Optimizing or improving the efficiency of a pressurized fluid system with a pressurized piping network under dynamic loads - Patents.com

Abstract

A method for optimizing a pressurized fluid system comprising a piping network (1) with an inlet (2) and a number of outlets (3) subjected to varying loads, comprising the steps of: - the minimum pressure required at the outlet (3) (P POi req ) - Measurement period (ΔT m ) - Measurement period (ΔT m ) during discharge pressure (P POi ) measuring the - Corresponding overpressure (OP POi ) and - Minimum overpressure (OP POi min ) and - finding the lowest Minimum Overpressure (SMO) occurring in the piping network (1); - When SMO>0, the suction pressure with SMO (P IN ) lowering the - when SMO≦0, evaluating other rearrangements.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of systems for pressurized fluids comprising a pressurized piping network, such as a pneumatic network, comprising at least one main pipe inlet through which the pressurized fluid is supplied to the piping network by a pressurizing machine of the pressurized fluid system, for example a compressor, and one or more pipe outlets through which the pressurized fluid is delivered to one or more corresponding user devices or appliances located at user locations spaced apart from one another. The pressurized fluid drawn by the various user devices or appliances varies over time, resulting in dynamic loads at the pipe outlets of the piping network. [Background technology]

[0002] In many applications, pressurized fluid, primarily pressurized air, is used to power some user device or implement, such as manufacturing or service tools, robots, machines, brakes, etc., that are pneumatically and / or hydraulically powered.

[0003] These pneumatically and / or hydraulically powered tools can be manually operated tools such as pneumatically and / or hydraulically powered wrenches, torque tools, screwdrivers, drills, grinders, sanders, polishers, impact tools, compression tools, air motors, jacks, lifting tools, and the like.

[0004] In other cases, the tool or machine is an automatically operated tool or machine, such as a pneumatically and / or hydraulically driven robotic arm or robot, or a computer controlled manufacturing bench, with a pneumatically and / or hydraulically driven tool or arm that automatically performs the required actions and movements.

[0005] The amount of pressurized fluid power required by the tool or machine varies widely from application to application. Different types of tools or machines have different nominal maximum and minimum power needs. Also, during an operation involving such a machine or tool, the power needs vary according to the load applied to the machine or tool or the resistance experienced by the machine or tool.

[0006] Multiple such user devices or instruments powered by pressurized fluid are often used simultaneously in locations that are spaced apart from one another by distances that may be large or very large (up to hundreds of meters or kilometers) or smaller (a few meters or tens of meters) depending on the application.

[0007] For example, in some manufacturing plants or assembly lines, the manufacture or assembly of a product requires various process steps to be carried out in different work stations distributed across the surface of the plant or along the assembly line. Pre-processed parts of the product or semi-finished products are passed from work station to work station until a finished product is obtained. Thus, the work stations are often arranged in a consecutive order according to the sequence of the process steps.

[0008] Also, in a service centre or industry for the maintenance or repair of machines or vehicles, service providers usually work simultaneously at different posts spread across the entire service centre or industry for the repair or maintenance of the machines or vehicles concerned.

[0009] In the construction industry or mining operations, teams often work in a wide range of locations distributed across a work site or mining plant to perform tasks that are frequently of extremely large scale.

[0010] A single source or a limited number of sources of pressurized fluid are typically used to provide pressurized fluid, typically pressurized air, to various user locations, posts, work areas, etc. where user devices or implements require pressurized fluid to drive tools or machinery.

[0011] Typically, such a source of pressurized fluid is a pressurizing machine that pressurizes an incoming non-pressurized fluid into an outgoing pressurized fluid. Such a pressurizing machine can be, for example, a compressor for compressing air at atmospheric pressure into air at a higher pressure. The pressurizing machine can also be a pump or any other machine by which a fluid can be pressurized.

[0012] The source of pressurized fluid can also be a combination of pressurized machines placed in series behind each other or a combination of a pressurized machine and a pressure vessel, and the like.

[0013] In another example, the source of pressurized fluid may not be a pressurized machine, but rather an existing source of pressurized fluid, such as water in a lake behind a check dam.

[0014] A piping network is typically provided to connect a single source or a limited number of sources of pressurized fluid to different user devices and equipment that require pressurized fluid and that are spaced apart from one another at various user locations, such as work sites, service posts, mining sites, etc.

[0015] The piping network has at least one main pipe inlet that is connected to a single source or a limited number of sources of pressurized fluid.

[0016] As a rule, from a main pipe inlet extends a main pipe section which can be branched into several pipe branches which can further be branched into pipe sub-branches etc., resulting in a number of pipe branches and pipe sub-branches corresponding to the number of user locations to which pressurized fluid has to be provided.

[0017] These pipe branches and pipe sub-branches terminate in pipe outlets to which relevant user devices or appliances at different user locations are connected.

[0018] It is a known phenomenon that some pressure drop occurs during the transfer of pressurized fluid from the main pipe inlet of such a piping network to the aforementioned pipe outlet.

[0019] The pressure drop encountered at any pipe outlet is the difference between the fluid pressure present at the main pipe inlet and the fluid pressure encountered at that pipe outlet.

[0020] This pressure drop is typically different for different pipe outlets and depends on several factors, varying over time due to changing demands at the pipe outlets during operation.

[0021] During flow in a pipe, friction losses in the fluid cause a pressure drop.

[0022] A crucial factor influencing said pressure drop is the fluid flow rate or velocity through the pipe section in question.

[0023] Another factor that plays some role is the viscosity of the fluid.

[0024] Yet another important factor affecting the pressure drop between the main pipe inlet and the various pipe outlets of a piping network is the pipe length of the relevant pipe section between the main pipe inlet and the relevant pipe outlet.

[0025] Still other factors that affect the pressure drop are pipe roughness within the pipe section, the diameter of the pipe section, or the change in diameter in the pipe section between the main pipe inlet and the pipe outlet.

[0026] Also the number of bends in the pipe section in question and the presence of other mechanical components in the pipe section such as valves, flow meters, fittings etc. play an important role.

[0027] Yet another factor that may affect pressure or pressure drop is fluctuations in fluid pressure at the main pipe inlet.

[0028] For example, when there is a very large demand for pressurized fluid at the aggregate pipe outlets, it may occur that the source of pressurized fluid is unable to keep up with this total demand for pressurized fluid at the main pipe inlet, and therefore the fluid pressure at this main pipe inlet may temporarily drop until the demand again corresponds to, i.e., is less than, the capacity to deliver pressurized fluid by the source of pressurized fluid.

[0029] In short, it is rather difficult or nearly impossible to predict the varying pressure or pressure drop at every pipe outlet in a precise manner.

[0030] Additionally, it is important to understand that some user devices or appliances connected to the pipe outlets of a piping network often require a minimum required fluid pressure at their inlets to be able to function.

[0031] This means that the suction pressure at the main pipe suction should be high enough at all times so that when the pressure drops in the pipe sections to the different pipe outlets are taken into account, there is still sufficient discharge pressure left at every each pipe outlet, and at each period during the time of operation at the different user locations.

[0032] This exhaust pressure should be at least higher at each user location concerned than the minimum pressure required at such user location concerned, so as to provide pressurized fluid at a sufficiently high pressure so that, in any circumstances, the relevant user devices or appliances can still function properly even when used at their maximum load.

[0033] The required suction pressure at the main pipe inlet of a piping network can be theoretically determined, for example, by calculating what this required suction pressure should be in an environment where maximum loads are simultaneously applied at all pipe outlets or user locations.

[0034] However, in reality, this situation of maximum loading of the network, with maximum load being applied at all user locations at the same time, never or almost never exists.

[0035] Indeed, under normal circumstances during operation, pressurized fluid will be removed in some of the pipe outlets for some periods while other pipe outlets remain closed, and during other periods of operation other pipe outlets may open or some of the previously open pipe outlets may close.

[0036] Moreover, even the load experienced at each of such pipe outlets in an unclosed condition of the pipe outlets typically fluctuates or oscillates during operation, and such loads are typically not equal to the maximum allowable load during the entire duration of operation.

[0037] As a result, the required suction pressure, theoretically calculated in the manner described above, is in fact unnecessarily high, resulting in wasted energy.

[0038] It can be easily seen that it is not easy to determine how high the suction pressure at the main pipe suction should actually be during operation so that the required loads can be received at the different pipe outlets in a safe manner and without interruption of operation at any of the user locations due to lack of pressure at the relevant pipe outlet.

[0039] Obviously, when the source of pressurized fluid, which provides the required suction pressure at the main pipe inlet of the piping network, comprises a pressurizing machine, such as a compressor or a pump, energy, e.g. electrical energy, is required to drive the pressurizing machine. The suction pressure of the piping network is then naturally the same as the discharge pressure of the pressurizing machine.

[0040] When the discharge pressure of a pressurizing machine or the suction pressure of a piping network can be reduced, a lot of energy can be saved and therefore the costs related to the supply of energy can also be significantly reduced.

[0041] In detail, the following equation gives an idea of ​​the cost reduction obtained when a pressure reduction of Δp at the discharge of the pressurized machine can be applied:

[0042]

number

[0043] The various parameters are as follows: Δp = pressure drop at the compressor discharge V = volumetric flow rate R h =Uptime C e =Cost of electricity

[0044] According to the current state of the art, there is still no good way to improve or optimize the energy efficiency and cost efficiency of a pressurized fluid system having a pressurized piping network subjected to varying loads at multiple pipe outlets of the piping network.

[0045] In particular, there is no known good way to set the suction pressure at the main piping suction of a piping network to an optimized suction pressure in a manner that is adapted to the fluctuating demand for pressurized fluid that actually occurs at different pipe outlets of the piping network during operation.

[0046] Additionally, there is no good method for evaluating possible adaptations of existing piping networks to optimize the energy and cost efficiency of the pressurized fluid systems in which they are incorporated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0047] The present invention aims to provide a method for optimizing or improving the efficiency of a system for pressurized fluid, such as a compressed air system, comprising a pressurized piping network subjected to varying loads, which of course intends to minimize the energy costs associated with passing the pressurized fluid through the piping network.

[0048] In particular, it is a conceivable object of the present invention to develop a method by which the pressure drop occurring in an existing pressurized piping network during operation involving a piping network for the delivery of pressurized fluid to a user location can be evaluated and to determine the possibility by which the required suction pressure at the main pipe inlet of the piping network can be reduced.

[0049] Another possible object of the present invention is to arrive at a method for evaluating possible modifications to an existing piping network of a pressurized fluid system, whereby pressure drop may be reduced or lack of pressure at the pipe outlet may be avoided, with the intention of optimizing the energy efficiency and cost efficiency of said pressurized fluid system, whereby installation costs and financial returns from reduced energy costs are evaluated relative to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0050] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for optimizing or improving the energy and cost efficiency of a pressurized fluid system comprising a pressurized piping network provided with a main pipe inlet and a number of pipe outlets located at user locations spaced apart from one another, the method comprising the steps of: providing an inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet of the piping network by a source of pressurized fluid of the pressurized fluid system, the piping network being subjected to fluctuating loads at the pipe outlets due to a fluctuating demand for pressurized fluid during operation of user devices connected to the piping outlets at the user locations, the method comprising: a. - determining, for one or more pipe outlets, the minimum pressure required at any given time at a corresponding user location such that operation at that user location can be performed uninterrupted; b. - determining a measurement period corresponding to a typical duty cycle of the piping network, during which the pressures at the main pipe inlet and at the pipe outlet are measured; c. - measuring pressure at the main pipe inlet and at the pipe outlet during a measurement period; d. - calculating the difference during the measurement period between the possibly varying pressure at each pipe outlet concerned and the corresponding minimum pressure required at any time at the corresponding user location, so as to find the corresponding excess pressure at the pipe outlet concerned, possibly varying during the measurement period; e. - finding, for each pipe outlet in question, the minimum overpressure occurring during the measurement period, so as to obtain a series of minimum overpressures consisting of the minimum overpressures of each pipe outlet in question; f. - finding the lowest minimum overpressure occurring in the network during the measurement period; g. - Evaluating whether the lowest minimum overpressure occurring in the network during the measurement period is higher than zero; h. - when the lowest minimum overpressure is greater than zero, making a recommendation to reduce the suction pressure of the network by an amount equal to or slightly greater than or slightly less than the lowest minimum overpressure; i. - when the lowest minimum overpressure is zero or less than zero, taking no further steps to improve or optimize the efficiency of the pressurized fluid system or evaluating possible reconfigurations to the piping network to make the pressurized fluid system more energy and cost-effective.

[0051] A major advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that it allows for improving or optimizing the efficiency of a pressurized fluid system comprising a pressurized piping network based on monitoring actual pressure loads measured in real-world conditions during a typical duty cycle.

[0052] In that way, an overestimation of the required suction pressure at the main pipe suction of the piping network of the pressurized fluid system can be avoided.

[0053] Certainly, an estimate of the suction pressure can be made theoretically, for example by calculating the required suction pressure under conditions of simultaneous maximum load at all pipe outlets, but in practice such conditions occur very rarely, so that such an estimate of the required suction pressure is usually much too large.

[0054] Using the method according to the invention, the required suction pressure can be determined based on data from actual measurements of pressure at the pipe outlet while the piping network is in use.

[0055] Another advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that it allows for detection of critical portions of a piping network having high pressure needs, and also using the method measures can be taken to reconfigure the piping network to display such portion or portions of the piping network that are less critical.

[0056] Yet another important advantage of such a method according to the invention is that a lot of energy can be saved, as a result of which operating costs, CO2 emissions, ... can be significantly reduced.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the pressure at the main pipe inlet and at the respective pipe outlet are measured synchronously during a measurement period in step c of the method.

[0058] It will be appreciated that only by simultaneously measuring the pressure at the main pipe inlet and at the relevant pipe outlet during a typical duty cycle will an accurate view of the actual pressure drop development occurring within a pressurized piping network be obtained.

[0059] Preferably, pressure measurements are performed during the entire measurement period, for example in an analog manner, so that any dangerous situation of the presence of a high pressure need at the main pipe inlet due to the simultaneous occurrence of high or maximum pressure loads at the pipe outlet during the duty cycle is not missed.

[0060] In a possible preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step c of the method, the measurements of the pressure during the measurement period are digital pressure measurements carried out simultaneously at the various pipe outlets in question, the digital pressure measurements being at discrete times during the measurement period. The calculations and findings in steps d and e of the method are then carried out for this group of discrete digital measurements.

[0061] An advantage of digital measurement of pressure is that such a method of measurement results in digital data of the measured pressure, making that type of data more suitable for further processing using currently available data processing means such as computers.

[0062] It is clear that the discrete points in time should be close enough together so that critical pressure load situations are not overlooked. This is no longer a problem today, as high-level electronic measurement devices are ubiquitously available.

[0063] In a preferred method of the invention, after carrying out method step h, if the lowest minimum overpressure is higher than 0, the suction pressure is reduced by the suggested amount by adapting the pressure at the outlet of the source of pressurized fluid and method steps c to i are repeated.

[0064] A first advantage of such an embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the suction pressure of the piping network is set to a lower level, which is possible since the lowest minimum overpressure at the pipe outlet is higher than 0, thus saving energy and money.

[0065] Typically, a piping network is designed so that the pressure drop in the network due to friction losses at its maximum load is at most 3-5% over the entire pipe length, from the main pipe inlet to the pipe outlet in question.

[0066] In these conditions, the lowest minimum overpressure at the pipe outlet is a good measure for the excess pressure available at the main pipe inlet, and the error made by this assumption is negligible in these conditions.

[0067] Another advantage of such an embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the method is iterative, for example by iterating through the method steps for further improvement or optimization of the pressurized fluid system, for example by performing method steps in which an evaluation of one or more reconfigurations of the piping network is performed. Such a reconfiguration may consist, for example, of a reconfiguration of the diameter of a piping network section, or may be, for example, by inserting a pressure vessel or by replacing a section such as a filter, regulator, lubricator, valve or other component in the piping network.

[0068] Another preferred aspect of the method according to the invention is therefore that performing step i comprises an evaluation involving calculating, if the lowest minimum overpressure is 0 or lower, the potential financial savings due to the increased energy efficiency caused by the reconfiguration of the piping network versus the costs of reconfiguring the piping network.

[0069] If the lowest minimum overpressure is zero or lower, then there is no excess pressure available at the main pipe inlet of the network and there is in fact a lack of suction pressure during the entire period during which the minimum overpressure at the pipe outlet in question is zero or lower.

[0070] As a result, it is not then possible to increase the energy efficiency of the network by simply lowering the suction pressure by some amount.

[0071] A reconfiguration of the piping network is then the only further possibility for improving or optimizing the piping network.

[0072] An advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that the determining process involves a comparison between the costs of reconfiguring the piping network and the potential financial savings due to the increased energy efficiency caused by the reconfiguration of the piping network.

[0073] The comparison is made by means of several computer calculations carried out automatically, so that it is easily determined whether by reconfiguring the piping network its efficiency can still be increased in a robust manner from an economic point of view.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the evaluation in step i comprises: j. - generating one or more theoretical piping networks (TPNs) to which the network reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations has been applied; k. - calculating the potential financial saving (PFS) for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipeline network; l. - Retaining the maximum potential financial savings (PFS) and the corresponding reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipeline network.

[0075] A further aspect of a possible method according to the invention is that the step k of calculating the potential financial savings for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipe network comprises a step m of calculating a theoretical minimum overpressure that would theoretically hypothetically occur in a corresponding theoretical pipe network to which said reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipe network is applied, the theoretical minimum overpressure being that at the pipe outlet where in reality the minimum overpressure is measured over time.

[0076] Yet another aspect of a possible method according to the invention is that in step k, the calculation of potential financial savings for a particular possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network comprises a step n of determining that the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network does not generate potential financial savings when the theoretical minimum overpressure in question is zero or lower than zero, and comprises a step o of calculating potential financial savings when the initial suction pressure in the theoretical piping network is lowered by an amount equal to or slightly greater than or slightly less than the lowest of the theoretical minimum overpressure and the second lowest minimum overpressure occurring in the piping network during the measurement period when the theoretical minimum overpressure is higher than zero.

[0077] In a possible method according to the invention, steps m, n, and o are repeated multiple times for various possible reconfigurations or combinations of reconfigurations of the piping network that result in different financial savings, and in step l of the method, the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations associated with the greatest potential financial savings is selected and stored.

[0078] In yet another possible method according to the present invention, the potential financial savings or the maximum potential financial savings is visualized to a user or operator together with a corresponding reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network.

[0079] Preferably, the method according to the invention is performed using electronic means and / or is a computer-implemented method.

[0080] The methods according to the invention are also suited to be implemented as a computer program, typically comprising instructions which cause a computer to carry out the method when the program is executed by a computer.

[0081] An advantage of the above-described embodiment of the method according to the invention is that the usefulness of possible reconfigurations of the piping network is automatically evaluated as far as improving or optimizing the efficiency of the entire pressurized fluid system comprising the piping network and the potential financial savings that can be obtained are concerned.

[0082] In the next section of this text, other methods according to the invention are explained in more detail.

[0083] The invention also relates to a data processing device or computer comprising a processor adapted to carry out the steps of the method of the invention.

[0084] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a compressor, comprising a data processing device or computer according to the invention.

[0085] Finally, the invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which make a computer carry out the method according to the invention when the program is executed by a computer.

[0086] The invention is further illustrated with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0087] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized fluid system comprising a piping network in which the method according to the invention for improving or optimizing the energy efficiency of the pressurized fluid system can be applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a portion of the piping network of FIG. 1 with possible fixtures at the pipe outlets of the piping network symbolized in more detail. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates, in the form of a flow chart, a possible method according to the invention for optimizing or improving the efficiency of a pressurized fluid system comprising a pressurized piping network subjected to varying loads at several pipe outlets. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates in more detail, in the form of a flow chart, the steps involved in carrying out step i represented in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates in more detail, in the form of a flow chart, the steps involved in carrying out step l represented in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 illustrates in more detail, in flow chart form, the steps involved in carrying out step m in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 shows a first situation with typical fluctuations in pressure measured at two pipe outlets of a piping network, in particular before optimization or improvement of the efficiency of a system for pressurized fluid is achieved using the method according to the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows, in a similar manner to FIG. 7, the pressure variations at two pipe outlets of a piping network after the suction pressure has been reduced and after an optimization or improvement in the efficiency of a system for pressurized fluid has been obtained using the method according to the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 illustrates, in a similar manner to FIG. 7, another typical variation in pressure measured at two pipe outlets of a piping network, and a second situation also involving such a variation, before an optimization or improvement of the efficiency of a system for pressurized fluid is obtained using the method according to the invention. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 shows, in a similar manner to FIG. 9, the theoretically calculated change in pressure that should be expected at one of the two outlets when the piping network is reconfigured, for example by increasing the diameter of the pipes in the piping network. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows, in a similar manner to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the pressures measured at the two outlets after a reconfiguration of the piping network has been carried out and the suction pressure has been reduced and the efficiency of the pressurized fluid system has been optimized or improved according to the method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0088] Figure 1 shows a main pipe inlet (MPI) 2 and several pipe outlets 3 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO N 1 shows a system SYS for pressurized fluids comprising a piping network 1 in which a number of pipe outlets 3, N in total, are provided.

[0089] The pipe outlets 3 are spaced apart from one another and are connected to user locations 4 (UL1, UL2, UL3, ...UL N ) As explained in the introduction, the distance between the user locations 4 depends on the application and can be from a few meters or less to a few hundred meters, or even a kilometer or several kilometers.

[0090] Extending from the main pipe inlet 2 is a main pipe section 5 which is branched into a number of pipe branches 6 and pipe sub-branches 7.

[0091] Each pipe outlet 3 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO N) is connected to the main pipe inlet 2 (MPI) by a pipe formed by a combination of a main pipe section 5 with a pipe branch 6 and possibly a pipe sub-branch 7. In other configurations it is of course possible that further sub-branches are connected to the sub-branch 7, etc. The configuration in figure 1 is only an example.

[0092] A1, A2, A3, ... A N User devices or appliances 8, shown in FIG. 1 as , are provided at the user locations 4 and are connected to corresponding pipe outlets 3 of the user locations 4 in question, with the intention of being supplied with pressurized fluid, typically pressurized air, by the piping network 1.

[0093] In the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, such an instrument 8 is represented by a square box, but in reality such an instrument 8 may be any tool or device or combination of tools or devices that requires pressurized fluid.

[0094] In order to supply pressurized fluid to the piping network 1 and through the piping network 1 to the appliances 8, a suction pressure P IN Pressurized fluid is provided by a source 9 of pressurized fluid of a pressurized fluid system SYS.

[0095] This source 9 of pressurized fluid is typically a compressor 10 (COMP) of the system SYS for pressurized fluid, which is also the case in the embodiment of FIG. 1, although other sources may be used for this purpose.

[0096] The compressor 10 has at its inlet a pressure PC IN It takes in uncompressed air.

[0097] In the compressor 10, this air is compressed and the compressed air is compressed at a higher pressure PC OUT and is discharged at the outlet of the compressor 10.

[0098] At the pipe outlet 3 the piping network 1 is subjected to fluctuating loads due to the fluctuating demand for pressurized fluid during the operation of user devices or appliances 8 connected to the piping outlet 3 at user locations 4 .

[0099] FIG. 2 shows the situation for one of the pipe outlets 3 in more detail.

[0100] The instrument 8 is in this case represented by a pneumatically driven mechanical tool 11 connected by a flexible pneumatic hose 12 to a pipe outlet 3 of the piping network 1, from which pressurized fluid is drawn during operation with the mechanical tool 11.

[0101] At the same pipe outlet 3 there is also a valve 13 which is not connected to any fixture 8 .

[0102] For clarity, consider the following two situations.

[0103] In the first situation, the machine tool 11 is not used and the valve 13 is open without any load being applied on the valve 13 .

[0104] In that case, the pressure at or near the pipe outlet 3 (P POi ) is the atmospheric pressure P atm and the portion of the piping network 1 is at the discharge pressure PC OUT Higher pressure P equal to IN and atmospheric pressure P atm The pressure difference P is the difference between IN -P atm By opening the valve 13, the fluid accelerates in the pipe branch 6 and the sub-branch 7 to the pipe outlet 3, where it reaches some velocity. The pressure P IN and atmospheric pressure P atmAs soon as the pressure ratio between the pressure in the pipe and the pressure in the outlet 3 becomes large enough, i.e. when this ratio is greater than the critical minimum pressure ratio (which is about 1.89 for air), the fluid starts to flow in a so-called choked flow manner, where it flows out of the pipe outlet 3 in question with a maximum velocity equal to the speed of sound.

[0105] Total pressure drop ΔP across the pipe section tot In this case, P IN and atmospheric pressure P atm or in the case of choked flow, some critical pressure P c is equal to ΔP1 (ΔP tot =P IN -P atm or ΔP tot =P IN -P c ).

[0106] This pressure drop ΔP1 across the pipe section in question comprises a kinetic component due to the increase in the velocity of the fluid in the piping network 1 as well as a pressure component caused by friction losses in the section of the piping network 1 connecting the main pipe inlet 2 with the pipe outlet 3 in question. In practice, it is assumed that the kinetic component is negligible.

[0107] When the flow in the network 1 is considered to be turbulent, this friction loss is proportional to the square of the fluid velocity (v 2 ) and approximately inversely proportional to the diameter of the pipe in question.

[0108] Many other factors play a role, as explained in the introduction.

[0109] However, in this case, the pressure is the suction pressure P IN From atmospheric pressure P atm , or in the case of choked flow, the critical pressure P c It can be seen that a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, reaches relatively high velocities, even velocities equal to the speed of sound, and large friction losses are involved. In this first case, the following is true: ΔP1 = ΔP tot=P IN -P atm or ΔP1 = ΔP tot =P IN -P c is valid.

[0110] In a second situation, the valve 13 is closed and the machine tool 11 is used. In that case, there is a pressure drop ΔP3 across the machine tool 11 as pressurized fluid is used to perform some mechanical work with the tool 11.

[0111] Furthermore, there is a pressure drop ΔP 2 in the flexible hose 12 connecting the machine tool 11 to the pipe outlet 3 .

[0112] In this case, the suction pressure P at the main pipe suction port 2 of the piping network 1 IN from the atmospheric pressure P at the outlet of the machine tool 11 atm Total pressure drop ΔP up to tot is composed of three components, namely, a first pressure drop ΔP1 due to the acceleration and friction losses of the fluid in the piping network 1, a second pressure drop ΔP2 due to the acceleration and friction losses of the fluid in the flexible hose 12, and a third pressure drop ΔP3 which is the useful pressure for performing mechanical work with the tool 11 (ΔP tot =ΔP1+ΔP2+ΔP3) is obvious.

[0113] In this case, the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 of the piping network 1 POi is the suction pressure P IN and atmospheric pressure P atm and depends on the characteristics of the flexible pneumatic hose 12 and the pneumatic machine tool 11, and the use of the tool 11.

[0114] When the machine tool 11 or any other machine tool connected to the piping network 1 is not yet in use and no pressurized fluid is flowing through the piping network 1, the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 of the piping network 1 POi is the suction pressure P at the main pipe suction port 2 IN is approximately equal to

[0115] However, as soon as the machine tool 11 or any other machine tool connected to the network is in use, some pressurized fluid is flowing through the piping network 1 and friction losses also occur in the piping network 1.

[0116] Furthermore, as soon as the machine tool 11 is in use, some pressurized fluid is also flowing in the flexible hose 12, causing extra friction losses and as work is being performed with the machine tool 11.

[0117] Therefore, the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 POi drops slightly, and the more pressurized fluid is consumed by the machine tool 11, the more this pressure P POi will fall further.

[0118] The consumption of pressurized fluid in other pipe outlets 3 of the piping network 1 than the pipe outlet 3 to which the machine tool 11 is connected is expressed as the pressure P POi It is also clear that the present invention has an impact on

[0119] When the machine tool 11 is used at its maximum capacity, at least some minimum pressure P POi req It can be easily seen that a suction pipe is always required at the pipe outlet 3.

[0120] Usually, the piping network 1 is designed in such a way that the pressure drop ΔP1 between the main pipe inlet 2 and the relevant pipe outlet 3 is limited, so that at the pipe outlet 3, a minimum required pressure P POi req is always available.

[0121] In reality, however, the piping network 1 may be considerably extended with many branches 6 and sub-branches 7, with the distance between the main pipe inlet 2 and the relevant pipe outlet 3 varying widely and the appliances 8 having all kinds of power needs which may also vary widely over time.

[0122] From the above discussion it can be seen that it is far from obvious to factor in all requirements and possibly changing demands already at the design stage.

[0123] The minimum required pressure P at any pipe outlet 3 POi req is the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 2 IN This can be ensured by setting

[0124] The disadvantage of such a method of designing the piping network 1 is that the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 2 is very low, since the appliances 8 are never or almost never used at their maximum capacity at the same time in practice. IN but is usually set at an unnecessarily high level.

[0125] Pressure P at main pipe inlet 2 IN The higher the pressure PC in the outlet pipe of the compressor 10, OUT The higher the refrigeration capacity, the more energy is consumed by the compressor 10 and the higher the costs associated with the energy consumption.

[0126] The present invention provides a method for improving or optimizing the efficiency of such a pressurized fluid system SYS having a piping network 1 under varying loads at the pipe outlets 3, such a method according to the invention takes into account the real loads encountered at the pipe outlets 3 of the piping network 1 during a typical duty cycle, the method comprising: IN is not set unnecessarily high.

[0127] Such a method according to the invention will now be described in more detail.

[0128] FIG. 3 represents a flow chart describing the steps involved in the method according to the invention.

[0129] The first step a) of the method is represented in box 14 and in this first step of the method for one or more pipe outlets 3, their user locations UL i UL i The minimum pressure P required at any time POi req is determined.

[0130] In another step b) of such a method according to the invention, represented in box 15 of FIG. 3, the pressure P IN and the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ..., P PON A measurement period ΔT corresponds to a typical duty cycle of the piping network 1 during which m is determined.

[0131] In the next step c) of the method according to the invention, described in box 16 of FIG. m During this time, the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 2 IN and the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ..., P PON is measured.

[0132] Measurement period ΔT m The pressure P between PO1 and P PO2 Examples of such measurements are represented in Figs. 7 and 9 for two pipe outlets 3 of a piping network 1, indicated with index 1 and index 2, respectively.

[0133] In a preferred method according to the invention, the pressure P IN and the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3, ..., P PON In step c) of the method, the measurement period ΔT m The measurements are taken synchronously between

[0134] This is preferable because it is in that way that the total load experienced by the pipeline network 1 can be known most accurately at any instant in time.

[0135] Measurement period ΔT m The pressure P between IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ..., P PON The variation of may, for example, be determined in an analog manner.

[0136] However, using present day techniques in the preferred method according to the invention, the measurement period ΔT m The pressure P between IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ..., P PON are digital pressure measurements carried out simultaneously at the various relevant pipe outlets 3, the digital pressure measurements being carried out over a measurement period ΔT m at discrete times t1, t2, t3, ... between

[0137] Pressure P IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ..., P PON In order that situations with large loads are not missed during the measurement, the discrete points in time t1, t2, t3, ... should be close to each other relative to the speed at which the load changes at the pipe outlet 3 of the piping network 1 occur.

[0138] In the next step d) of the method according to the invention, illustrated by box 17 in FIG. 3, a measurement period ΔT m The corresponding overpressure OP at the relevant pipe outlet 3 fluctuates during PO1 , OPPO2 , OP PO3 , ..., OP PON To find the pressure P at each pipe outlet 3 in question, which is usually variable, PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ...P PON and the corresponding user locations UL1, UL2, UL3, ..., UL N The corresponding minimum pressure P required at any time PO1 req , P PO2 req , P PO3 req , ..., P PON req The measurement period ΔT between m The difference between is calculated.

[0139] The term overpressure should be properly understood. In fact, such overpressure OP PO1 , OP PO2 , OP PO3 , ...or the OP PON is the pressure P measured at the pipe outlet 3 PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 , ... or P PON and the corresponding minimum required pressure P at the pipe outlet 3. PO1 req , P PO2 req , P PO3 req , ... or P PON req Since it is the result of a subtraction between

[0140] This means that if the calculated result is negative, then in fact there is no such overpressure OP PO1 , OP PO2 , OP PO3 , ...or the OP PON This means that it can actually be "negative pressure".

[0141] In the example shown in Figure 7, the measurement period ΔT mPositive overpressure OP PO1 and OP PO2 However, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the pressure P PO1 is the measurement period ΔT m During some time interval Δt in PO1 req As a result, the overpressure OP PO1 is temporarily negative during the time interval Δt. During the time interval Δt, the pressure P PO1 is the minimum required pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1 req may be considered to be an abnormality in operation.

[0142] In the next step e) of the method according to the invention, represented by box 18 in FIG. 3, the relevant pipe outlets 3 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO N ), for each pipe outlet 3 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO N ) series of minimum overpressures OP PO1 min , OP PO2 min , OP PO3 min , ...and the OP PON min The measurement period ΔT m Minimum overpressure OP occurring between PO1 min , OP PO2 min , OP PO3 min , ...and the OP PON min is required.

[0143] In a preferred method according to the invention, where step c) is based on synchronous discrete digital measurements of pressure, the calculations and findings in steps d) and e) of the method are carried out on this group of discrete digital measurements.

[0144] The next step f) of the preferred method according to the invention, represented by box 19 in FIG. m It consists in finding the lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring in the piping network 1 during

[0145] This is the series OP of minimum overpressures of all pipe outlets 3, which has the lowest value. PO1 min , OP PO2 min , OP PO3 min , ...or the OP PON min The overpressure is at one of the pipe outlets 3 in the

[0146] In the example of Figure 7, this minimum overpressure OP PO1 min But, OP PO1 min and OP PO2 min Since this SMO is the lowest minimum overpressure in the series of minimum overpressures consisting of only SMO, this SMO is the minimum overpressure OP PO1 min It is.

[0147] In the example of FIG. 9, this lowest minimum overpressure SMO is also the minimum overpressure OP PO1 min It is.

[0148] In this example of FIG. 9, the minimum overpressure OP occurring at the pipe outlet PO1 PO1 min The absolute value of is the minimum overpressure OP occurring at the pipe outlet PO2. PO2 min In this case, the absolute value of the minimum overpressure OP PO1 min has a negative value and therefore a positive minimum overpressure OP PO2 min The minimum overpressure OP PO2 min Lower than.

[0149] Therefore, the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is also OP in this example. PO1 min It is.

[0150] In a preferred method according to the invention, step f) is optionally preceded by a step pre-f), represented by a box 20 in FIG. 3, which determines the sequence OP of the minimum overpressures of all pipe outlets 3. PO1 min , OP PO2 min , OP PO3 min , ...or the OP PON min are sorted according to increasing size from the lowest minimum overpressure SMO to the highest minimum overpressure.

[0151] In that case, step f) of the method simply involves calculating the first value in the sorted sequence of minimum overpressures over a measurement period ΔT m This consists in considering the lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring at the relevant pipe outlet 3 during

[0152] In the next step g) of the method according to the invention, represented by diamond 21 in FIG. m An evaluation is made as to whether the lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring in the piping network 1 during

[0153] When the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is higher than 0, step h) of the method, represented by box 22 in FIG. 3, is executed.

[0154] In this step h), the compressor discharge pressure PC OUT The suction pressure P at the main pipe suction port 2 is the same as IN is the initial suction pressure P from which the lowest minimum overpressure SMO or a slightly higher or lower pressure is subtracted. IN init (P IN new=P IN init -SMO), new suction pressure P IN new The measurement period ΔT m The initial suction pressure P of the piping network 1 is equal to or slightly greater than or slightly less than the lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring in the piping network 1 during IN init It is proposed to reduce the initial suction pressure P IN init The reason why it can be subtracted from the pipe outlet PO i Pressure P at POi is the initial suction pressure P IN init After reducing the pressure at the pipe outlet PO at any time above, i The corresponding minimum required pressure P POi req If a small safety margin is not required, the pipe outlet PO i Minimum required pressure P POi req To maximize the energy yield at the expense of having IN init can also be subtracted from

[0155] As explained previously, in the case of FIG. 7, the measurement period ΔT m The lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring in the piping network 1 during the period is indeed higher than 0, and as a result, in this example, in step h), the initial suction pressure P is increased by an amount equal to the lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring. IN init In this example, the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is the minimum overpressure OP measured at the first pipe outlet OP1. PO1 min It is.

[0156] New suction pressure P INnew Initial intake pressure P IN init The situation after application of the proposed reduction is shown in FIG.

[0157] Suction pressure P at main pipe suction port 2 IN Such a reduction in the discharge pressure PC at the discharge port of the compressor 10, or equivalently OUT It is apparent that the reduction in the energy consumption improves or optimizes the energy efficiency of the pressurized fluid system including the compressor 10, the piping network 1, . . .

[0158] Lower discharge pressure PC OUT When the compressor 10 is working, less energy is consumed, which results in lower operating costs, as explained in the introduction.

[0159] FIG. 8 also shows the new suction pressure P IN new Pressure P' at the pipe outlets PO1 and PO2, respectively, after application of PO1 and P' PO2 Also, the initial suction pressure P IN init The original pressures P at the pipe outlets PO1 and PO2, respectively, when PO1 and P PO2 , which shows that the minimum overpressure SMO in the piping network 1 is reduced by approximately the same amount, which corresponds to the lowest minimum overpressure SMO in the piping network 1.

[0160] Therefore, as can be seen in Figure 8, the new suction pressure P IN new After application of these pressures P' PO1 and P' PO2 The corresponding minimum required pressure P PO1 req and P PO2 req always exceeds the overpressure OP' during operation. PO1 and OP' PO2is always positive or equal to 0, or similarly, the pressure P' at both pipe outlets PO1 and PO2 PO1 and P' PO2 There is absolutely no lack of.

[0161] This proves that after optimisation or improvement of the efficiency of the pressurised fluid system SYS, the operations carried out using the instruments A1, A2 etc., carried out at the corresponding pipe outlets PO1, PO2, ... of the piping network 1 can still be carried out uninterruptedly.

[0162] When in method step g) it is determined that the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is 0 or lower than 0, method step i) is executed.

[0163] Step i) may consist in simply making a decision that no further efforts are to be made to improve or optimize the efficiency of the system for pressurized fluids SYS, when it is not intended to reconfigure the piping network 1, for example by increasing the diameter of pipes therein or by inserting pressure vessels therein. This assessment is represented by diamond 23 in Fig. 3, and if no further efforts are to be made the method ends, which is indicated by box 24 in Fig. 3.

[0164] Alternatively or additionally, when the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is 0 or less than 0, in step i) of the method, the initial pressure P is increased by an amount equal to or slightly less than or slightly greater than the (absolute value of) the lowest minimum overpressure SMO. IN init It may be determined that by increasing the suction pressure P IN init is a new suction pressure P that is sufficiently high to avoid the occurrence of any abnormalities at the pipe outlet 3 during operation due to a lack of pressure at the pipe outlet 3 in question. IN newThe drawback of such a practice is, of course, that the energy consumption or efficiency of the pressurized fluid system SYS is not improved or optimized, but rather increases the energy consumption or decreases the efficiency.

[0165] However, in a more interesting implementation of the method according to the invention, in step i) an evaluation of one or more possible reconfigurations to the piping network (1) is carried out in order to increase the energy efficiency of the piping network (1).

[0166] In a preferred method according to the invention, the execution of step i comprises an evaluation which involves calculating, if the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is 0 or lower, the potential financial savings due to the increased energy efficiency caused by the reconfiguration of the piping network 1 versus the cost of reconfiguring the piping network 1.

[0167] This step i) of the method according to the invention is represented by box 25 in FIG. 3, which comprises many other underlying or subsequent actions represented in FIGS. 4 to 6, in which an evaluation is made of possible reconfigurations to the piping network 1 in order to reduce the energy consumption or increase the energy efficiency of the compressed air system or the system SYS for pressurized fluids.

[0168] The evaluation of possible reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 comprises the calculation of potential financial savings PFS, and when there are possible financial savings, in further steps j) and k) a decision can be made to implement the reconfiguration corresponding to the greatest potential financial savings. These steps j) and k) are illustrated by diamond 26 and box 27 in FIG. 3.

[0169] After carrying out said reconfiguration of the piping network 1, steps c to i of the method are possibly carried out again in order to further improve or optimize the efficiency of the system SYS for pressurized fluid.

[0170] Obviously, if the evaluation of possible reconfigurations of the piping network 1 leads to the conclusion in step j) that no financial savings can be obtained, the method is preferably discontinued (see diamond 25 in case of "no").

[0171] A relevant example is shown in FIG.

[0172] Indeed, the lowest minimum overpressure SMO occurring in the piping network 1 is then strictly lower than 0 in the time interval Δt at the first pipe outlet PO1 and therefore the minimum pressure P required at that pipe outlet PO1 is PO1 req The pressure P measured at the corresponding pipe outlet PO1 during the time interval Δt is lower than PO1 It is.

[0173] This means that due to a lack of sufficient pressurized fluid, operations at the first user location UL1 may possibly not be performed as required during the above-mentioned time interval Δt.

[0174] Obviously, in such a case, the suction pressure P at the main pipe suction port 2 of the piping network 1 IN Reducing is not an option and therefore other reconfigurations of the piping network 1 should be considered or the method may be discontinued.

[0175] FIG. 4 shows in more detail possible steps for performing step i) for evaluating one or more reconfigurations of the piping network 1, represented in box 25 of FIGS. 3 and 4, up to a possible implementation in step k) of such a reconfiguration when such implementation generates financial savings, step k) of which is shown in box 27 of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0176] As represented in FIG. 4, in a preferred method according to the invention, a step i of evaluating one or more possible reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 comprises: l. - generating one or more theoretical networks TPN to which the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the network 1 has been applied, represented in box 28 of the flow chart of FIG. 4; m. - calculating the potential financial savings PFS for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the network 1, represented in box 29 of the flow chart of FIG. 4; n. - retaining the maximum potential financial savings PFS and the corresponding reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1, represented in box 30 of the flow chart of FIG.

[0177] After performing these various steps l, m and n for all generated reconstructions to be evaluated, the maximum potential financial savings PFS is known and when no potential financial savings are found (step j, i.e., representing the "yes" case, see diamond 26), the method should be stopped (box 24 in Figures 3 and 4).

[0178] This may be the case, for example, when implementing a proposed reconfiguration would be too costly and cannot be compensated for by the energy savings due to increased efficiency by reconfiguring the piping network 1.

[0179] However, in the presence of potential financial savings PSF, it may be interesting to perform the reconstruction with the maximum PFS at step k.

[0180] To give the operator or user the opportunity to decide on such an implementation of the reconfiguration of the piping network 1, the reconfiguration and the associated maximum PFS can be displayed in an additional step o, for example on a computer screen. This is shown in box 31 of FIG.

[0181] Step m of calculating the potential financial savings PFS for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network may, for example, comprise calculations or estimations of the type described below: If the diameter d1 of a pipe section in the piping network 1 is changed to a diameter d2, the associated percentage of reduction in energy consumption may be calculated using the following formula:

[0182]

number

[0183] however, p1 = initial discharge pressure on the pipe section; Δp1=initial discharge pressure drop across the pipe section;

[0184]

number

[0185] In FIG. 5, another flowchart represents in more detail a possible implementation of step l) of the method of the invention, in which one or more theoretical piping networks TPN corresponding to possible reconfigurations of the piping network 1 are generated.

[0186] Of course, it is not excluded from the invention to carry out this step l) in a completely different way.

[0187] Preferably, according to the invention, performing step i of the method comprises the steps of: i 5, a corresponding theoretical pipe network TPN is generated in step l of the method, comprising an evaluation of the usefulness of a reconfiguration of the pipe network 1 with an increase in diameter D of one or more portions of the pipe network 1 between 0.01 mm and 0.1 mm. This generation of such a TPN is represented by path 32 in FIG.

[0188] In another preferred method according to the invention, the execution of step i of the method is carried out by means of a pressure measuring device 10 connected to the main pipe inlet 2 and to the pipe outlet PO, where the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is measured. i and a corresponding theoretical pipeline TPN is generated in step l of the method. This generation of such a TPN is represented by path 33 in FIG.

[0189] Further possible reconfigurations of the piping network 1 and corresponding theoretical piping networks TPN can be generated, represented by paths 34 in FIG.

[0190] Sometimes it may be interesting to use extra criteria to decide whether or not some reconfigurations of the pipeline 1 should be evaluated. This is also the case in the flow chart of FIG.

[0191] Such criteria are for pipe outlets PO with zero or negative SMO. i The period during which an anomaly occurs is ΔT an can be based on.

[0192] This period during which the anomaly occurs ΔT an The pipe outlet PO i The measured pressure P at POi However, the pipe outlet PO i and / or the corresponding user location UL i The minimum pressure P required at any time POi req is the total duration.

[0193] Such a criterion is not necessarily used in the method according to the invention, and whether or not it is used can be decided in an additional step p of the method, for example as illustrated by way of example using diamond 35 in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0194] The criteria used are, for example, the period during which the anomaly occurs, ΔT an is some predetermined critical time period ΔT crit This may consist of an assessment of whether the

[0195] Such a possible use of the above mentioned criteria is illustrated by way of example using diamond 36 in the flow chart of FIG.

[0196] For example, in a preferred method according to the invention, the evaluation in step i of the method of the usefulness of reconfiguring the piping network 1 by increasing the diameter D of a portion of the piping network 1 is carried out over a period ΔT an is the predetermined time period ΔT crit This corresponds to path 32 in FIG.

[0197] An effort to replace an entire section of the piping network 1 by a section having a larger diameter D may be made if the anomaly is large enough or if the anomaly persists for a predetermined time period ΔT crit For a sufficiently long period of time ΔT an This makes sense because it is only efficient if it is happening for too long a period ΔT an When an anomaly occurs between the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel, the problem cannot be easily solved by inserting a local pressure vessel because that would require a pressure vessel that is too large.

[0198] Furthermore, in such a preferred method according to the invention, the assessment in step i of the usefulness of the reconfiguration of the piping network 1, in which a local buffer container is included in the piping network 1, is carried out over a period ΔT an is the predetermined time period ΔT crit This corresponds to path 33 in FIG.

[0199] The application of this type of criterion also makes sense for similar reasons. Indeed, the insertion of a local pressure vessel into the piping network 1 must be within acceptable limits, at least for the duration of the anomaly ΔTan This is only practically feasible if is not too long.

[0200] It is not excluded from the present invention to incorporate the evaluation of the usefulness of further reconfigurations of the piping network 1 to increase its efficiency, for example reconfigurations that are a combination of the above-mentioned reconfigurations by increasing the pipe diameter or including local pressure vessels. Another possible reconfiguration of the piping network 1 or the system for pressurized fluid SYS may involve the relocation of the compressor 10 to make the connection between the compressor 10 and the piping network 1 at another location, i.e., in the branch 6 or in the sub-branch 7. Alternatively, additional sources of pressurized fluid or compressors 10 can be inserted into the piping network 1, and further reconfigurations of the piping network 1 may possibly be considered. This corresponds to the path 34 in FIG. 5.

[0201] Such additional evaluation of other reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 may also be performed depending on further criteria, although again this is not necessarily the case according to the invention.

[0202] The reconfiguration of the piping network 1 where a diameter is to be increased (box 37 in FIG. 5) may comprise additional steps, for example, selecting a particular increased diameter D (box 38 in FIG. 5) and selecting the pipe trajectory to which this increased diameter D should be applied (box 39 in FIG. 5).

[0203] The reconfiguration of the piping network 1 where a local buffer vessel is to be inserted (box 40 in FIG. 5) may comprise additional steps, for example, selecting a particular pressure vessel size (box 41 in FIG. 5) and selecting a particular location where the pressure vessel should be inserted (box 42 in FIG. 5).

[0204] Several different possible theoretical piping networks TPN, or reconfigurations of piping network 1, as the case may be, can be generated by repeating the process (see dashed path 43), and the set of generated reconfigurations can be stored (see box 44 in FIG. 5).

[0205] Finally, in FIG. 6, in the last flowchart, a more detailed possible implementation of step m) represented in FIG. 4 is illustrated, which calculates the potential financial savings PFS for each possible reconfiguration of the pipeline network 1.

[0206] Before the calculation begins, the maximum potential financial savings is set to be 0. This is represented in box 45 of FIG.

[0207] Furthermore, in the represented case, said step m of calculating the potential financial savings PFS for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 comprises a step q of calculating the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO, which is illustrated diagrammatically by means of box 45 in FIG.

[0208] This theoretical minimum overpressure TMO is the minimum overpressure that occurs over time and theoretically in the corresponding theoretical piping network TPN to which the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network 1 is applied, and the minimum overpressure is more specifically determined between the main pipe inlet 2 and the pipe outlet PO at which the lowest minimum overpressure SMO is measured in the piping network 1. i It is located in the part of piping network 1 between.

[0209] The step m of calculating the potential financial savings PFS for a particular possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network 1 preferably also comprises a step r of determining that the said reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network 1 does not generate a potential financial savings PFS when the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO is 0 or lower than 0.

[0210] In practice, this means that with the relevant reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network 1, the lowest minimum overpressure SMO (see step g of the method) that was negative or zero will still be negative or zero due to the implementation of the reconfiguration, for example because the main pipe inlet 2 and the relevant pipe outlet PO iIt may be that an increased diameter D is chosen that is still not large enough to reduce the pressure drop between the pipe outlet PO and the pipe outlet PO. As a result, no financial savings can be realized based on the original situation. If the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO is "less" negative than the lowest measured minimum overpressure SMO, still some improvement in the efficiency of the system for pressurized fluids is obtained. Indeed, in that case, by applying the proposed reconfiguration, the pipe outlet PO and the pipe outlet PO can be reduced. i The suction pressure P required at the main pipe suction port 2 to avoid a pressure deficiency or abnormality occurring at any one of the IN Therefore, the increase in the suction pressure P IN When it is decided to make TMO higher, it may still make sense from a financial point of view to apply the proposed reconfiguration. When the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO is equal to or lower than 0, the reconfiguration in question also does not correspond to the reconfiguration with the maximum potential financial savings, except in the case where the maximum potential financial savings is equal to 0. This is represented by box 47 in the flow chart of FIG. 6.

[0211] When the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO calculated in step q is higher than 0, the method includes: m A quantity Δ equal to the smallest of the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO on the one hand and the second lowest minimum overpressure SSM on the other hand occurring in network 1 during decr Only the initial suction pressure P IN init With the additional step s represented in box 48 of calculating the potential financial savings PSF when the quantity Δ decr Only the initial suction pressure P IN init This proposal to lower is represented in box 49 of FIG.

[0212] In fact, this step of the method of the invention can be compared with step f, represented in box 19 in figure 3, in which a lowest minimum overpressure SMO is determined on the basis of measurements of the pressure in the piping network 1. In this case, the pressure measurements are combined with the calculated pressure, but still a kind of lowest minimum overpressure SMO is determined, which is equal to the smallest of the second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO known from measurements and the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO.

[0213] Measurement period ΔT m The second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO occurring in network 1 during is the second item in the sorted sequence of minimum overpressures (see possible step pre-f).

[0214] Potential financial savings PFS is Δ decr This can be calculated by subtracting the cost of implementing the reconfiguration of the piping network 1 from the cost savings of having a more energy-efficient theoretical piping network TPN, which results from the suction pressure being reduced by 100 kW. Naturally, such an evaluation of costs and benefits also usually involves the useful life or expected total operating period of the system for pressurized fluid.

[0215] The method comprises a further step t, represented by diamond 50 in the flow chart of Fig. 6, consisting of evaluating whether the potential financial savings PFS calculated in step s is positive or negative. When the potential financial savings is negative, e.g. when the energy cost savings are too small or the implementation costs are too large, clearly the proposed reconfiguration is not suitable and, as a result, the maximum potential financial savings calculated so far should not be changed (see again box 47 in Fig. 6).

[0216] If the currently calculated financial savings PFS at step s is positive, then a comparison should be made with the maximum potential financial savings calculated so far, and the maximum of both should be retained as the currently calculated maximum PFS. This is shown in box 51 of Figure 6.

[0217] Steps q, r, s, and t should be repeated for all proposed or generated reconstructions until the final reconstruction is reached, which is represented by diamond 52, box 53, and path 54 in FIG.

[0218] Finally, when all rearrangements have been evaluated, the rearrangement with the greatest PFS should be retained, which is step n in the method (see FIG. 4) and represented in box 30 in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0219] After evaluation of a single or set of reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 and their potential financial savings PFS, a possible method according to the present invention may be to implement the proposed reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 having the greatest financial savings, which is represented by box 27 and diamond 26 (if "yes") in the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0220] 9 to 11 show more practically step i and the following steps of the method according to the invention in the case where the lowest calculated minimum overpressure SMO is equal to or lower than zero.

[0221] As will be explained, in FIG. 9, the pressure P PO1 is the minimum pressure P required at the pipe outlet PO1 during the time interval Δt. PO1 req The lowest minimum overpressure SMO is negative in this case, and the minimum overpressure P PO1 min The time interval Δt is, in this case, the total duration ΔT during which the anomaly occurs, as previously referred to. an It represents.

[0222] Of course, in other cases, the pressure P PO1 is, for example, the minimum pressure P required during the time intervals Δt1, Δt2, ...PO1 req The anomaly may fall below Δt1 multiple times, resulting in another total duration ΔT an should be taken into consideration.

[0223] As previously explained, this total duration of the anomaly ΔT can be used as a criterion for selecting a type of reconfiguration of the piping system 1 that may be interesting to improve its efficiency. an is, for example, a predetermined critical period ΔT crit can be compared to

[0224] Total duration of the anomaly ΔT an is the predetermined critical period ΔT crit 5, it may be decided to evaluate a reconfiguration of the piping network 1, which consists of increasing the diameter D of the section of pipes in the piping network 1 (see path 32 in FIG. 5).

[0225] Total duration of the anomaly ΔT an is the predetermined critical period ΔT crit In other cases, it may be decided to evaluate a reconfiguration of the piping network 1, consisting of inserting a local pressure vessel in the piping network 1 (see path 33 in FIG. 5).

[0226] An evaluation of the usefulness of selected reconfigurations of the pipeline network 1 is shown in FIG.

[0227] Based on the proposed reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the piping network 1, a theoretical piping network TPN can be obtained in which the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations is applied on the piping network 1.

[0228] In this theoretical piping network TPN, the measurement period ΔT m When the same kind of load is applied at that pipe outlet PO1 as was the case during PO1 Theoretical calculations of the evolution of can be performed.

[0229] In Figure 10, the hypothetical measurement period ΔT m The calculated pressure evolution P' between PO1 The possible outcomes of are shown in the curve P' PO1 It is drawn as (t).

[0230] Pressure P' at outlet PO1 PO1 This theoretically calculated evolution of the overpressure OP' also corresponds to another evolution of the overpressure OP' that would theoretically exist at the pipe outlet OP1 when the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations is applied. PO1 results in (t).

[0231] Hypothetical measurement period ΔT m The development of overpressure occurring during OP' PO1 (t) Minimum overpressure OP' PO1 min But OP' PO1 min 10 and represents the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO which is further used in the evaluation.

[0232] If this theoretical minimum overpressure TMO is equal to or lower than 0, then in step r of the method of the present invention it is determined that the proposed reconfiguration of the piping network 1 is not suitable for further improving the efficiency of the piping network 1.

[0233] Otherwise, when the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO is higher than 0, it is compared with the second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO occurring in the piping network 1, and the smallest of the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO and the second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO is selected to set the initial suction pressure P to improve the efficiency of the piping network 1 as much as possible. IN init The target pressure reduction Δ decr It is considered that.

[0234] In the example of FIG. 10, since only two pipe outlets PO1 and PO2 are considered in this example, the second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO is the minimum overpressure P occurring at the pipe outlet PO2. PO2 min However, in a larger piping network 1, this SSMO may of course be connected to any other pipe outlet PO i Minimum overpressure P POi min It could be.

[0235] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 10, the second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO is lower than the theoretical minimum overpressure TMO, so that P IN Proposed target pressure reduction Δ decr is the second lowest minimum overpressure SSMO.

[0236] When calculation of the potential financial savings PFS for the or each possible reconfiguration by performing steps m to n of the method depicted in FIG. 6 results in a positive maximum PFS, it may be determined that the corresponding reconfiguration is applied.

[0237] Possible pressure evolution P'' obtained PO1 and P'' PO2 is shown in FIG.

[0238] P'' PO1 represents the pressure at PO1 after the piping network 1 has been reconfigured, for example by implementing an increased diameter D in the section of the piping network 1 between the main pipe inlet 2 and the corresponding pipe outlet PO1, and the suction pressure P IN init is equal to SSMO, in this case the minimum excess pressure P at the pipe outlet PO2 PO2 min The quantity Δ decr The new suction pressure P IN new was reduced to.

[0239] P'' PO2will of course produce the same new suction pressure P while nothing substantial has changed in the piping network 1 between the main pipe inlet 2 and the relevant pipe outlet PO2. IN new represents the pressure at PO2 when applied at main pipe inlet 2.

[0240] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment of the method for optimizing or improving the energy efficiency of a system for pressurized fluid as previously described, and such method may be applied and implemented in many different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0241] The present invention is also not limited to the embodiments of a data processing apparatus or computer, a compressor, or a computer program as described in this text, but such a data processing apparatus or computer, such a compressor, or such a computer program may be realized in a very different way without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0242] 1 Piping network 2 Main pipe intake 3 Pipe outlet 4. User Location 5 Main pipe section 6 Pipe Branch 7 Pipe Sub-Branches 8. Equipment 9 Source of Pressurized Fluid 10 Compressor (COMP) 11 Machine Tools 12 Flexible pneumatic hose 13 Valve

Claims

1. The main pipe inlet (2) and the user locations (4, UL 1 , UL 2 , ..., UL N ) located at multiple pipe outlets (3, PO 1 , P.O. 2 , ..., P.O. N 2. A method for optimizing or improving the efficiency of a pressurized fluid system comprising a pressurized piping network (1) provided with a suction pressure (P) at the main pipe inlet (2) of the pressurized piping network (1) by a source (9, 10) of pressurized fluid of the pressurized fluid system. IN , P IN init , P IN new ), and the user location (4,UL 1 , UL 2 , ..., UL N ) at the pipe outlet (3, PO 1 , P.O. 2 , ..., P.O. N ) connected to a user device or instrument (8, A 1 , A 2 , ..., A N During operation of the pressurized piping network (1), due to the fluctuating demand for pressurized fluid, the pipe outlets (3, PO 1 , P.O. 2 , ..., P.O. N ) in a method of subjecting the specimen to a fluctuating load, a. - One or more pipe outlets (3, PO i ) for its user location (4, UL i ) can be performed without interruption. i The minimum pressure (P POi req ) b. - The main pipe inlet (2) and the corresponding pipe outlet (3, PO i ) at IN , P POi ) is measured during a measurement period (ΔT m ) c. - The measurement period (ΔT m ) at the main pipe inlet (2) and at the corresponding pipe outlet (3, PO i ) at the pressure (P IN , P POi ) measuring the d. - The measurement period (ΔT m The pipe outlet (3, PO) may vary depending on the i ) at the corresponding overpressure (OP POi ) for each pipe outlet (3, PO i ) at the possibly varying pressure (P POi ) and the corresponding user location (4,UL i ) at any given time. POi req ) calculating a difference between said measurement periods; e. - The outlet of the pipe (3, PO i ) for each pipe outlet (3, PO i Minimum overpressure (OP POi min ) series of minimum overpressures (OP PO1 min , OP PO2 min , ..., OP PON min ) is obtained by setting the measurement period (ΔT m ) occurring during the POi min ) and f. - The measurement period (ΔT m ) finding the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) occurring in the pressurized piping network (1); g. - The measurement period (ΔT m ) evaluating whether the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) occurring in the pressurized piping network (1) during the h. When the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is greater than zero, the suction pressure (P) of the pressurized piping network (1) is increased by an amount equal to or slightly greater than or slightly less than the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO). IN init ) providing suggestions for reducing i. when the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is zero or less than zero, taking no further steps to improve or optimize the efficiency of the pressurized fluid system or evaluating one or more possible reconfigurations to the pressurized piping network (1) to increase the energy efficiency of the pressurized fluid system; 23. A method comprising:

2. The main pipe inlet (2) and the corresponding pipe outlet (3, PO i ) at the pressure (P IN , P POi ) in step c, the measurement period (ΔT m 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurements are taken synchronously during

3. In step c of the method, the measurement period (ΔT m ) pressure (P IN , P POi ) at various pipe outlets (3, PO i ) digital pressure measurements are performed simultaneously during said measurement period (ΔT m 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the calculations and findings in steps d and e of the method are carried out on this group of discrete digital measurements, at discrete points in time (t1, t2, ...) between t1, t2, ...

4. After performing step h, if the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is higher than 0, the pressure (PC OUT ) to adjust the suction pressure (P IN init 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the proposed amount is reduced by the proposed amount and steps c to i of the method are repeated.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein performing step i comprises an assessment involving calculating, if the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is 0 or lower, the potential financial savings due to the increased energy efficiency caused by the reconfiguration of the pressurized piping network (1) versus the costs of reconfiguring the pressurized piping network (1).

6. The evaluating in step i l. - generating one or more Theoretical Pipe Networks (TPN) to which the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of said pressurized pipe network (1) has been applied; m. - calculating the Potential Financial Savings (PFS) for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of said pressurized piping network (1); n. - retaining the maximum potential financial savings (PFS) and the corresponding reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1); 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. Executing step i includes: measuring the pressure at the main pipe inlet (2) and at the pipe outlet (3, PO) where the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is measured; i 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises an assessment of the usefulness of a reconfiguration of the pressurized piping network (1) comprising an increase in the diameter (D) of one or more parts of the pressurized piping network (1) between the pressurized piping network (1) and a corresponding theoretical piping network (TPN) is generated in step l.

8. The pipe outlet (3, PO i ) at the measured pressure (P POi ) corresponds to the corresponding user location (UL i The minimum pressure (P POi req ) lower than the total duration (ΔT an ) for a predetermined period (ΔT crit 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the evaluation in step i of the usefulness of the reconfiguration of the pressurized piping network (1) is performed only when the reconfiguration exceeds a certain threshold value, and a corresponding theoretical piping network (TPN) is generated in step j.

9. Executing step i includes: measuring the pressure at the main pipe inlet (2) and at the pipe outlet (3, PO) where the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is measured; i 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises the evaluation of the usefulness of a reconfiguration of the pressurized piping network (1) comprising the insertion of one or more local buffer receptacles in the portion of the pressurized piping network (1) between the pressurized piping network (1) and the

10. The pipe outlet (3, PO i ) at the measured pressure (P POi ) corresponds to the corresponding user location (UL i The minimum pressure (P POi req ) lower than the total duration (ΔT an ) for a predetermined period (ΔT crit 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the evaluation in step i of the usefulness of the reconfiguration of the pressurized pipeline (1) is performed only when the reconfiguration of the pressurized pipeline (1) does not exceed a

11. The step m of calculating the potential financial savings (PFS) for each possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) comprises the step q of calculating the theoretical minimum overpressure (TMO) that theoretically occurs in the corresponding theoretical piping network (TPN) to which the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) is applied, the theoretical minimum overpressure being calculated based on the minimum overpressure (SMO) of the pipe outlet (3, PO) at which the lowest minimum overpressure (SMO) is measured in the pressurized piping network (1). i 11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first and second substrates are selected from the group consisting of fluorophenyl, ...

12. The calculation of potential financial savings (PFS) for a particular possible reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) in step m comprises a step r of determining that the particular reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) does not generate potential financial savings (PFS) when the theoretical minimum overpressure (TMO) is 0 or lower than 0, and a step r of determining that the particular reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) does not generate potential financial savings (PFS) when the theoretical minimum overpressure (TMO) is higher than 0, in the particular theoretical piping network (TPN) for the measurement period (ΔT m ) is equal to the lowest of the theoretical minimum overpressure (TMO) and the second lowest minimum overpressure (SSMO) occurring in the pressurized piping network (1) during decr ) by the initial suction pressure (P IN init 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of calculating the potential financial savings when s) is low.

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the steps q, r, and s are repeated a number of times for various possible reconfigurations or combinations of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) resulting in different potential financial savings (PFS), and the reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations associated with the greatest potential financial savings is selected for implementation in step k.

14. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises an additional step o, whereby the Potential Financial Savings (PSF) or the maximum potential financial savings together with the corresponding reconfiguration or combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized piping network (1) are visualized to a user or operator.

15. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that after the implementation in step k of a reconfiguration or a combination of reconfigurations of the pressurized pipeline network (1), steps c to i are carried out again.

16. 16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is performed using electronic means and / or is a computer-implemented method.

17. A data processing device or computer, characterized in that it comprises a processor adapted to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A compressor comprising a data processing device or computer according to claim 17.

19. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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