuperheaters that generate lower-pressure steam from higher-pressure steam.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the steam supplied by the three annular steam networks 201, 202, and 203 may be superheated steam. For example, the superheated steam in the lower-pressure annular steam network 203 may have a pressure of 0.4 to 0.6 MPa, and preferably a temperature of 150 to 190°C; the superheated steam in the same-level annular steam network 202 may have a pressure of 1.2 to 2.0 MPa, and preferably a temperature of 200 to 240°C; and the superheated steam in the higher-pressure annular steam network 201 may have a pressure of 3.5 to 5.0 MPa, and preferably a temperature of 250 to 320°C.

[0080] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, a system 30 for supplying steam is provided, characterized in that the system 30 includes two annular steam networks: a high-pressure annular steam network 301 for supplying steam at higher pressure and a low-pressure annular steam network 303 for supplying steam at lower pressure, wherein each of the annular steam networks includes:

[0081] a) Circular steam pipelines 3011 or 3031 used for transporting steam.

[0082] b) Multiple steam supply devices (not shown), and

[0083] c) Multiple steam consuming devices (not shown),

[0084] Each of the steam supply device and the steam consumption device is connected to the annular steam pipeline via two parallel branch pipes, which serve as backups for each other. A first double-stop-release valve group (not shown) and a second double-stop-release valve group (not shown) are respectively installed on the two branch pipes. A third double-stop-release valve group (not shown) is installed on the annular steam pipeline between the connection points of the two branch pipes and the annular steam pipeline. Each double-stop-release valve group includes two stop valves and a release valve located between the two stop valves.

[0085] A bidirectional flow meter (not shown) is installed on the annular steam pipeline between adjacent steam supply devices or steam consumption devices to detect the steam flow rate in the annular steam pipeline in real time.

[0086] In a further implementation scheme, such as Figure 4As shown, the system includes a high-pressure annular steam network 301 supplying higher-pressure steam and a low-pressure annular steam network 303 supplying lower-pressure steam. The two annular steam networks supply steam at different pressures and are interconnected via an interstage steam supply and demand device 3002 to form a cascaded annular steam network.

[0087] The interstage steam supply and demand device 3002 is connected only to the low-pressure annular steam network 303 in the first operating condition and obtains low-pressure steam from the low-pressure annular steam network 303, serving as a steam consumption device 3033 of the low-pressure annular steam network 303. In the second operating condition, it is connected only to the high-pressure annular steam network 301 and outputs high-pressure steam to the high-pressure annular steam network 301, serving as a steam supply device 3012 of the high-pressure annular steam network 301.

[0088] In a further implementation scheme, such as Figure 4 As shown, the interstage steam supply and demand device 3002 includes a multi-condition production device, which consumes the obtained low-pressure steam in the first condition and generates high-pressure steam with a higher pressure than the obtained low-pressure steam in the second condition.

[0089] This document provides a method for stably supplying steam, characterized in that the method includes providing the system of this invention to supply steam.

[0090] In one implementation, each bidirectional flow meter may integrate a low-flow-rate alarm. When the detected steam flow rate is lower than a preset minimum permissible flow rate, triggering a low-flow-rate alarm signal, the method further includes:

[0091] Adjust the steam supply and / or steam consumption of the local ring steam network corresponding to the low flow rate alarm signal until the steam flow rate detected by the corresponding bidirectional flow meter is not lower than the preset minimum allowable flow rate.

[0092] In one implementation, adjusting the steam supply of the local annular steam network may include:

[0093] a) Adjusting the steam supply of the steam supply devices that serve as steam boilers within the aforementioned annular steam network, and / or

[0094] b) Adjusting the steam flux of the interstage steam converter that connects the current-stage annular steam network to an annular steam network supplying higher-pressure steam, and / or

[0095] c) Adjust the steam output of the interstage steam supply and demand device that outputs steam to the annular steam network of this stage.

[0096] In one implementation, adjusting the steam consumption of the local annular steam network may include:

[0097] a) Adjusting the steam consumption of the adjustable steam consuming devices included in the annular steam network of this stage, and / or

[0098] b) Adjusting the steam flux of the interstage steam converter that connects the current-stage annular steam network to an annular steam network supplying lower-pressure steam, and / or

[0099] c) Adjust the amount of steam obtained from the annular steam network of this stage as an interstage steam supply and demand device.

[0100] In one implementation, when performing pressureless maintenance or modification of the system, the method may further include the following steps:

[0101] (1) Identify the site to be constructed, particularly the site to be constructed on the annular steam pipeline, and close all double shut-off and vent valve assemblies directly adjacent to each other on the annular steam pipeline and the branch pipe to form an isolation zone around the site.

[0102] (2) Purge the steam within the isolation area until no steam is discharged from the discharge valves of all directly adjacent double-stop-vent valve assemblies, and

[0103] (3) To carry out repairs or modifications at the sites to be constructed;

[0104] During the maintenance or modification, the second or first double shut-off valve group, which serves as a backup to the first or second double shut-off valve group that is closed, is in the open state.

[0105] In a further embodiment, in step (1) of the method, at the site to be constructed located on an annular steam pipeline, two third double-stop-release valve assemblies, one first double-stop-release valve assembly, and one second double-stop-release valve assembly adjacent to the site are closed.

[0106] In another embodiment, in step (1) of the method, when the site to be constructed is located between the first or second double-stop-vent valve group and the connection point with the annular steam pipeline, two third double-stop-vent valve groups, one first double-stop-vent valve group, and one second double-stop-vent valve group adjacent to the site are closed.

[0107] In another embodiment, in step (1) of the method, when the site to be constructed is located between the first or second double shut-off and relief valve assembly and its corresponding device, only the first or second double shut-off and relief valve assembly is closed.

[0108] In one embodiment, a method for stable steam supply is provided, characterized in that the method includes providing, as in... Figure 2 The system 10 of this invention, as shown, supplies steam, and

[0109] When performing pressureless maintenance or modification of the system 10, the method may further include the following steps:

[0110] (1) Determine the site C to be constructed on the annular steam pipeline 1011, and close all double-stop-release valve groups that are directly adjacent to each other on the annular steam pipeline 1011 and branch pipes 1014a and 1014b to form an isolation area around the site. Here, "directly adjacent" means that there are no other double-stop-release valve groups between the double-stop-release valve group and the construction site. That is, close the two third double-stop-release valve groups 1015c-i and 1015c-ii, one first double-stop-release valve group 1015a-ii, and one second double-stop-release valve group 1015b-i that are directly adjacent to the site C.

[0111] (2) Purge the steam within the isolation area until no steam is discharged from the discharge valves of all directly adjacent double-stop-release valve assemblies 1015c-i, 1015c-ii, 1015a-ii, and 1015b-i.

[0112] (3) Repair or modify the site C where construction is to be carried out;

[0113] During the maintenance or modification, the second double-stop-release valve group 1015b-ii and the first double-stop-release valve group 1015a-i, which are backups of the closed first double-stop-release valve group 1015a-ii and the second double-stop-release valve group 1015b-i, are in the open state to ensure that the steam supply device 1012a and the steam consumption device 1013a supply and consume steam normally, respectively.

[0114] In one embodiment, a method for stable steam supply is provided, characterized in that the method includes providing Figure 3 The system 20 of the present invention shown is used to supply steam, wherein the system 20 forms a cascaded ring steam network as described above.

[0115] In a further embodiment, in the method, each bidirectional flow meter (not shown) may integrate a low flow rate alarm (not shown). When the steam flow rate detected in the local annular steam network 202 is lower than a preset minimum allowable flow rate and triggers a low flow rate alarm signal, the method further includes:

[0116] By adjusting the steam supply and / or steam consumption of the local ring steam network 202 corresponding to the low flow rate alarm signal, until the steam flow rate detected by the corresponding bidirectional flow meter is not lower than the preset minimum allowable flow rate.

[0117] In one embodiment, adjusting the steam supply of the local annular steam network 202 may include:

[0118] a) Adjust the steam supply of the steam supply device (not shown) included in the annular steam network 202 as a steam boiler, and / or

[0119] b) Adjust the steam flux of the interstage steam converter 2001a, which connects the current annular steam network 202 to the higher-pressure annular steam network 201 that supplies steam at a higher pressure.

[0120] In one embodiment, adjusting the steam consumption of the local annular steam network 202 may include:

[0121] a) Adjusting the steam consumption of the adjustable steam consumption device (not shown) included in the annular steam network 202, and / or

[0122] b) Adjust the steam flux of the interstage steam conversion device 2001b, which connects the current annular steam network 202 to the lower-pressure annular steam network 203 that supplies steam at a lower pressure.

[0123] In one embodiment, the steam flow rate detected by the bidirectional flow meter in the current annular steam network 202 is not lower than the preset minimum allowable flow rate by adjusting the interstage steam converter 2001a connected to the higher pressure annular steam network 201 and / or the interstage steam converter 2001b connected to the lower pressure annular steam network 203.

[0124] In one embodiment, a method for stable steam supply is provided, characterized in that the method includes providing Figure 4 The system 30 of the present invention shown is used to supply steam, wherein the system 30 forms a cascaded ring steam network as described above.

[0125] In one embodiment, in the method, each bidirectional flow meter (not shown) may integrate a low flow rate alarm (not shown). When a low flow rate alarm signal is triggered because the steam flow rate detected in the high-pressure annular steam network 301 is lower than a preset minimum allowable flow rate, the method further includes the following steps:

[0126] The steam output of the steam supply device 3012, which is connected to the high-pressure annular steam network 301 as an interstage steam supply and demand device 3002, is adjusted to increase the steam supply, wherein the interstage steam supply and demand device 3002 outputs high-pressure steam to the high-pressure annular steam network 301 under a second operating condition.

[0127] In one embodiment, in the method, each bidirectional flow meter (not shown) may integrate a low flow rate alarm (not shown). When a low flow rate alarm signal is triggered because the steam flow rate detected in the low-pressure annular steam network 303 is lower than a preset minimum allowable flow rate, the method further includes the following steps:

[0128] The steam consumption of the steam consuming device 3033, which is connected to the low-pressure annular steam network 303 as an interstage steam supply and demand device 3002, is adjusted to reduce the steam consumption, wherein the interstage steam supply and demand device 3002 obtains low-pressure steam from the low-pressure annular steam network 303 under a first operating condition.

[0129] It is understood that, for those skilled in the art, any equivalent substitutions or modifications to the technical solutions and inventive concepts of this utility model should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for supplying steam, characterized in that, The system includes a ring-shaped steam pipe network. The annular steam network includes: a) A ring-shaped steam pipeline used to transport steam. b) One or more steam supply devices, and c) Multiple steam consumption devices. Each of the steam supply device and the steam consumption device is connected to the annular steam pipeline through two parallel branch pipes, which serve as backups for each other. A first double-stop-release valve group and a second double-stop-release valve group are respectively installed on the two branch pipes. A third double-stop-release valve group is installed on the annular steam pipeline between the connection points of the two branch pipes and the annular steam pipeline. Each double-stop-release valve group includes two stop valves and a release valve located between the two stop valves. A bidirectional flow meter is installed on the annular steam pipeline between adjacent steam supply devices or steam consumption devices to detect the steam flow rate in the annular steam pipeline in real time.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the bidirectional flow meters integrates a low flow rate alarm, which is used to trigger a low flow rate alarm signal when the steam flow rate is lower than the preset minimum allowable flow rate.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the ring-shaped steam network, the steam supply of some or all of the steam supply devices is adjustable, and / or the steam consumption of some or all of the steam consumption devices is adjustable.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Steam supply devices with adjustable steam supply include steam boilers.

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Steam supply devices with adjustable steam consumption include steam turbines or desuperheaters and pressure reducers.

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ring-shaped steam pipeline is provided with a reserved interface for subsequent expansion to connect additional steam supply devices and / or steam consumption devices.