A method for improving the efficiency and / or extending the operating range of a system for pressurized fluids with a pressurized piping network under dynamic load.

Abstract

A method for improving the efficiency of a system (1) for pressurized fluid, comprising a piping network (2) with an inlet (3) and a number of piping outlets (4) subjected to varying loads, comprising the evaluation of one or more hypothetical rearrangements of said system (1), the calculation of Potential Financial Savings (PFS), the calculation being based on the pressure (P IN ,P POi ), evaluating the potential financial savings (PFS), and suggesting to the user one or more virtual relocations for implementation if there is a positive potential financial savings (PFS).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of systems for pressurized fluids with a pressurized piping network, such as a pneumatic network. Such a system for a pressurized fluid comprises at least one main piping inlet through which the pressurized fluid is supplied to the piping network by a pressurizing machine of the system for the pressurized fluid, such as a compressor, and one or more piping outlets through which the pressurized fluid is supplied to one or more corresponding user devices or apparatuses arranged at user positions spaced apart from each other, and a piping network. The pressurized fluid taken in by various user devices or apparatuses changes over time, resulting in a dynamic load at the piping outlets of the piping network.

Background Art

[0002] In many applications, pressurized fluids, mainly pressurized air, are used to drive specific pneumatic and / or hydraulic driven user devices or apparatuses, such as manufacturing or maintenance tools, robots, machines, brakes, etc.

[0003] These pneumatic and / or hydraulic driven tools can be tools that are manually operated, such as pneumatic and / or hydraulic driven wrenches, torque tools, screwdrivers, drills, grinders, sanders, polishers, impact tools, compression tools, air motors, jacks, lift tools, etc.

[0004] In other cases, the tool or machine is an automatically operated tool or machine, such as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic driven robot arm or robot, or a computer-controlled manufacturing bench with pneumatic and / or hydraulic driven tools or arms that automatically perform the required operations and movements.

[0005] The amount of pressurized fluid power required by the aforementioned tools or machines varies considerably depending on the application. Different types of tools or machines have a wide range of nominal, maximum, and minimum power needs. Furthermore, during any operation using such machines or tools, the required power changes depending on the load on the machine or tool, or the resistance perceived by the machine or tool.

[0006] Multiple such user devices or equipment driven by pressurized fluid are often used simultaneously at distances separated from each other, depending on the application, which can be large, very large (up to several hundred meters or several kilometers), or small (several meters or tens of meters).

[0007] For example, in a particular manufacturing plant or assembly line, the production or assembly of a product requires various processing stages performed at various workspaces that are dispersed across the entire surface of the plant or along the assembly line. Pre-processed parts of the product or semi-finished product are passed from workspace to workspace until the final product is realized. Therefore, workspaces are often arranged in a continuous sequence according to the order of the processing stages.

[0008] Furthermore, in a service center or workplace for the maintenance or repair of machinery or vehicles, service operators typically work simultaneously in various departments spread throughout the service center or workplace for the repair or maintenance of the relevant machinery or vehicles.

[0009] In the construction or mining industries, teams often work in dispersed locations across the construction site or mining plant to perform extremely heavy tasks.

[0010] In various user locations, departments, and work areas where user devices or equipment require pressurized fluid to drive tools or machines, a single or limited number of pressurized fluid sources are typically used to supply the pressurized fluid, usually pressurized air.

[0011] Typically, the source of such pressurized fluid is a pressurizing machine that pressurizes an incoming unpressurized fluid into an outgoing pressurized fluid. Such a pressurizing machine could be, for example, a compressor for compressing air at atmospheric pressure to air at high pressure. The pressurizing machine can also be a pump or any other machine capable of pressurizing fluid.

[0012] The source of the pressurized fluid can also be a combination of pressurizing machines, or a combination of pressurizing machines and a pressure vessel, arranged in series with respect to each other, and so on.

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

[0014] A piping network is typically provided to connect a single or limited number of sources of pressurized fluid to various user devices and equipment located at different user locations, such as work sites, service departments, and mining sites, which require pressurized fluid and are geographically separated from each other.

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

[0016] In principle, the main piping piece extends from the main piping inlet. This main piping piece branches into several piping branches, which can further branch into piping sub-branches, resulting in a number of piping branches and sub-branches corresponding to the number of user locations to which pressurized fluid must be supplied.

[0017] These pipe branches and sub-branches terminate at pipe outlets, and at various user locations, relevant user devices or equipment are connected to such pipe outlets.

[0018] It is a well-known phenomenon that a specific pressure drop occurs during the transportation of pressurized fluid from the main pipe inlet of such a pipe network to the aforementioned pipe outlet.

[0019] The pressure drop occurring at a specific pipe outlet is the difference between the fluid pressure existing at the main pipe inlet and the fluid pressure occurring at the associated pipe outlet.

[0020] This pressure drop is usually different at different pipe outlets, depends on several factors, and changes over time due to changes in demand at the pipe outlet during operation.

[0021] The pressure drop is mainly caused by the frictional loss of the fluid between the flows in the pipe.

[0022] A very important factor affecting the pressure drop is the flow rate of the fluid or the velocity of the fluid through the associated pipe piece.

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

[0024] Yet another important factor affecting the pressure drop between the main pipe inlet of the pipe network and a specific pipe outlet is the pipe length of the associated pipe piece between the main pipe inlet and the associated pipe outlet.

[0025] Still other factors affecting the pressure drop are the roughness of the pipe of the associated pipe piece, the diameter of the associated pipe piece, or the change in the diameter of the associated pipe piece between the main pipe inlet and the associated pipe outlet.

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

[0027] Yet another factor that can affect the pressure or pressure drop is the fluctuation of the fluid pressure at the main pipe inlet.

[0028] For example, when the demand for pressurized fluid at the entire pipe outlet is extremely high, the pressurized fluid source may not be able to keep up with this total demand for pressurized fluid at the main pipe inlet. Consequently, the fluid pressure at this main pipe inlet may temporarily decrease until the demand returns to or falls below the pressurized fluid supply capacity of the pressurized fluid source.

[0029] In short, accurately predicting the pressure or pressure drop changes at every pipe outlet is extremely difficult, or nearly impossible.

[0030] Furthermore, it is important to understand that some user devices or equipment connected to the outlets of piping networks often require a minimum fluid pressure at their inlets in order to function.

[0031] This means that the inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet must always be sufficiently high, so that, when considering the pressure drop within the pipe piece to various pipe outlets, sufficient outlet pressure remains at each pipe outlet and in each instance during operation at various user positions.

[0032] Alternatively, from another perspective, the pressure drop between the main pipe inlet and outlet should not exceed a certain level, so that the pressure at the outlet remains sufficiently high and suitable for the relevant equipment that requires pressurized fluid at these outlets.

[0033] In any situation, this outlet pressure must be at least higher than the minimum pressure required at the relevant user location in order to provide pressurized fluid at a sufficiently high pressure at each such user location, thereby enabling the relevant user device or equipment to still function properly, even when used at maximum load.

[0034] For example, in a situation where the maximum load is applied simultaneously at all pipe outlets or user locations, the required inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet of the piping network can be theoretically determined by calculating what this required inlet pressure should be.

[0035] However, in reality, this situation of maximum load on the piping network, where the maximum load is applied simultaneously at all user locations, never, or almost never, exists.

[0036] In fact, under normal operating conditions, pressurized fluid is drawn at some pipe outlets for a certain period, while other pipe outlets remain closed. During other operating periods, other pipe outlets may open, or some of the previously open pipe outlets may close.

[0037] Furthermore, even the loads taken at each of the pipe outlets in the unclosed state of such pipe outlets typically change or fluctuate during operation, and such loads are not typically equal to the maximum allowable load over the entire duration of operation.

[0038] As a result, the required inlet pressure, theoretically calculated using the method described above, is actually unnecessarily high, leading to energy waste.

[0039] It is readily apparent that determining how high the inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet should actually be, at least during operation, is not easy, in order to safely obtain the required load at various pipe outlets without interrupting operation at any user location due to insufficient pressure at the relevant pipe outlets.

[0040] Clearly, when the source of pressurized fluid that supplies the necessary inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet of a piping network is equipped with pressurizing machinery such as a compressor or pump, energy, such as electrical energy, is required to drive the pressurizing machinery. The inlet pressure of the piping network is, of course, the same as the outlet pressure of the pressurizing machinery in that case.

[0041] When the outlet pressure of pressurizing machinery or the inlet pressure of a piping network can be reduced, a significant amount of energy can be saved, and as a result, the costs associated with energy supply can also be greatly reduced.

[0042] In particular, the following equation provides an idea for cost reduction that can be obtained when a pressure reduction of Δp at the outlet of a pressurizing machine can be applied.

number

[0043] The various parameters are as follows: Δp = pressure reduction at the compressor outlet Volumetric flow rate R h = driving time C e = Cost of electricity

[0044] According to the latest technology, there is still no good method to improve or optimize the energy efficiency and cost efficiency of a system for pressurized fluids having a pressurized piping network that is subjected to varying loads at multiple pipe outlets of the piping network, and / or to improve the operating range.

[0045] In particular, there is no known method for setting the inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet of a piping network to an optimized inlet pressure to accommodate the various demands of pressurized fluid that actually occur at various pipe outlets of the piping network during operation.

[0046] From the above, it is clear that the design of such a system for pressurized fluids, and its pressurized piping network itself, significantly affects the pressure drop between the main pipe inlet and the associated pipe outlet, and consequently, the energy efficiency or energy consumption of the system for pressurized fluids, or the availability of sufficiently high pressure at the pipe outlet of the piping network, which also affects its operating range.

[0047] For example, by increasing the inner diameter of a portion of the piping network between the main piping and the associated pipe outlets, the pressure drop between the main piping inlet and one or more pipe outlets can be reduced.

[0048] Another way to reduce the pressure drop between the main pipe inlet and one or more pipe outlets by modifying the design is to include a local pressure vessel in part of the piping network between the main pipe and the associated pipe outlets.

[0049] The pressure drop in the system for pressurized fluids due to friction losses in the piping and other elements of the piping network can be reduced, and the system efficiency and / or operating range of the system can be improved by further other means, such as by applying piping with reduced roughness, by reducing bends and other flow-restricting elements in the piping network, and by reducing the length of piping between the pressurizing machine and the piping outlet at the main piping inlet of the piping network.

[0050] According to the latest technology, there is no good way to evaluate possible adaptations of existing piping networks in order to optimize energy and cost efficiency, and / or to improve the operating range of systems for pressurized fluids in which pressurized piping networks are incorporated. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0051] The present invention aims to provide a method for optimizing or improving the efficiency of a system for pressurized fluids, such as a compressed air system, which includes a pressurized piping network subjected to changing loads, and which of course aims to minimize the energy costs associated with the passage of pressurized fluid through the piping network.

[0052] In particular, a possible objective of the present invention is to develop a method for evaluating the pressure drop occurring in an existing pressurized piping network during operation using a piping network for supplying pressurized fluid to a user location, and to explore the possibility of reducing the required inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet of the piping network.

[0053] Another possible object of the present invention is to find a method for evaluating possible modifications to existing piping networks for pressurized fluids that can reduce pressure drop or avoid sufficiently high pressure loss at piping outlets, with the intention of optimizing energy and cost efficiency and / or improving the operating range of the associated systems for pressurized fluids, thereby evaluating the installation costs and economic benefits from the reduction in energy costs against each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0054] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency and / or operating range of a system for pressurized fluids, comprising a pressurized piping network having a main piping inlet and a plurality of piping outlets arranged at user positions spaced apart from each other, wherein at the main piping inlet of the piping network, the inlet pressure is supplied by a pressurized fluid supply source for the system for pressurized fluids, and the piping network is subjected to various loads at the piping outlets due to various demands for pressurized fluids during the operation of user devices or equipment connected to the piping outlets at user positions, and the method comprises evaluating one or more virtual relocations of the system, which includes: - Calculation of potential economic savings (PFS) resulting from improved energy efficiency or reduced energy consumption, which may include measuring pressure within the system, relative to the cost of relocating the system. - Assessment of potential economic savings (PFS), and, - If there are positive potential economic savings (PFS), propose to the user one or more virtual relocations for implementation.

[0055] A major advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that it enables improvement or optimization of the efficiency and / or extension of the operating range of a system for pressurized fluids by performing several calculations, for example, by computer or other electronic means, for possible virtual rearrangements of a piping network or system for pressurized fluids, and predicts the potential economic savings expected when such rearrangements are actually implemented.

[0056] In this way, various scenarios can be evaluated and compared with one another. Therefore, this method is very useful in making decisions regarding modifications to the design of existing systems for pressurized fluids, particularly regarding expected improvements in the energy efficiency or reduction in energy consumption and / or operating range of the system for pressurized fluids. This method is not intended for designing a complete system for pressurized fluids from scratch.

[0057] Preferably, in this method, various virtual rearrangements of the system for pressurized fluid are automatically generated. In another preferred method according to the present invention, the calculation of potential economic savings and the comparison between several such generated virtual rearrangements are performed automatically.

[0058] The calculation is preferably based on the measurement and / or monitoring of actual pressure loads measured under actual operating conditions during a normal duty cycle in an existing system of pressurized fluid. For example, pressure generation at the main pipe inlet and various pipe outlets of a piping network can be monitored for this purpose.

[0059] The advantages of such a method according to the present invention are that it enables the detection of critical parts of a piping network that involve high pressure or flow requirements, and the method also allows for the rearrangement of the piping network to reduce the importance of one or more such relevant parts of the piping network.

[0060] Another important advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that it can save a lot of energy, and as a result can significantly reduce operating costs, CO2 emissions, etc.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes at least the following steps: -a) To generate one or more sets of theoretical piping networks (TPNs) to which a relocation on the system is virtually applied. -b) Calculate the potential economic savings (PFS) for each possible virtual relocation of the systems within that set. -c) Retain one or more of the calculated potential economic savings (PFS) and the corresponding virtual relocation of the system. -d) Evaluate whether there is at least one or more virtual relocations of the system in the set of positive potential economic savings (PFS) obtained during the calculation. -e) If, during the calculation step, there is no virtual relocation of the system within the set of positive potential economic savings (PFS) obtained, the method shall be stopped, and -f) If, during the calculation step, there is at least one virtual relocation of the system within the set of virtual relocations that yielded positive potential economic savings (PFS), propose to the user one or more of the virtual relocations that yielded positive potential economic savings (PFS) during the calculation step for implementation.

[0062] Such a method according to the present invention is highly advantageous in that it allows for a reasonable and easy determination of modifications to an existing system for pressurized fluids by using a computer or other electronic means to compare predictions or calculations made against a virtually modified version of the system for pressurized fluids.

[0063] Preferably, various virtual rearrangements of the system for pressurized fluids are automatically generated, for example, by a computer or other electronic means, based on pressure measurements within the existing system. Furthermore, the calculations are preferably based on such measurements and are performed automatically by such a computer or other electronic means. In this way, a highly practical prediction of the performance of the modified system for pressurized fluids can be made very quickly.

[0064] In yet another preferred method according to the present invention, in step c), the maximum potential economic savings (PFS) and the corresponding virtual relocation of the system are stored in an electronic storage means such as a hard disk or other memory, and in step f), if at least this maximum potential economic savings is positive, the virtual relocation of the system in the set having the maximum potential economic savings (PFS) is proposed to the user for implementation.

[0065] Such a method according to the present invention naturally has the advantage that, from a proposed set of virtual and analyzed rearrangements of a system for pressurized fluids, the most promising rearrangement for improving energy efficiency or reducing energy consumption, and / or operating range and potential economic savings, is preferably selected automatically, for example, by a computer or other electronic means.

[0066] However, the invention does not exclude the application of computer-aided implementation methods that also take into account the investment or capital expenditure required to carry out further modifications to the system for pressurized fluids. For example, high potential economic savings may be attainable, but the investment required to carry out the corresponding rearrangement may be too high, making it still unattractive to implement.

[0067] In another method according to the present invention, step a) generating one or more sets of theoretical piping networks (TPNs) includes the following steps: -h) Determine the most important pipe outlets of the piping network, or the previously generated theoretical piping network (TPN). -i) Evaluate whether or not an abnormality has occurred at the most important related pipe outlets. -j) If no abnormalities are found at the most important pipe outlets, a theoretical piping network is generated, in which the inlet pressure is virtually reduced, and -k) If an anomaly is found at the most critical pipe outlet, generate a theoretical piping network that has a virtually corrected portion in the piping network leading to the most critical pipe outlet.

[0068] The first major advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that it includes a step of determining the most important pipe outlets of the piping network, or a previously generated theoretical piping network (TPN). In fact, at those most important pipe outlets, it is possible to reduce the pressure drop, which in turn may reduce the inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet, and thus is perhaps most likely to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption. Additionally or alternatively, in the portion of the piping network leading to the most important pipe outlets, modifications or rearrangements of the piping network are expected to be most effective in improving energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption, or reducing the pressure drop occurring in that portion, thereby improving the operating range of the system.

[0069] A second major advantage of such a method according to the present invention is that in the next step, it is evaluated whether or not an abnormality has occurred at the relevant most important piping outlet. Such an abnormality exists when the pressure at the most important piping outlet has fallen to the minimum required pressure at the corresponding user location at any given time. In fact, in such a case, a sufficiently high pressure may not be supplied at the relevant most important piping outlet, and this does not guarantee that the equipment at the corresponding user location will always be able to function.

[0070] If no abnormalities are detected, there is always excessive pressure at the pipe outlets of the piping network, which means that the system for pressurized fluids can be improved by reducing the inlet pressure. This is proposed as a step in the (computer-implemented) method.

[0071] On the other hand, if an anomaly is detected, it may be possible to repair the anomaly without increasing the inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet by correcting a portion of the piping network leading to the most important pipe outlets, which is proposed in another step of the relevant (computer-implemented) method.

[0072] Clearly, the proposed method according to the present invention is a direct method for improving systems for pressurized fluids and is suitable for implementation using a computer or other electronic means.

[0073] In a preferred method according to the present invention, step h) determining the most important pipe outlets of the piping network, or previously generated theoretical piping network (TPN), includes the following steps: -l) Determining the minimum required pressure at the corresponding user position for one or more pipe outlets, which can be done without interrupting the operation at that user position. -m) Determine the measurement period corresponding to the normal duty cycle of the piping network, in which pressure is measured at the main piping inlet and outlet, and, -n) Measure or set the inlet pressure at the main pipe inlet and measure the pressure at the related pipe outlet during the measurement period.

[0074] Clearly, such a method according to the present invention is highly practical in that it includes the necessary steps to obtain correct information from the system by performing several pressure measurements, which make it possible to determine the most important pipe outlets and detect whether or not there are any abnormalities at those most important pipe outlets. An additional advantage of such a method is that, during operation, information is collected from the existing system, and this takes into account the actual situation when making calculations and predictions regarding potential economic savings.

[0075] Preferably, the pressures at the main pipe inlet and associated pipe outlets are measured synchronously during the measurement period in step n) of this method.

[0076] Naturally, an accurate picture of the actual pressure drop occurring in a pressurized piping network can only be obtained by simultaneously measuring the pressure at the main pipe inlet and associated pipe outlets during a normal duty cycle.

[0077] Preferably, pressure measurements are performed, for example, in an analog manner, during the entire measurement period, so as not to lose sight of the important situation that the need for high pressure at the main pipe inlet exists due to the simultaneous occurrence of high pressure or maximum pressure load at the pipe outlet during the duty cycle.

[0078] In a possible preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the pressure measurement during the measurement period in step n) of the method is a digital pressure measurement performed simultaneously at various relevant pipe outlets, which is performed at discrete points in time during the measurement period. The calculations and discoveries in the further steps of the method are, in this case, performed on this group of discrete digital measurements.

[0079] The advantage of digital pressure measurement is that it is a method of measuring the results of digital data of the measured pressure, and this type of data is suitable for further processing by currently available data processing means such as computers.

[0080] It is clear that discrete time points must be sufficiently close to each other so that important pressure load conditions are not overlooked. This is no longer a problem at present, as high-level electronic measuring devices are readily available everywhere.

[0081] Details of the measurements, the process for generating a theoretical piping network set, calculations, evaluation of the presence or absence of anomalies at the most important piping outlets, and the presentation of one or more of the most promising scenarios to the user will be further explained in the explanatory drawings.

[0082] Preferably, the method according to the present invention is carried out using electronic means and / or a computer implementation method.

[0083] The method according to the present invention is also suitable for implementation as a computer program that includes instructions to cause a computer to execute the method, when the program is executed by a computer.

[0084] The present invention also relates to a data processing device or computer comprising a processor and / or computer program adapted to carry out the steps of the present method of the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a compressor, wherein the compressor comprises a data processing device or computer according to the present invention.

[0086] Finally, the present invention also relates to a computer program including instructions, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method according to the present invention.

[0087] The present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0088] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a system for pressurized fluids, comprising a piping network to which the method according to the present invention may be applied in order to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption, and / or to improve the operating range of the system for pressurized fluids. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a portion of the piping network, illustrating in detail the possible equipment at the pipe outlets of the network. [Figure 3] This figure shows a flowchart at a highly generalized level of a method according to the present invention for improving the efficiency and / or extending the operating range of a system for pressurized fluids, which includes a pressurized piping network that is subjected to varying loads at several pipe outlets. [Figure 4] This diagram shows in detail, in flowchart form, the steps of a method for evaluating one or more virtual rearrangements of a piping network. [Figure 5] This diagram shows in detail, in flowchart form, the steps involved in the execution of step a) shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This diagram shows in detail, in flowchart form, the steps involved in the execution of step h) shown in the flowchart of Figure 5. [Figure 7] This figure shows further details regarding steps i), j), and k) shown in the flowchart in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This diagram shows in detail, in flowchart form, the steps involved in the execution of step k) shown in the flowchart of Figure 5. [Figure 9] This diagram shows in detail, in flowchart form, the steps involved in the execution of step b) shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. [Figure 10] This figure shows the initial situation with typical pressure fluctuations measured at two pipe outlets of a piping network, before any abnormalities occur and before improvements in the efficiency and / or operating range of the system for pressurized fluids using the method according to the present invention are achieved. [Figure 11]This figure shows the calculated pressure fluctuations that can be expected at two pipe outlets of the piping network after the inlet pressure has been virtually reduced, and after optimization, improvement, or initial steps such as improving the efficiency and / or operating range of the system for pressurized fluids using the method according to the present invention have been performed, in a manner similar to that of Figure 10. [Figure 12] Using a similar method as in Figure 10, a second situation is shown with another typical pressure fluctuation measured at two pipe outlets of the piping network when an anomaly occurs, and this also shows the situation before the improvement in the efficiency and / or operating range of the system for pressurized fluids is achieved by the method according to the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows the theoretically calculated change in pressure expected at one of the two outlets when the piping network behind the situation depicted in Figure 12 is virtually rearranged, for example, by increasing the diameter of the pipes in the network. [Figure 14] This figure shows the expected situation corresponding to the situations shown in Figures 12 and 13 at the two outlets after a virtual rearrangement of the piping network has been performed, the inlet pressure has been virtually reduced, the efficiency of the system for pressurized fluid has been improved, and / or the operating range has been improved by the method according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0089] Figure 1 shows the main pipe inlet (MPI) 3 and multiple pipe outlets 4 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO1). N The diagram shows a system 1 for pressurized fluid, which includes a piping network 2 with a pipe outlet 4. In this case, there are a total of N pipe outlets 4.

[0090] The pipe outlets 4 are spaced apart from each other and are represented in Figure 1 by the area enclosed by the dashed line, at user positions 5 (UL1, U2, UL3, ... UL N ) is located at ). As explained in the introduction, the distance between user locations 5 depends on the application and may be a few meters or a few hundred meters or less, or it may be 1 kilometer or more.

[0091] The main piping piece 6 extends from the main piping inlet 3. This main piping piece 6 branches into several pipe branches 7 and a secondary pipe branch 8.

[0092] Each pipe outlet 4 (PO1,PO2,PO3,...PO N The main pipe inlet 3 (MPI) is connected to the main pipe inlet 3 (MPI) by a piping system formed by a combination of the main pipe piece 6 and the pipe branch 7, and possibly one or more sub-branch pipes 8. In other configurations, of course, further sub-branch pipes can be connected to the sub-branch 8, etc. The configuration in Figure 1 is merely an example.

[0093] Figure 1 shows A1, A2, A3, ...A N The user devices or equipment 9 shown are located at user positions 5 and are connected to the corresponding pipe outlets 4 at the relevant user positions 5, with the intention that pressurized fluid, usually pressurized air, will be supplied to them via the piping network 2.

[0094] In the schematic diagram of Figure 1, such equipment 9 is represented by a square box, but in reality, such equipment 9 can be any tool or device, or combination of tools or devices, that requires pressurized fluid.

[0095] In order to supply pressurized fluid to the piping network 2 and to the equipment 9 via the piping network 2, at the main pipe inlet 3 of the piping network 2, the inlet pressure P IN The pressurized fluid is supplied by the pressurized fluid supply source 10 of system 1 for pressurized fluid.

[0096] The pressurized fluid source 10 is typically the compressor 11 (COMP) of system 1 for the pressurized fluid, which is also the case in the embodiment of Figure 1, although other sources can be used for this purpose.

[0097] The compressor 11 has a pressure PC at its inlet 12, which is normally atmospheric pressure. IN Uncompressed air is taken in.

[0098] In the compressor 11, this air is compressed, and the compressed air is discharged at a high pressure PC at the outlet 13 of the compressor 11. OUT and discharged.

[0099] During operation of the user device or equipment 9 connected to the pipe outlet 4 at the user position 5, at the pipe outlet 4, the pipe network 2 is subject to various loads due to various demands for the pressurized fluid.

[0100] FIG. 1 further shows that the system 1 for the pressurized fluid also includes a computer 14 or other electronic processing means, whereby, for example, the pressure P measured at the pipe outlet 4 (PO i ), or the inlet pressure P measured at the main pipe inlet 3 POi , and optionally further other measured or unmeasured parameters can be processed. IN

[0101] IN and P POi , or other pressures, and optionally further other parameters, the system 1 for the pressurized fluid includes measuring means 15. Such measuring means 15 can be, for example, a pressure gauge 15 that can be an analog or digital pressure gauge, but other measuring means 15 such as a temperature sensor or other sensors can be part of such measuring means 15.

[0102] Finally, the system 1 for the pressurized fluid also includes communication means 16 for transferring the data or parameters measured by the measuring means 15 to a computer 15 or other electronic processing means. In the case of FIG. 1, these communication means are formed by a network of data cables 16 connecting the measuring means 15 to the computer 14. In other applications, these communication means 16 may be wireless, and still other communication means 16 may be applied.

[0103] FIG. 2 shows in detail the situation of one of the pipe outlets 4.

[0104] In this case, the device 9 is represented by a pneumatically driven mechanical tool 17 connected to the pipe outlet 4 of the piping network 2 by a flexible pneumatic hose 18, from which the pressurized fluid from the pipe outlet 4 is extracted during operation by the mechanical tool 17.

[0105] At the same pipe outlet 4, there is also a valve 19 that is not connected to any of the devices 9.

[0106] To guide the reader to the problems encountered in such a system for pressurized fluids, we consider two situations here.

[0107] In the first scenario, the valve 19 is opened without using a mechanical tool 17 and without any (useful) load being applied to the valve 19.

[0108] In that case, the pressure at or near the pipe outlet 4 (P POi ) is atmospheric pressure P atm Therefore, a portion of the piping network 2 is the outlet pressure PC of the compressor 11. OUT High pressure P equal to IN And atmospheric pressure P atm The pressure difference P is the difference between the two. IN -P atm It is exposed to the pressure. By opening valve 19, the fluid is accelerated through pipe branches 7 and sub-branch 8 to pipe outlet 4, where it reaches a constant velocity. Pressure P at main pipe inlet 3 IN And atmospheric pressure P atm As soon as the pressure ratio between the two points becomes sufficiently large, that is, when this ratio exceeds the critical minimum pressure ratio (around 1.89 for air), the fluid begins to flow in the so-called choke flow region. In this case, the fluid flows out of the associated pipe outlet 4 at a maximum velocity equal to the speed of sound.

[0109] Total pressure drop ΔP across the relevant piping section tot In this case, P IN And atmospheric pressure P atm Or a specific critical pressure P in the case of choke flow c It is equal to the difference between (ΔP1) and (ΔP tot=P IN -P atm or ΔP tot =P IN -P c ).

[0110] This pressure drop ΔP1 across the relevant piping section includes a kinetic component resulting from the increase in fluid velocity within the piping network 1, and a pressure component resulting from frictional losses in the portion of the piping network 2 connecting the main piping inlet 3 to the relevant piping outlet 4. In practice, the kinetic component is likely negligible.

[0111] Assuming that the flow within this piping network 1 is turbulent, the friction loss is equal to the square of the fluid velocity (v 2 It is roughly proportional to the diameter of the associated piping and roughly inversely proportional to the diameter of the associated piping.

[0112] As explained in the introduction, many other factors play a role.

[0113] Nevertheless, in this case, the pressure is the inlet pressure P. IN From atmospheric pressure P atm Or, the critical pressure P in the case of choke flow c It can be understood that it must be reduced to a certain point. Pressurized fluids such as pressurized air reach relatively high speeds, or even speeds equal to the speed of sound, and are associated with high frictional losses. In this first case, the following is valid: ΔP1 = ΔP tot =P IN -P atm Or ΔP1 = ΔP tot =P IN -P c .

[0114] In the second scenario, the valve 19 is closed and the mechanical tool 17 is used. In this case, a pressure drop ΔP3 exists on the mechanical tool 17 because the pressurized fluid is used to perform some mechanical work using the tool 17.

[0115] Furthermore, the flexible hose 18 connecting the mechanical tool 17 to the pipe outlet 4 has a pressure drop ΔP2.

[0116] In this case, the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 of the piping network 2. IN Therefore, atmospheric pressure P at the exit of the machine tool 17 atm Total pressure drop ΔP tot The pressure is composed of three components (ΔP1): a first pressure drop ΔP1 due to fluid acceleration and friction losses in the piping network 2, a second pressure drop ΔP2 due to fluid acceleration and friction losses in the flexible hose 18, and a third pressure drop ΔP3 which is a pressure useful for performing mechanical work on the tool 17. tot It is clear that it is constructed by (ΔP1 + ΔP2 + ΔP3).

[0117] In this case, the pressure P at the pipe outlet 3 of the piping network 1. POi The inlet pressure P IN And atmospheric pressure P atm It lies somewhere between the two, and depends on the properties of the flexible pneumatic hose 19 and the pneumatic mechanical tool 17, and the use of the tool 17.

[0118] When the mechanical tool 17 or any other mechanical tool connected to the piping network 2 is not yet in use and no pressurized fluid is flowing through the piping network 2, the pressure P at the pipe outlet 4 of the piping network 2 POi The inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 is IN It is almost equal to that.

[0119] However, as soon as the mechanical tool 17 or any other mechanical tool connected to the mesh is used, some of the pressurized fluid will flow through the piping mesh 2, and frictional losses will also occur within the piping mesh 2.

[0120] Furthermore, as soon as the mechanical tool 17 is used, some pressurized fluid also flows through the flexible hose 19, causing extra frictional losses in the mechanical tool 17.

[0121] Therefore, the pressure P at the pipe outlet 4 POi The pressure P decreases slightly, and the more pressurized fluid is consumed by the mechanical tool 17, the lower this pressure P becomes. POi It decreases.

[0122] The consumption of pressurized fluid at other pipe outlets 4 of the piping network 2, other than the pipe outlet 4 to which the mechanical tool 17 is connected, is also affected by the pressure P at that pipe outlet 4. POi It is clear that this will have an impact.

[0123] When the mechanical tool 17 is used at its maximum capacity, a minimum pressure P must be maintained at the pipe outlet 4 to provide sufficient pressurized fluid. POi req It is easy to understand that this is always required.

[0124] Typically, the piping network 2 is designed so that the pressure drop ΔP1 between the main pipe inlet 3 and the associated pipe outlet 4 is limited, thereby ensuring that the minimum required pressure P is always maintained at the pipe outlet 4. POi req It is available.

[0125] However, in reality, the piping network 2 has many branches 7 and sub-branches 8, and the distance between the main piping inlet 3 and the associated piping outlet 4 changes significantly, and can be considerably expanded with equipment 9 that has all kinds of power demands that can change significantly over time.

[0126] From the above explanation, it is clear that it is not obvious that all factors, and potentially changing demands, should already be considered during the design phase.

[0127] Furthermore, pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 IN By setting it sufficiently high, the minimum required pressure P at each pipe outlet 4 can be achieved. POi req This can be secured.

[0128] A drawback of this method of designing the piping network 2 is that the equipment 9 is never actually used at its maximum capacity simultaneously, or is used very little at all, so the pressure P at the main piping inlet 3 is low. IN This refers to the fact that it is usually set to an unnecessarily high level.

[0129] Pressure P at main pipe inlet 3IN The higher the pressure PC in the outlet pipe 13 of the compressor 11, the higher the pressure PC OUT The pressure increases, and the compressor 11 consumes a lot of energy, resulting in higher energy consumption costs.

[0130] In some cases, the pressure P supplied at one or more pipe outlets 4 of the piping network 2 POi In the sense that the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 may be too low, for example, the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3. IN A (temporary) shortage of pressurized fluid, and / or a (temporarily) excessively high demand for pressurized fluid at one or more pipe outlets 4, can cause several anomalies. Such anomalies can be avoided by changing the pressure at the main pipe inlet 3 or by changing the pressurized fluid supply source 10. However, from an economic standpoint, it is often preferable to redesign the system 1 for the pressurized fluid, for example, by adjusting the inner diameter of a portion of the piping network 2 or by including one or more local pressure vessels within the piping network 2. The focus of the present invention lies primarily on the last solution.

[0131] The present invention provides a method for improving or optimizing the efficiency and / or extending the operating range of such a system 1 for pressurized fluids having a piping network 2 under varying loads at the piping outlet 4, which is for existing systems 1. In particular, such a method according to the present invention takes into account the actual loads that occur at the piping outlet 4 of the piping network 2 during a normal duty cycle. Based on these data retrieved under the actual operating conditions of the designed system, the method makes suggestions for improving the efficiency or operating range of the initially designed system 1. Furthermore, the method provides a method for improving the pressure P at the main piping inlet 3 of the piping network 3. IN This allows you to set it to a level that is not unnecessarily high.

[0132] Here, such a method according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0133] Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps included in the method according to the present invention using the most common terminology.

[0134] The method according to the present invention evaluates the virtually created rearrangements of the original design of System 1 and calculates the potential economic savings (PFS) that can be obtained in relation to those virtual rearrangements. This is represented in box 20 of the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0135] The calculations may, in some cases, be based on measurements of pressure or other parameters within the operating system 1.

[0136] The calculation of such potential economic savings PFS includes the calculation of cost reductions resulting from improved energy efficiency or reduced energy consumption due to such reconfiguration of System 1, and the cost increase for implementing and maintaining such reconfiguration of the system.

[0137] Of course, only reconfigurations that improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption, or the operating range of System 1, can contribute to cost savings (PFS). Typically, savings from improved energy efficiency or reduced energy consumption accumulate gradually during operation and depend on the expected lifespan of System 1. On the other hand, the implementation of the initially designed reconfiguration of System 1 is usually concentrated over a short period and should be increased by maintenance costs, which are often recurring costs at regular time intervals. Thus, implementation and maintenance costs are of a different nature and can be spread out through bank loans, etc. This means that the calculation of potential economic savings (PFS) can depend heavily on the planned usage time of the relevant System 1 for pressurizing the fluid.

[0138] Based on the calculations performed, the present method according to the present invention further evaluates whether there are any proposed virtual relocations of System 1 that are expected to improve the efficiency or operating range of System 1, resulting in expected cost savings. This step of evaluating the potential economic savings PFS of the present method is represented by the rhombic shape 21 in Figure 3.

[0139] If there are no virtually created rearrangements that are expected to generate positive potential economic savings (PFS), the method is terminated, as shown by box 22 in Figure 3.

[0140] In this method, when one or more virtual relocations are present in a created set of virtual relocations that are expected to generate potential economic savings PFS, one or more of those virtual relocations are presented to the user for possible implementation. In a preferred method according to the present invention, at least the virtual relocation corresponding to the largest expected potential economic savings PFS, or only that virtual relocation, is presented to the user; however, of course, providing the user with any number of desired pieces of information is not excluded from the present invention. This step of the method is represented in box 23 of Figure 3.

[0141] Figure 4 shows a detailed flowchart of the steps included in a part of this method for evaluating one or more virtual rearrangements of the piping network 2 of system 1 for pressurized fluid.

[0142] In the first step a) shown in box 24 of Figure 4, one or more sets of theoretical piping networks TPN are generated with or without a set of constraints such as the building's geometric shape, and a virtual rearrangement on system 1 for pressurized fluid is applied. The method for generating these theoretical piping networks TPN is described in more detail in the text by other figures. In short, such a virtual rearrangement is at least the inlet pressure P INThis consists of a virtual reduction, and in some cases, but not necessarily, also includes virtual modifications to the piping network 2 to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption, and to avoid the presence of anomalies at one or more pipe outlets 4.

[0143] In the next step b), shown in box 25 of Figure 4, the potential economic savings PFS expected to be feasible after implementation are calculated for each virtual rearrangement of System 1 for pressurized fluid in the generated set of theoretical piping network TPN. Details of possible methods for performing these calculations are further described in the text by Figure 9.

[0144] In yet another step c) of the present method according to the present invention, shown in box 26 of Figure 4, one or more of the calculated potential economic savings PFS calculated in the previous step b), and one or more corresponding virtual relocations of system 1 for pressurized fluid are held or stored in electronic memory, preferably such as a hard disk or any other storage means. In the preferred method according to the present invention, at least the virtual relocation expected to produce the largest potential economic savings PFS, and this largest potential economic savings PFS, are stored in memory.

[0145] The method further includes an additional step d), represented by a rhombic shape 27 in Figure 4, in which, during calculation step b), it is evaluated whether there is at least one or more virtual rearrangements of system 1 for pressurized fluid in the generated set from which a positive potential economic savings PFS is obtained.

[0146] In step e) of the method according to the present invention, if during calculation step b) there is no virtual relocation of system 1 for pressurized fluid in the generated set for which a positive potential economic savings PFS has been obtained, it is decided to abandon the execution of further steps and therefore terminate the method. This step e) of the method is represented in box 28 of Figure 4.

[0147] On the other hand, if during calculation step b) there is at least one virtual rearrangement of system 1 for pressurized fluid in the generated set of theoretical piping network TPNs for which a positive potential economic savings PFS was obtained, then step f) is performed and one or more of the virtual rearrangements for which a positive potential economic savings PFS was obtained during calculation step b) are proposed to the user for implementation.

[0148] Clearly, in the preferred method according to the present invention, at least a virtual arrangement that is expected to generate the maximum potential savings PFS is proposed for implementation, provided that at least these maximum potential savings PFS are positive. This step f) is represented in box 23 of Figure 4 and corresponds to step f) represented by box 23 of Figure 3.

[0149] The method preferably also includes step g), shown in box 29 of Figure 4, which presents to the user on a display unit the calculated potential economic savings PFS and corresponding virtual relocations of System 1 for pressurized fluid in one or more relocations of System 1 in the generated set.

[0150] In Figure 4, step g) precedes step d) which evaluates the calculated potential economic savings PFS; however, performing step g) to display the results to the user after the evaluation performed in step d) is not excluded from the present invention. The results displayed in step g) of this method may include data relating to the evaluation performed in step d), and may be presented to the user in a ranking from the most attractive to the least attractive scenario, suggesting several rearrangements. Of course, there are several other possibilities.

[0151] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the steps involved in the execution of step a) to generate one or more sets of theoretical piping networks TPN, as shown in Figure 4, and the order in which these steps are performed. This flowchart is still at a very general level for possible embodiments of the method according to the present invention, and further details will be clarified herein by Figures 6 to 8.

[0152] The first step involved in generating one or more theoretical piping network TPNs, as shown in the lower part of Figure 5 in Box 30, is to determine the most important piping outlet PO of piping network 2, or of a previously generated theoretical piping network TPN. i c This is step h) which determines the

[0153] Of course, at the very beginning of this procedure for generating a theoretical piping network TPN, in step h), piping network 2 always actually forms the basis for generating the theoretical piping network TPN. Such a theoretical piping network TPN can probably serve as the basis for generating other theoretical piping network TPNs in step h) only after one or more theoretical piping network TPNs have already been generated.

[0154] The most important pipe outlet PO of the piping network 2 i c The steps likely involved in determining this are described in more detail in the text with reference to Figure 6. However, at this stage, the most important pipe outlet PO of the piping network 2 i All pipe outlets PO i The smallest minimum excess pressure SMO, or the smallest virtual minimum excess pressure SMO v The required pipe outlet PO i c It can already be said that this is the case.

[0155] This is the most important pipe outlet PO i cThis means that the overpressure is the lowest. This minimum lowest overpressure is the minimum lowest overpressure SMO or the minimum virtual lowest overpressure SMO, depending on whether the associated pressure is the actual pressure at which the measurement was taken or the calculated pressure. v is called. This actual or virtual overpressure is defined so that it can be positive or negative, and in a situation where there is overpressure at the associated pipe outlet PO i c or, conversely, in a situation where there is underpressure at that important pipe outlet PO i c respectively corresponds.

[0156] The next step involved in the generation of one or more theoretical pipe networks TPN is step i), which is represented by the diamond shape 31 in Figure 5 and evaluates whether an anomaly is occurring at the associated most important pipe outlet PO i c determined in step h). As explained previously, during a specific time interval Δt, the measured pressure P i c at the associated determined most important pipe outlet PO POi or the calculated virtual pressure P POi v is considered to be an anomaly when it is below the minimum pressure P i required at that pipe outlet PO POi req . This situation (see Figure 12) corresponds to the presence of underpressure (actual or virtual) or negative overpressure (actual or virtual) at that outlet PO i .

[0157] The situation where there is no anomaly at the most important pipe outlet PO i c is the aforementioned minimum lowest overpressure SMO or minimum virtual lowest overpressure SMO at the most important pipe outlet PO i c . vThis corresponds to the case where is strictly positive, which means that there is always an excess pressure (actual or virtual) in system 1. An example of such a situation is shown in Figure 10, which shows the measured pressure P over time while operating at two pipe outlets PO1 and PO2. PO1 and P PO2 This shows the change in the first pipe outlet P. In this example, the first pipe outlet P O1 The most important pipe outlet P O1 c That is the case.

[0158] The most important pipe outlet PO i c If no such abnormality is found, step j) is performed, which is represented by box 32 in Figure 5, to generate a theoretical piping network TPN, where the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 of piping network 2 is calculated. IN is a specific quantity ΔP decr It only decreases virtually.

[0159] In this case, the most important pipe outlet is PO i c Even in this case, there is no abnormality, so all pipe outlets PO of piping network 2 i There is always some available (actual or hypothetical) excess pressure in the system. As a result, the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 for the theoretical piping network TPN IN The proposed virtual pressure drop ΔP decr When the theoretical piping network TPN is implemented, the most important piping outlet PO of the realized piping network 2 is i c It can still be selected so that there are no abnormalities.

[0160] This means that the generated theoretical piping network TPN is equal to the inlet pressure P IN This corresponds to a situation where the power is virtually reduced, and therefore energy efficiency is improved or energy consumption is reduced, but during normal operation, all pipe outlets PO i It is still expected to function perfectly in that context.

[0161] In that case, if decision step h) is performed on the original actual piping network 2, the generated theoretical piping network TPN will be the virtually reduced inlet pressure P IN While the original piping network 2 has the original configuration, no other virtual rearrangements of the piping network 2 are further proposed.

[0162] On the other hand, if decision step h) is performed on an already generated theoretical piping network TPN, the newly generated theoretical piping network TPN will have a virtually reduced inlet pressure P IN While the original piping network 2 has the aforementioned configuration, a virtual relocation of the piping network 2 is also proposed. This will become clear when other steps of the method, particularly step k), are described in more detail in the text.

[0163] As shown by box 33 in Figure 5, the next step of the present method according to the present invention is to virtually reduce the inlet pressure P IN This consists of adding a generated theoretical piping network TPN having the specified properties to a set of such generated theoretical piping network TPNs.

[0164] This also means that the set of theoretical piping network TPNs generated by this method is equal to the inlet pressure P IN This means that the theoretical piping network TPN is composed of a proposed virtual reduction of the inlet pressure P. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the proposed virtual rearrangement of system 1 is actually implemented, the inlet pressure P IN The proposed reduction is that system 1 for pressurized fluids will have all pipe outlets PO during the total operating period. i It is something that functions in that context.

[0165] In practice, according to the present invention, the maximum possible amount ΔP is maintained while keeping the system 1 for the pressurized fluid functioning throughout the entire operating period. decr Inlet pressure P IN It is preferable to reduce the value.

[0166] However, a large amount of inlet pressure P IN Virtual decrease ΔP decr Step j) is performed by proposing the pipe outlet POi In one of these, a virtual anomaly or negative virtual excess pressure OP POi v The generation of a theoretical piping network TPN that is virtually created is not excluded from the present invention. This may be particularly attractive in the steps described in the following paragraphs.

[0167] In fact, the rhombic shape 34 in Figure 5 represents possible steps of the method according to the present invention, where it is evaluated whether the generated theoretical piping network TPN is used as a basis for generating another theoretical piping network TPN.

[0168] If the generated theoretical piping network TPN serves as the basis for generating another theoretical piping network TPN ("yes"), proceed to route 35.

[0169] The method further involves the most important pipe outlet PO i c The process continues by performing step k) to generate a theoretical piping network TPN having a virtually modified portion of the piping network 2 connected to which the piping outlet PO) is located. i The most important exit point i c To evaluate whether it is a virtual pressure P poi v Whenever required, the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 IN The proposed virtual reduction ΔP decr All pipe outlet PO that is virtually reduced due to this i In this case, virtual pressure P poi v However, please note that it will be (re)calculated.

[0170] Furthermore, the rhombic shape 36 in Figure 5 indicates that the next step in this method may consist of evaluating whether or not to generate any further theoretical piping network TPN based on the original piping network 2.

[0171] If so, path 37 in this flowchart again points to the same step k) which generates the theoretical piping network TPN with virtual modifications to the relevant portion of piping network 2.

[0172] Otherwise, the process of generating the theoretical piping network TPN essentially ends, and the set of generated theoretical piping network TPNs is reduced to the inlet pressure P, as shown by box 39 in Figure 5. IN The flowchart path 38 proceeds to the step of holding.

[0173] Up to this point, we have described the vertical path through the flowchart in Figure 5, which is the most important pipe outlet PO in step i). i c This corresponds to the subsequent path 40 when no abnormalities are found. However, another important and essential step of this method, namely step k), requires clarification, which is achieved through path 41 of the flowchart.

[0174] Step k) of the method according to the present invention is the most important pipe outlet PO in step i). i c This is executed when an abnormality is found in the piping outlet PO i c The minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO) in v However, this is when it is zero or negative (≤0). In this case, during a specific time interval Δt, the most important pipe outlet PO i c The measured pressure P POi or (calculated) virtual pressure P POi v However, the outlet of that pipe PO i c Minimum required pressure P PO1 req To address situations below this level.

[0175] An example of such a situation is shown in Figure 12, which shows the measured pressure P over time during operation at two pipe outlets PO1 and PO2. PO1 and P PO2 This shows the change in the first pipe outlet P. In this example, the first pipe outlet P O1The most important pipe outlet P is, after all, O1 c That is the case.

[0176] In that case, in step k) represented by box 42 in Figure 5, the most important pipe outlet PO i c A theoretical piping network TPN is generated, which has a virtually modified portion of the piping network 2 connected to it. The purpose of the virtual rearrangement is, of course, to improve energy efficiency or reduce the energy consumption of piping network 2 or the theoretical piping network TPN by eliminating (and possibly virtual) anomalies, for example by increasing the pipe diameter or by adding local pressure vessels. Such virtual rearrangement can be a rearrangement by replacing parts such as filters, regulators, lubricants, valves, or other components in the piping network.

[0177] In the preferred method according to the present invention, the most important pipe outlet P Oi c Step k) generating a theoretical piping network TPN having a virtually modified portion of the piping network 2 connected to the main piping inlet 3 and the most important piping outlet P Oi c This is virtually corrected by the enlargement of the pipe diameter D of one or more portions of the piping network 2 between them.

[0178] In another preferred method according to the present invention, the most important pipe outlet P Oi c Step k) generating a theoretical piping network TPN having a virtually modified portion of the piping network 2 connected to the main piping inlet 3 and the most important piping outlet P Oi c This is virtually corrected by inserting one or more local buffer containers into a portion of the piping network 2 between the two.

[0179] After generating such a theoretical piping network TPN with a virtual rearrangement of piping network 2, the method continues by performing steps h) and i) again on this generated theoretical piping network TPN, represented by path 43 in Figure 5.

[0180] The most important pipe outlet PO of the generated theoretical piping network TPN i c Please understand that in step i) where a specific anomaly is evaluated, it may be concluded that there is still a possibility that an anomaly exists.

[0181] In reality, this is the most important pipe outlet PO i c During a specific time interval Δt, pressure P POi or virtual pressure P POi v Due to the deficiency, the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure SMO v However, if the piping network 2 or virtual piping network TPN, which was already negative or zero in the previous step (see steps i and k of the method in Figure 5), is negative or zero after the introduction of the virtual relocation, the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure SMO v It means that it will still remain that way.

[0182] The reason for this is, for example, to prevent further malfunctions, the main pipe inlet 3 and the most important related pipe outlet PO are located at the main pipe inlet 3 and the most important related pipe outlet PO. i c To sufficiently reduce the pressure drop between the two points, an enlarged pipe diameter D, which is not yet large enough, may be selected. As a result, theoretically, the practically useful economic savings PFS cannot be achieved with respect to the original situation.

[0183] However, the "new" minimum virtual minimum excess pressure SMO v However, the measured minimum minimum overpressure SMO obtained in the previous round (steps i and k), or the calculated minimum virtual minimum overpressure SMO v If the negative value is "smaller" than this, a certain improvement in the efficiency of the system for pressurized fluids can still be obtained.

[0184] In fact, in that case, by applying the proposed virtual rearrangement, the pressure deficiency or the pipe outlet PO i To avoid any abnormality occurring in any one of the following locations, the required inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 is necessary. IN The increase can be kept smaller than if the proposed virtual relocation of piping network 2 were not applied.

[0185] Therefore, in order to avoid such anomalies, the inlet pressure P IN When it is decided to increase the amount, from an economic standpoint, it still makes sense to apply the proposed rearrangement. This method of improving System 1 for pressurized fluids is not excluded from the present invention. Nevertheless, these possible steps are not shown in the flowchart in the figure.

[0186] In the case of the drawing, the idea is to propose a virtual rearrangement to solve the anomaly, and accordingly in step j) the inlet pressure P IN The goal is to reduce the value. It may be necessary to repeat steps h), i), and k) multiple times to obtain or generate a suitable virtual rearrangement.

[0187] In practice, during these steps h), i), and k) of the present invention, the available or potentially achievable excess pressure in system 1 for the pressurized fluid is determined, and then the inlet pressure P is set with the available excess pressure. IN It is proposed to reduce this.

[0188] To determine this available excess pressure, preferably several measurements are taken, and depending on the level of abstraction, i.e., depending on the number of virtual sections or rearrangements included in the relevant generated theoretical piping network TPN, more or less estimation or calculation must be performed to determine the pressure that is actually expected to exist after the virtual rearrangement is carried out.

[0189] Finally, Figure 5 shows yet another diamond shape 44 representing the evaluation step, where, if it is concluded that an anomaly exists in the piping network 2 or theoretical piping network TPN investigated during step h), it is evaluated whether the process of generating the theoretical piping network TPN should continue. If the process is stopped, the flowchart proceeds to path 45, and the steps shown in Figure 39 are executed to reduce the inlet pressure P IN The already generated theoretical piping network TPN is retained. Otherwise, step k) is naturally performed.

[0190] Figure 6 shows the most important pipe outlet PO of the piping network 2, represented in box 30 of Figure 5. i c This flowchart details the possible steps involved when performing step h) to determine the theoretical piping network TPN, or a previously generated theoretical piping network TPN.

[0191] The most important pipe outlet PO i c The first step in the process of determining is step l) of the method shown in box 46 of Figure 6. In this first step l) of the method, for one or more pipe outlets 4, the corresponding user position UL i In this case, the minimum pressure P required at any time POi req This is determined, and as a result, the user's location UL i This can be done without interrupting the operation in that case.

[0192] In another step m) of such a method according to the present invention, shown in box 47 of Figure 6, a measurement period ΔTm corresponding to the normal duty cycle of the piping network 2 is determined, during which the pressure P at the main piping inlet 3 is measured. IN , and the pressure P at the associated pipe outlet 4 PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON This will be measured.

[0193] In the next step n) of the method according to the present invention, as shown in box 48 of Figure 6, the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 IN However, the measurement period ΔT m The pressure P is measured inside and also at the associated pipe outlet 4. PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON However, the measurement period ΔT m It is measured inside.

[0194] Measurement period ΔT m Internal pressure P PO1 and P PO2 Examples of such measurements are shown in Figures 10 and 12 for two pipe outlets 4 of the piping network 2, indicated by index 1 and index 2, respectively.

[0195] In the preferred method according to the present invention, the pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 is IN , and the pressure P at the associated pipe outlet 4 PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON This refers to the measurement period ΔT in step n) of this method. m It is measured in sync with the internal data.

[0196] This is preferable because it allows us to know the total load on the piping network 2 in the most accurate way at any given time.

[0197] Measurement period ΔT m Internal pressure P IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON The variation can be determined, for example, by a similar method.

[0198] However, in the preferred method according to the present invention, the current technology has a measurement period ΔT in step n) of the method. m Internal pressure P IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,PPON The measurement is a digital pressure measurement performed simultaneously at various related pipe outlets 4, with a measurement period ΔT m It is executed at discrete time points t1, t2, t3, ...

[0199] Discrete time points t1, t2, t3, ... are given by pressure P IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON During measurement, the high-load conditions must be kept close to the rate at which the load changes at the pipe outlet 4 of the piping network 2 occur, so as not to lose track of the high-load conditions.

[0200] In the preferred method according to the present invention, the most important pipe outlet PO shown in Figure 5 i c Step h) to determine also includes the following steps:

[0201] After measuring the relevant pressure in step n), the most important pipe outlet PO i c The piping network that needs to be determined can be evaluated, represented by the diamond shape 49 in Figure 6, to determine whether it is the original piping network 2 or the previously generated theoretical piping network TPN.

[0202] If the associated piping network 2 is a previously generated theoretical piping network TPN, proceed to path 50 in the flowchart of Figure 6, in which case the next possible step in this method of the present invention is step o), which is shown in box 51 of Figure 6. This step o) is the measurement period ΔT at one or more pipe outlets 4 of the theoretical piping network TPN where a virtual modification or rearrangement of the piping network 2 is a concern. m Inside, a virtual pressure P POi v This consists of calculating [something].

[0203] The pressure measurement P obtained in step n) of this method IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3,...,P PON The pressure P present in the actual piping network 2 is IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON This step o) is necessary because it represents at least one or more pipe outlets PO i In some cases, all pipe outlets PO i In this case, when a virtual rearrangement is introduced to the piping network 2, the measured actual pressure P POi The calculated virtual pressure P should not be taken into consideration. IN v and / or P POi v This should be taken into consideration, and the most important pipe outlets PO within that theoretical piping network TPN. i c When determining this, a virtual rearrangement on the actual piping network 2 is proposed. Preferably, in step n), the measurement period ΔT on the actual piping network 2 m The pressure P measured inside IN , P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON This is the measurement period ΔT within the relevant theoretical piping network TPN. m Inside, the aforementioned virtual pressure P IN v and / or P POi v It serves as the basis for calculating such a virtual pressure P. POi v The pipe outlet PO should be calculated i This is the pipe outlet POi that is expected to be significantly affected by the proposed virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2.

[0204] The method further proceeds to step p) shown by box 52 in Figure 6, which is reached via path 53 in the flowchart if the piping network under investigation is the actual piping network 2, or via path 54 after step o). In this step p), the normally changing pressure P at each associated pipe outlet 4. POi or virtual pressure P POiv And the corresponding user position UL i The corresponding minimum pressure P required at any point in time. POi req The difference between and is the measurement period ΔT m The corresponding excess pressure OP at the associated pipe outlet 4 is calculated and calculated within the pipe. POi Or virtual excess pressure OP POi v These excess pressures OP are required. POi Or virtual excess pressure OP POi v Also, typically, the measurement period ΔT m It changes inside.

[0205] Excess pressure OP POi Or virtual excess pressure OP POi v This term should be understood correctly. The measured pressure P at pipe outlet 4. POi or the calculated virtual pressure P POi v And the corresponding minimum required pressure P at the pipe outlet 4. POi req Since it is the result of subtraction between and, such an excessive pressure OP POi Or virtual excess pressure OP POi v It can be positive or negative.

[0206] This is such excessive pressure OP POi Or virtual excess pressure OP POi v However, a negative calculation result could indicate "negative pressure."

[0207] In the example shown in Figure 10, the measurement period ΔT m Inside, positive measured excess pressure OP PO1 and OP PO2 Only exists, but in the example shown in Figure 12, the pressure P measured at the pipe outlet PO1 is PO1 The measurement period ΔT m During a specific time interval Δt within the pipe, the minimum required pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1req This results in an excess pressure OP at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1 During that time interval Δt, the pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1 becomes temporarily negative. PO1 However, the minimum required pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1 PO1 req The fact that it is lower than this can be considered an abnormality in the normal operating conditions.

[0208] In the method according to the present invention, the most important pipe outlet P Oi c The process of determining this also includes step q) represented by box 55 in Figure 6, which involves each associated pipe outlet 4 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO N ) Regarding the measurement period ΔT m Minimum excess pressure OP, which occurs or is calculated within PO1 min , OP PO2 min , OP PO3 min , ...and OP PON min , or related piping outlet PO i Accordingly, the minimum virtual excess pressure OP PO1 vmin , OP PO2 vmin , OP PO3 vmin , ...and OP PON vmin This is each related pipe outlet 4 (PO1, PO2, PO3, ... PO N ) Minimum excess pressure OP POi min Or minimum virtual excess pressure OP POi vmin A series of minimum excess pressure operations (OPs) POi min or OP POi vmin You are asked to obtain it.

[0209] Finally, the most important pipe outlet P Oi c The process for determining this is also shown in box 56 of Figure 6, with the measurement period ΔTm The minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) that occurs within the piping network 2 or theoretical piping network TPN. v This includes step r) to determine the important pipe outlet P. Oi c This is the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum minimum virtual overpressure (SMO) that occurred or was calculated. v Related piping outlet P Oi It is defined as follows.

[0210] This is the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v This is the "actual" minimum excess pressure OP present in the actual piping network 2. POi min And the calculated virtual minimum excess pressure OP of the associated pipe outlet 4 POi vmin The lowest value in the series consisting of the above is the excess pressure at one of the pipe outlets 4, which is affected by the proposed virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2. As mentioned above, the "actual" lowest excess pressure OP POi min The measured pressure P POi And related piping outlet PO i It is defined by subtracting the minimum required pressure from the "actual" minimum excess pressure OP. POi min Although it is actually calculated normally, the minimum excess pressure OP POi min It actually corresponds to something.

[0211] In the example in Figure 10, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO is the minimum overpressure OP at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1 min Therefore, this minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min In this case, OP PO1 min and OP PO2 min This is because it is the smallest minimum excess pressure (SMO) in a series of minimum excess pressures consisting only of [specific values].

[0212] In the example in Figure 12, the minimum overpressure SMO is also the minimum overpressure OP at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1 min That is the case.

[0213] In this example in Figure 12, the minimum excess pressure OP occurs at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1 min The absolute value of is the minimum excess pressure OP that occurs at the pipe outlet PO2. PO2 min It may be greater than or equal to the absolute value of , but in this case, the minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min It has a negative value, and therefore the minimum positive excess pressure OP PO2 min The minimum excess pressure OP PO2 min It is smaller than that.

[0214] Therefore, the minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is again OP in this example. PO1 min That is the case.

[0215] In a preferred method according to the present invention, there is optionally a step pre-r) shown by box 57 in Figure 6, prior to step r), and the minimum excess pressure OP at all pipe outlets 4. POi min and related virtual minimum excess pressure OP POi vmin The series consisting of the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) is defined as the smallest minimum excess pressure (SMO). v From, the maximum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or the maximum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) v It is sorted according to the increasing size.

[0216] In that case, step r) of the method is the minimum excess pressure OP POi min and related virtual minimum excess pressure OP POi vmin The first value of the sorted series consisting of the following is measured over a period of ΔT m In addition, the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO) that occurs or is calculated at the associated pipe outlet 4.v It consists of simply taking it as such.

[0217] Minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO) v The decision is based on the most important pipe outlet P Oi c Not only is it important for determining the most important pipe outlet PO in the process, but it also plays a role in step i) shown in Figure 5, and in the meantime, the most important pipe outlet PO in the process i c It is evaluated whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the measurement period ΔT. In fact, as explained previously, this step i) is performed during the measurement period ΔT m Within the piping network 2, the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) occurs. v However, the evaluation consists of whether the value is greater than zero or not, and each corresponds to the presence or absence of an anomaly.

[0218] Minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO) v The decision can also play a role in step j) of the method shown in Figure 5, which is performed when no (actual or virtual) anomalies are found during step i).

[0219] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps i), j), and k) in detail. From this flowchart, it can be seen that, according to the present invention, preferably in step j), the measurement period ΔT m Within the piping network 2 or theoretical piping network TPN, the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) that occurs or is calculated. v A quantity ΔP that is equal to, slightly greater than, or slightly less than. decr So, the initial inlet pressure P of the piping network 2. IN init It is clear that a reduction in this is proposed.

[0220] In this way, compressor outlet pressure PC OUT The inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 is the same as the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3. IN The initial inlet pressure PIN init The new inlet pressure P IN vnew In this, the inlet pressure P is virtually set. IN vnew This refers to the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO). v , or a slightly larger or slightly smaller pressure is subtracted (P IN vnew =P IN init -SMO or P IN vnew =P IN init -SMO v ).

[0221] Minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO) v A decrease equal to ΔP decr The reason for choosing this is, of course, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum virtual minimum overpressure SMO. v However, this is because it provides a good estimate of the excess pressure that is available or expected to be available in the piping network 2 during operation.

[0222] Normally, the pressure drop within the piping network 2 due to friction loss at its maximum load is related to the main pipe inlet 3 and the associated pipe outlet PO i The design ensures that the percentage is 3-5% or less along the entire length of the piping up to that point.

[0223] Under these conditions, the pipe outlet PO i The minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO) in v This is a good measure of the pressure surplus available or expected to be available at the main pipe inlet 3, and the error arising from this assumption is negligible under these conditions.

[0224] An advantage of such an embodiment of the method according to the present invention is the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 of the piping network 2. INThis means that the pipe outlet PO is set to a low level, which means that throughout the entire operating time, i Excess pressure OP POi Or virtual minimum excess pressure OP POi v However, since it is greater than zero, it is possible, and in this way energy and costs are saved. Inlet pressure P IN The amount by which ΔP decreases decr Preferably, during operation, the pipe outlet PO i The selection is made so that there are no abnormalities or insufficient pressure in any of the following cases.

[0225] A slightly small amount of pressure Δ decr - Initial inlet pressure P IN init The reason it can be subtracted is the initial inlet pressure P IN init After reducing the relevant most important pipe outlet PO i c Pressure P POi However, the outlet of that pipe PO i c In this context, the corresponding minimum required pressure P POi req This is to maintain a small safety margin in order to ensure that it is always held higher than that.

[0226] If a safety margin is not required, a slightly larger amount of pressure Δ decr + Initial inlet pressure P IN init It can also be subtracted from this, which allows for the use of its pipe outlet PO i c In this case, the minimum required pressure P is always POi req Energy yield can be maximized at the expense of having [a certain feature].

[0227] Figure 8 is another flowchart illustrating in detail a possible implementation of step k) of the method of the present invention shown in Figure 5, in which one or more theoretical piping network TPNs corresponding to the virtual rearrangement of piping network 2 are generated.

[0228] Of course, carrying out step k) in a completely different manner is not excluded from the present invention.

[0229] Preferably, according to the present invention, performing the steps of the method shown in Figure 3 to evaluate one or more virtual rearrangements of System 1 for pressurized fluid, the minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is measured or the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure SMO v This requires the main piping inlet 3 and the most important piping outlet PO. i c The method includes evaluating the usefulness of rearranging the piping network 2, including increasing the pipe diameter D of one or more portions of the piping network 2 between and , and a corresponding theoretical piping network TPN is generated in step k of the method. The generation of such a TPN is represented by path 58 in Figure 8.

[0230] In another preferred method according to the present invention, the steps shown in Figure 3, which evaluate one or more virtual rearrangements of System 1 for a pressurized fluid, are performed such that the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) is measured or the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) is measured. v This requires the main piping inlet 3 and the most important piping outlet PO. i c The method includes evaluating the usefulness of a virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2, which involves inserting one or more local buffer containers into a portion of the piping network 2 between and , and a corresponding theoretical piping network TPN is generated in step k). The generation of such a TPN is represented by path 59 in Figure 8.

[0231] Further possible virtual rearrangements of piping network 2 and the corresponding theoretical piping network TPN can be generated, which are represented by route 60 in Figure 7.

[0232] It may be appealing to use additional criteria to determine whether or not to evaluate a specific virtual relocation of piping network 2. This is also true of the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0233] Such criteria include zero or negative minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO). v So, the related pipe outlet PO i The period during which the abnormality occurs ΔT an It can be based on this.

[0234] This period ΔT during which the abnormality occurs an This is the total period and the associated piping outlet PO i In this case, the measured pressure P POi or the calculated virtual pressure P POi v The piping outlet PO i and / or corresponding user location UL i The minimum pressure P required at any given time POi req It is lower than that.

[0235] Such criteria are not necessarily used in the method according to the present invention, and whether or not criteria are used can be determined in an additional step s) of the method, for example, as illustrated by the diamond shape 61 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0236] The criteria used are, for example, the period ΔT during which the anomaly occurs. an for a specific predetermined important period ΔT crit This can consist of an evaluation of whether or not it exceeds a certain value.

[0237] Such possible use of the aforementioned criteria is illustrated, for example, by the diamond shape 62 in the flowchart of Figure 8.

[0238] For example, in a preferred method according to the present invention, a step of the method shown in Figure 3, which evaluates the virtual rearrangement of system 1 for pressurized fluid, more specifically, the usefulness of the virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2 by enlarging the diameter D of a portion of the piping network 2, is to verify the usefulness of the virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2, the period ΔT during which the abnormality occurs. an However, the predetermined period ΔT crit This is executed only when it exceeds a certain threshold. This corresponds to path 58 in Figure 8.

[0239] This is because the anomaly is sufficiently large, or the period ΔT is sufficiently long. crit A sufficiently long period ΔT that is longer than an If the problem occurs inside, it is efficient and reasonable to replace the entire piping section of the piping network 2 with a piping section having a larger diameter D. Furthermore, if the abnormality persists for too long a period ΔT... an When it occurs internally, it requires an excessively large pressure vessel, so the problem cannot be easily solved by inserting a local pressure vessel.

[0240] Furthermore, in yet another preferred method according to the present invention, a step of the method for evaluating the virtual rearrangement of system 1 for pressurized fluid, as shown in Figure 3, more specifically, a step in which it is necessary to verify the usefulness of virtual rearrangement of piping network 2, where local buffer vessels are included in piping network 2, is the period ΔT during which an anomaly occurs. an the predetermined period ΔT crit This is executed only when it does not exceed a certain limit. This corresponds to path 59 in Figure 8.

[0241] For similar reasons, this type of application of the standard is also reasonable. In fact, the insertion of a local pressure vessel into the piping network 2 should be kept at least within acceptable limits for its size, and the period of abnormality ΔT an It is only actually feasible when it is not too large.

[0242] It is not excluded from the present invention to incorporate an evaluation of the usefulness of virtual rearrangements, which are combinations of the above rearrangements, such as further virtual rearrangements of the piping network 2 to improve efficiency, for example, by increasing the diameter of the piping or by including local pressure vessels.

[0243] Another possible virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2 or system 1 for pressurized fluid may include rearranging the compressor 11 so that the connection between the compressor 11 and the piping network 2 is made at a different location, for example, at branch 7 or sub-branch 8.

[0244] Alternatively, an additional source 10 or compressor 11 for pressurized fluid can be inserted into the piping network 2, and further rearrangements of the piping network 2 may be considered in some cases. This corresponds to the route 60 in Figure 7.

[0245] Such additional evaluations of other virtual rearrangements of the piping network 2 can also be carried out according to yet other criteria, although this is not necessarily the case according to the present invention.

[0246] The virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2 to which the pipe diameter D is enlarged (box 63 in Figure 8) may include additional steps, for example, selecting a specific enlarged pipe diameter D (box 64 in Figure 8) and selecting the piping path to which this enlarged diameter D should be applied (box 65 in Figure 8).

[0247] The virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2 into which the local buffer vessels are inserted (box 66 in Figure 8) may include additional steps, such as selecting a specific pressure vessel size (box 67 in Figure 8) and selecting a specific location where the pressure vessels should be inserted (box 68 in Figure 8).

[0248] For each generated theoretical piping network TPN into which a virtual relocation is proposed, the most important piping outlet P of the associated theoretical piping network TPN is then determined. Oi c The method (see Figure 5) begins with step h) to determine the following, which is further analyzed and adapted in steps h), i), and j) or k). This is shown in Figure 8 by box 40.

[0249] By repeating the process, several different possible theoretical piping network TPNs or virtual rearrangements of the pressurized fluid system 1 can be generated. This is represented by the dashed path 69 in Figure 8, which somewhat summarizes the different possible paths in the flowchart of Figure 5 and may result in the generation of multiple theoretical piping network TPNs, where virtual rearrangements are proposed.

[0250] Finally, Figure 9 shows a possible and detailed implementation of step b), which is represented in Figure 4 and calculates the potential economic savings PFS for each theoretical piping network TPN generated in step a), in the final flowchart.

[0251] Before starting this calculation, the maximum potential economic savings PFS variable is set to zero. This is represented in box 70 of Figure 9. Furthermore, box 71 of Figure 9 shows that the calculation of potential economic savings PFS for each theoretical piping network TPN is achieved by iteration through a set of generated theoretical piping network TPNs, starting by first considering the first virtual relocation within the generated set.

[0252] The essential part of step b) calculating the potential economic savings PFS for a specific virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2 is shown in box 72 of Figure 9, with inlet pressure P IN The proposed amount ΔP represents the cost of implementing virtual relocation, derived from the cost savings resulting from the reduction. decr This consists of a step t) which subtracts only that amount. Naturally, such an evaluation of costs and gains usually also includes the mean remaining life or total expected operating period of the system for pressurized fluids.

[0253] The method includes a further step u), represented by the diamond shape 73 in the flowchart of Figure 9, which consists of evaluating whether the potential economic savings PFS calculated in step t) is positive or negative. When the potential economic savings PFS is negative, for example, when the energy cost savings are too low or the implementation costs are too high, it is clear that the proposed rearrangement is not suitable for improving system 1 of the pressurized fluid, and thus the maximum potential economic savings PFS calculated so far should not be changed (see box 74 and path 75 in Figure 9).

[0254] If the current potential economic savings PFS calculated in step t) is positive, it should be compared to the largest potential economic savings PFS calculated so far, and the largest of the two should be retained as the calculated current largest potential economic savings PFS. This is shown in path 76 as step v) in box 77 of Figure 9.

[0255] Box 26 in Figure 9 illustrates step c) of the method corresponding to the same step c) of Box 26 shown in Figure 4, where at least the maximum calculated potential economic savings PFS and the corresponding virtual relocation are stored. Naturally, it is not excluded from the invention to also store other virtual relocations that are expected to generate lower potential economic savings PFS when implemented.

[0256] Steps t), u), and v) should be repeated for all proposed or generated virtual relocations or theoretical piping network TPNs until the last virtual relocation is reached. Thus, the method includes step x) in which the evaluation of the next virtual relocation for the generated set is started until the last virtual relocation is reached. This is represented by the diamond shape 78, box 79, and path 80 in Figure 9. The iteration across the entire set of generated theoretical piping network TPNs is stopped when the last virtual relocation is reached (path 81 ending in box 26 representing step c).

[0257] This results in different potential economic savings PFS, and at least the virtual reallocation associated with the largest potential economic savings PFS is preferably stored in step c) and proposed for implementation in step f) (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0258] Figure 10 shows the measurement period ΔT in step n) of the method of the present invention (see Figure 6). m The pressure P measured inside was measured at the two pipe outlets PO1 and PO2 in the main inlet pipe 3. PO1 and P PO2 , and P IN This indicates the occurrence of [unclear / unclear].

[0259] Clearly, at those pipe outlets PO1 and PO2, the associated pressure P PO1 and P PO2 As defined in step m) of the method of the present invention, the corresponding minimum required pressure P is the pressure required at these pipe outlets PO1 and PO2 during operation. PO1 req and P PO2 req This exceeds (see Figure 6 again).

[0260] This is related to pressure P PO1 or P PO2 And the corresponding minimum required pressure P PO1 req or P PO2 req The difference is the excess pressure OP at the pipe outlets PO1 and PO2. PO1 or OP PO2 However, the measurement period ΔT m Throughout the whole, there is always a positive excess pressure OP PO1 or OP PO2 It means that.

[0261] As a result, in the example in Figure 10, the pipe outlet PO of the piping network 2 i In this case, the measurement period ΔT m Throughout the whole, those pipe outlets PO i The available pressure is always excessive compared to what is strictly required for proper functioning. This is because the measurement period ΔT m This also corresponds to a situation where no abnormalities are detected inside. (See steps i and j in Figure 5)

[0262] Therefore, in this situation, the inlet pressure P IN Even after reducing the pressure, the inlet pressure P at the main pipe inlet 3 remains constant during the normal duty cycle without causing any malfunction or interference. IN It is possible to reduce the inlet pressure P without causing any abnormalities during operation. IN The maximum amount ΔP that can reduce decr What is it?

[0263] In the method according to the present invention, this is the most important pipe outlet PO of the piping network 2. i c This is systematically determined by first deciding on (see step h in the flowchart in Figure 5).

[0264] As defined in steps q) and r) of the preferred method according to the present invention (see Figure 6), the most important pipe outlet PO i c This refers to the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure (SMO). v The pipe outlet PO is observed or calculated i That is the case.

[0265] Figure 10 shows the pressure P at the pipe outlets PO1 and PO2. PO1 and P PO2 Minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min and OP PO2 min This is shown in the graph. Minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min And, OP PO2 min Both of these are clearly positive (>0).

[0266] Furthermore, minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min This is the minimum excess pressure OP PO2 min Smaller than, this results in the minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min In this case, the minimum excess pressure SMO is the pressure measurement P at only two pipe outlets, PO1 and PO2. PO1 and P PO2 It consists of.

[0267] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the first pipe outlet PO1 is the most important pipe outlet PO1 c (See step r in Figure 6 and step h in Figure 5).

[0268] Measurement period ΔT mIn this method according to the present invention, since there is no abnormality, or the same thing, but the minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is strictly positive, in step i) the inlet pressure PIN is equal to the amount ΔP decr It is determined that this generates a theoretical piping network TPN that is reduced by only that amount (see step j in Figure 5).

[0269] This amount of pressure drop ΔP decr As shown in Figure 7, this is the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO. v It is usually selected to be equal to (step j). The reason for this is, naturally, that the operation is always performed in a more or less similar manner, and the measurement period ΔT m However, assuming it is sufficiently long and therefore representative to capture normal and significant events that occur during operation, the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure (SMO) v This is because it is a good estimate of the maximum pressure drop that is possible without causing any abnormalities within the piping network 2.

[0270] As explained earlier, in step j), depending on whether a specific risk factor is considered by, for example, considering a specific safety margin, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v The proposed quantity ΔP is equal to decr A quantity ΔP that is slightly smaller or slightly larger than . decr Inlet pressure P IN It is possible to decide to reduce it. In other cases, it may be decided that it is not important that a particular operation should always be guaranteed 100 percent, and the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v The proposed quantity ΔP is equal to decr A quantity ΔP that is slightly larger than or substantially larger than decr Only, inlet pressure P IN It can be decided to reduce it.

[0271] Figure 11 shows the virtual pressure P in the proposed theoretical piping network TPN, using a method similar to that of Figure 10. PO1 v and P PO2 v This indicates the initial inlet pressure P IN init This is the minimum excess pressure OP measured at the first pipe outlet PO1. PO1 min ΔP is the amount equal to the minimum measured minimum excess pressure (SMO). decr It only decreases virtually. New virtual inlet pressure P IN vnew This is shown in the diagram.

[0272] According to the present invention, virtual pressure P PO1 v and P PO2 v This step of calculating the reduced P is shown by step b) in Figure 4. IN It is not strictly necessary, as it is sufficient to calculate the potential economic savings PFS of the proposed theoretical piping network TPN having the inlet pressure P. IN To clarify what happens when the value decreases, the relevant pipe outlet P PO1 and P PO2 Pressure P PO1 v and P PO2 v This is plotted in Figure 11.

[0273] In this case, the virtual pressure P PO1 v and P PO2 v The measurement period ΔT m This is thought to be a pressure calculated based on previous measurements, for example, the initial inlet pressure P. IN init In reality, the new inlet pressure P IN new Reduce to the new measurement period ΔT m Inside, actually, pipe outlet P O1 and P O2 Pressure P PO1 and PPO2 After measuring, similar, and in some cases even more accurate, plots could be obtained.

[0274] ΔP is the amount equal to the minimum measured minimum excess pressure (SMO). decr Inlet pressure P at main pipe inlet 3 IN The proposed reduction, or the same thing, of the outlet pressure PC at the outlet 13 of the compressor 11. OUT It is clear that the reduction will improve or optimize the energy efficiency or energy consumption of System 1 for pressurized fluid, including the compressor 11, the piping network 2, ...

[0275] Compressor 11 has a low outlet pressure PC OUT This reduces the energy consumed during operation, resulting in lower operating costs as explained in the introduction.

[0276] Figure 11 also shows the novel virtual inlet pressure P IN vnew After virtually applying this, the virtual pressure P is calculated at the pipe outlets PO1 and PO2, respectively. PO1 v and P PO2 v These indicate the virtual pressures P PO1 v and P PO2 v Also, the initial inlet pressure P IN init When still in effect, the first measured pressure P at pipe outlets PO1 and PO2, respectively. PO1 and P PO2 In comparison, the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or minimum minimum virtual overpressure (SMO) within the piping network 2 v ΔP is almost the same quantity that corresponds to it. decr It is reduced by this.

[0277] Therefore, as can be seen in Figure 11, the new virtual inlet pressure P IN vnew After virtually applying it, the excess pressure OP during operation PO1 vand OP PO2 v These pressures P are always positive or equal to zero, or the same thing, but these pressures P PO1 v and P PO2 v However, the corresponding minimum required pressure P PO1 req and P PO2 req Since it is always above this, the virtual pressure P is at both the pipe outlets PO1 and PO2. PO1 v and P PO2 v There is no shortage of it.

[0278] This indicates that, after optimization or improvement of the efficiency of system 1 for pressurized fluid, or reduction of energy consumption, the operations performed by equipment A1, A2, ... performed at the corresponding pipe outlets PO1, PO2, ... of the piping network 2 can probably still be performed without interruption.

[0279] Inlet pressure P IN vnew Because the pressure is virtually reduced, the minimum (virtual) excess pressure OP expected at the first pipe outlet PO1 is also present. PO1 (v)min It is clear that this value is either greater than or equal to zero, or less than or equal to zero. This is also shown in Figure 11.

[0280] In the case of Figure 10, the pipe outlet PO i Since no abnormalities were found, the quantity ΔP decr The inlet pressure P is IN init Apart from the reduction, the proposed improvement to piping network 2 can be achieved without any virtual or actual rearrangement of piping network 2.

[0281] Nevertheless, as shown in Figure 5 in the rhombic shape 34 and path 35, the inlet pressure P decreased. IN The proposed theoretical piping network TPN, having the above characteristics, can also serve as a basis for generating another theoretical piping network in step k), represented in box 42 of Figure 5.

[0282] In that case, the initial inlet pressure P IN init new inlet pressure P IN vnew Pressure P at pipe outlets PO1 and PO2 after virtually reducing the pressure to that level. PO1 v and P PO2 v However, it is known and can be used in the next step of this method, for example, the most important pipe outlet PO for use in step k). i c The relevant pipe outlet P is determined, and so on. PO1 and P PO2 Pressure P PO1 v and P PO2 v This should be determined by actual calculation or other methods.

[0283] Therefore, let's consider the case where there are no abnormalities, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. After step a), the theoretical piping network TPN is ΔP decr The virtual inlet pressure P decreases by only that much. IN vnew What must be done according to the method of the present invention, which is generated and further does not apply virtual relocation?

[0284] From Figure 4, it is clear that step b) must be performed to calculate the potential economic PFS of the relevant theoretical piping network TPN. The formula to be applied is shown in step t) in box 72 of Figure 9.

[0285] Potential economic savings PFS are calculated by the initial inlet pressure P IN init The inlet pressure P is virtually reduced compared to IN vnew This is the energy savings obtained as a result, from which the implementation cost of the theoretical piping network TPN should be subtracted. In this case, the initial inlet pressure P IN initBecause only the compressor outlet pressure PC decreases, OUT Aside from setting it to a low value, there is essentially no implementation cost, and this is essentially a cost-free operation.

[0286] Therefore, the formula introduced in the introduction can be applied:

number

[0287] Clearly, this theoretical piping network TPN does not involve implementation costs, so the piping outlet PO i It is a good candidate to be selected when there are no abnormalities, and thus this theoretical piping network TPN can very favorably represent the improvement that is expected to generate the greatest potential economic savings PFS.

[0288] Of course, in some cases, other theoretical network TPNs may be generated through paths 35 and 37 in the flowchart of Figure 5, for example, including a virtual rearrangement of network 2, which includes actual implementation costs. In that case, these additionally generated theoretical network TPNs should be evaluated in steps t), u), v), and x) of the flowchart of Figure 9. Perhaps one of these additional theoretical network TPNs may be more attractive to implement, for example, by a lower inlet pressure P made possible by the rearrangement of network 2. IN This may occur when the energy savings obtained significantly outweigh the costs of implementing the associated virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2.

[0289] Here, in step i) of the method shown in Figure 5, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v However, let's consider the case where it is determined to be zero or less than zero. This is the case, for example, in the example in Figure 12.

[0290] As shown in the rhombic shape 44 of Figure 5, in this case, the next step can simply consist of making a decision that no further theoretical piping network TPN is generated to improve or optimize the efficiency of system 1 for pressurized fluid. The method then proceeds to evaluate the already generated set of theoretical piping network TPNs (see path 44 and box 39 in Figure 5).

[0291] Alternatively or additionally, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v However, when it is zero or less than zero, in step i) of the method, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v An initial pressure P having a quantity equal to (the absolute value of), slightly lower than, or slightly higher than (the absolute value of). IN init By increasing the most important related pipe outlet PO i c In this case, it may be decided to attempt to counteract any clearly existing abnormalities or pressure deficiencies. In that case, the inlet pressure P IN init This is related to the piping outlet PO i Due to insufficient pressure at the piping outlet PO during operation, i A sufficiently high new inlet pressure P is set to avoid the occurrence of anomalies. IN new It is set to [value]. The drawback of such implementation is, naturally, that the energy consumption or efficiency of System 1 for pressurized fluid is not improved or optimized; on the contrary, energy consumption increases or efficiency decreases. For this reason, this possibility is not shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0292] However, in a more attractive implementation of the method according to the present invention, in step k) of the method shown in box 42 of Figure 5, the minimum minimum overpressure SMO or the minimum minimum virtual overpressure SMO v However, when it is zero or less than zero, the theoretical piping network TPN is the most important piping outlet PO i c This is generated in a virtually modified portion of the piping network 2 that is connected to it. The virtual rearrangement of the piping network 2 removes anomalies and, as described with respect to Figures 10 and 11, the inlet pressure P is generated by the implementation of the virtual rearrangement. IN It is intended to enable a reduction in [the value].

[0293] Related examples are shown in Figures 12 to 14. For example, Figure 12 shows the measurement period ΔT. m Inside, the pressure P measured at pipe outlets PO1 and PO2, respectively. PO1 and P PO2 This shows the fluctuation of pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1. PO1 The minimum pressure P required at the pipe outlet PO1 is PO1 req It falls below that.

[0294] This means that the operation at the first user position UL1 is likely to be unable to be performed as needed during the aforementioned time interval Δt due to insufficient pressurized fluid, and therefore, there is clearly an abnormality at the pipe outlet PO1 during the time interval Δt. In this case, the time interval Δt is the total period ΔT over which the abnormality occurs, as previously referred to. an This represents (see Figure 8).

[0295] Excess pressure OP PO1 It was found that the pressure was negative at the pipe outlet PO1 during the time interval Δt, while the excess pressure OP PO1 The measurement period ΔT m Throughout the entire spectrum, the result is strictly positive (no abnormalities at the pipe outlet PO2).

[0296] Excess pressure OP PO1 This is the minimum excess pressure OP PO1 minThe point indicated by this, i.e., the pressure curve P PO1 The minimum pressure P required at the pipe outlet PO1 PO1 req It is at its lowest level, at the point where it descends most drastically below the line indicating the maximum.

[0297] At the pipe outlet PO1, this minimum excess pressure OP PO1 min While this is naturally negative, the minimum excess pressure OP at the pipe outlet PO2 is also negative. PO2 min It has a positive value. Therefore, the minimum excess pressure OP at the pipe outlet PO1 is PO1 min In this case, the minimum excess pressure SMO is the lowest excess pressure OP at the pipe outlet PO2. PO2 min This is the second smallest minimum excess pressure (SSMO).

[0298] In the method according to the present invention, the first step h) is performed (as shown in Figure 5), during which the most important pipe outlet PO i c However, this should be determined. The most important pipe outlet PO1 related to the minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is, according to steps q) and r) of the flowchart in Figure 6, i c And in this case as well, the first pipe outlet PO1 c That is the case.

[0299] Next, in the case described in Figure 12, the most important pipe outlet PO i c Since there is a clear abnormality in (SMO<0), during step i), the main pipe inlet 3 and pipe outlet PO1 cIt is determined that step k) of a method for generating a theoretical piping network TPN by virtually modifying a portion between (both shown in Figure 5) should be performed. The generation of such a virtually modified portion can consist of many things, such as increasing the pipe diameter D or inserting local buffer containers, and the steps shown in Figure 8 can be considered as guidance, but other methods for generating such a theoretical piping network TPN are not excluded from the present invention.

[0300] As explained, in Figure 12, the pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1 is shown. PO1 This refers to the minimum pressure P required at the pipe outlet PO1 during the time interval Δt. PO1 req It is below that. The minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is negative in this case, and the minimum excess pressure P that occurs at the pipe outlet PO1 is negative. PO1 min It is represented by the time interval Δt, in this case the total period ΔT over which the anomaly occurred, as previously referenced. an It represents.

[0301] Of course, in other cases, pressure P PO1 For example, during time intervals Δt1, Δt2, ..., the required minimum pressure P PO1 req It may fall below this value multiple times, resulting in another total period ΔT of abnormality. an This should be taken into consideration, and this is the sum of their time intervals Δt1, Δt2, ....

[0302] As explained previously, the criterion for selecting the type of rearrangement of piping system 1 that may be attractive in order to improve its efficiency is this total period ΔT of abnormality. an For example, a predetermined important period ΔT crit It can be compared to that.

[0303] Total duration of abnormality ΔT an the predetermined important period ΔT critIf it is greater than this, it is possible to determine the evaluation of rearranging the piping network 2, which involves increasing the diameter D of some of the pipes within the piping network 2 (see path 58 in Figure 8).

[0304] Total duration of abnormality ΔT an the predetermined important period ΔT crit In other cases where the size is smaller, it is possible to determine the evaluation of rearranging the piping network 2, which involves inserting a local pressure vessel into the piping network 1 (see path 59 in Figure 8).

[0305] After generating the theoretical piping network TPN route 43 in the flowchart of Figure 5, proceed again to step h) of this method, where the most important piping outlet PO) is also shown. i c However, a decision must be made, this time on the generated theoretical piping network TPN, not on the initial, unmodified actual piping network 2. This is shown in Figure 13.

[0306] As shown in Figure 6, the most important pipe outlet PO is formed by the rhombic shape 49, the path 50 and the box 51. i c However, if it must be determined within the theoretical piping network TPN, the proposed virtual rearrangement will virtually affect the piping outlet PO. i Measurement period ΔT m Inside, first, the virtual pressure P POi v This should be calculated.

[0307] In fact, in such a theoretical piping network TPN, the measurement period ΔT m When the same type of load as in the case inside is applied at the pipe outlet PO1, the expected virtual pressure P at the associated pipe outlet, in this case pipe outlet PO1, is PO1 v Theoretical calculations of its occurrence can be performed.

[0308] In the example shown in Figure 13, the virtual pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1 is shown. PO1 v This is a hypothetical measurement period ΔT m Inside, curve PPO1 v (t) is depicted as the most important pipe outlet PO1, where the greatest change in pressure is expected at the first pipe outlet PO1, and the virtual rearrangement was determined during the previous step of this method, between the main pipe inlet 3 and the first pipe outlet PO1. c This is because it consists of modifications to a portion of the piping network 2 between and . In particular, due to the improved performance of the piping network 2 under the virtual modifications, a (virtual) pressure increase is expected at the piping outlet PO1, for example, friction losses will be reduced, and therefore the pressure drop across the relevant portion of the piping network 2 will be smaller.

[0309] Virtual pressure P PO1 v Preferably, the pressure P measured as shown in Figure 12. PO1 This is based on this pressure P PO1 It is also copied as a whole onto the chart in Figure 13.

[0310] In this embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the virtual pressure P at the pipe outlet PO1 involved PO1 v Measurement period ΔT m It is suggested that the calculation be performed over the entire period, but naturally, for example, the excess pressure OP PO1 That minimum OP PO1 min Only at the moment it is reached, i.e., during the measurement period ΔT m At the most critical moment in time, or during the most critical conditions determined by the heaviest load at the relevant pipe outlet PO1, only for a short period or at a specific measurement point, the virtual pressure P PO1 v It may be sufficient to calculate or determine this.

[0311] Outlet pressure P at the second pipe outlet PO2 PO2 This is considered to remain essentially unchanged by the proposed virtual rearrangement of piping network 2 and is also copied integrally to the plot in Figure 13.

[0312] To find the most important pipe outlet in the plot in Figure 13, steps p), q), and r) shown in Figure 6 are taken, where the virtual pressure P is at the first pipe outlet PO1. PO1 v , and the measured pressure P at the second pipe outlet PO2 PO2 This should be applied to the curve shown in Figure 13.

[0313] At this point, the minimum excess pressure OP at the second pipe outlet PO2 is, of course, still strictly positive. PO2 min This is the minimum virtual excess pressure OP calculated at the first pipe outlet PO1, which is also strictly positive. PO1v vmin It appears to be smaller than . Therefore, in the plot in Figure 13, the minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is the minimum excess pressure OP at the second pipe outlet PO2. PO2 min Therefore, in this virtual configuration, the second pipe outlet PO2 is the most important pipe outlet PO2. c This is what happens (see step r in Figure 6).

[0314] In this case, the minimum minimum excess pressure SMO is strictly positive, which means that in the virtual relocation, the pipe outlet PO is no longer positive. i This means that no abnormalities are expected to occur. This is because step i) of the method shown in Figure 5 leads to path 40 and step j), during which the theoretical piping network TPN is generated and the inlet pressure P IN This means that it decreases in exactly the same way as detailed with respect to Figures 10 and 11.

[0315] As shown in more detail in Figure 7, in this case, the minimum excess pressure OP at the second pipe outlet PO2 is PO2 min , or the minimum minimum virtual excess pressure SMO v ΔP is the amount equal to the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO). decr However, even in this case, the initial inlet pressure P IN init It is usually proposed to reduce this.

[0316] In other cases, the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) may still be zero or less, in which case it is determined in step i) of the present method that the proposed virtual rearrangement of the piping network 1 has not eliminated the original anomaly and is not suitable for further improvement of the efficiency of the piping network 2.

[0317] Figure 14 shows the piping network 2 after applying the proposed virtual rearrangement, and the initial inlet pressure P. IN init ΔP decr After virtually reducing only that, the new virtually reduced inlet pressure P IN vnew This shows the expected situation, where the inlet pressure P is hypothetically reduced. IN vnew And as a result of performing the virtual rearrangement, the calculated virtual pressure P expected at pipe outlets PO1 and PO2 PO1 v’ and P PO2 v’ This is also plotted in Figure 14. The virtually reduced inlet pressure P IN vnew The energy savings expected by implementing this are calculated in a completely equivalent manner, as explained with respect to Figures 10 and 11.

[0318] Step b) of the method shown in Figure 4, where the potential economic savings PFS of the generated theoretical piping network TPN are calculated, requires this time, but the most important is the piping outlet PO i c It is also necessary to calculate the cost of performing a virtual relocation of the piping network 2, eliminating the original anomaly (see step t in Figure 9).

[0319] This part of calculating potential economic savings (PFS) may include, for example, the types of calculations or estimates described below.

[0320] For example, if the diameter d1 of a pipe piece in the piping network 1 is changed to a diameter d2, the relevant reduction in energy consumption can be calculated using the following formula:

number

number

[0321] The present invention is by no means limited to embodiments for improving the efficiency of System 1 for pressurized fluids as described above and / or extending its operating range, but such methods can be applied and implemented in many different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0322] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments of data processing devices or computers, compressors, or computer programs described herein, and such data processing devices or computers, compressors, or computer programs can be implemented in a wide variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0323] 1. Systems for pressurized fluids, piping systems, piping networks, indexes; 2. Piping networks, indexes; 3. Piping networks, main piping inlet; 4. Piping outlet; 5. User position; 6. Main piping piece; 7. Piping branch; 8. Piping sub-branch; 9. User devices or equipment; 10. Source of pressurized fluid; 11. Compressor; 12. Inlet; 13. Outlet piping, outlet; 14. Computer; 15. Measuring means, pressure gauge; 16. Communication means, data cable; 17. Pneumatically driven mechanical tools; 18. Flexible pneumatic hose; 19. Valves; D. Piping diameter, d1, d2 diameter; OP PO1 , OP PO2 Excess pressure, OP POi Excessive pressure, P PO1 v , P PO2 v Virtual pressure, P PO1 v’, P PO2 v’ Virtual pressure, OP POi v Virtual excess pressure, OP PO1 min , OP PO2 min , OP PO3 min , ...and OP PON min Minimum excess pressure, OP POi min Actual minimum excess pressure, OP PO1 vmin , OP PO2 vmin , OP PO3 vmin , ...and OP PON vmin Minimum virtual excess pressure, OP POi vmin Calculated hypothetical minimum excess pressure, P atm Atmospheric pressure, P c Critical pressure, PC IN Atmospheric pressure, PC OUT Outlet pressure, P IN Inlet pressure, P IN init Initial inlet pressure, P IN v Calculated virtual pressure, P IN vnew Inlet virtual pressure, PO1, PO2, PO3, ...PO N Pipe outlet, PO i Pipe outlet, PO1 c , PO2 c The most important pipe outlet, PO i c The most important pipe outlet, P POi Measured pressure, P PO1 , P PO2 , P PO3 ,...,P PON Pressure, P PO1 req , P PO2 req Minimum required pressure, P POi req Minimum required pressure, P PO1 v , P PO2 v Virtual pressure, PPO1 v(t) curve, P POi v Calculated virtual pressure, initial discharge pressure of the piping piece related to p1, R h Operating time, SMO minimum, minimum overpressure, SMO v The smallest virtual minimum excess pressure, SSMO; the second smallest minimum excess pressure, t1, t2, t3, ...; discrete time points, UL1, UL2, UL3, ...UL N User position, Δp Pressure reduction at the compressor outlet, ΔP decr Virtual pressure drop, ΔP tot Total pressure drop, ΔP1, ΔP2, ΔP3; pressure drop, Δp1 initial pressure drop on the relevant piping piece, Δt time interval, Δt1, Δt2, ... time interval, ΔT an The period during which the abnormality occurs, ΔT crit For a predetermined critical period, ΔT m Measurement period

Claims

1. A method for improving the efficiency and / or operating range of a system (1) for pressurized fluid, wherein the system (1) for pressurized fluid comprises a main pipe inlet (3) and user positions (5) spaced apart from each other, UL 1 , UL 2 , . . ,UL N Multiple pipe outlets (4, PO) are arranged at ) 1 ,PO 2 ,..., PO N ), and a pressurized pipe network (2) provided with, at the main pipe inlet (3) of the pipe network (2), an inlet pressure (P IN , P IN init , P IN vnew ) is provided by a supply source (10, 11) of the pressurized fluid of the system (1) for the pressurized fluid, and the pipe network (2) is at the user location (5, UL 1 , UL 2 , . . ,UL N ) at the pipe outlet (4, PO 1 ,PO 2 , . . , PO N ) User devices or equipment connected to (9, A 1 , A 2 , . . , A N During operation of the piping outlet (4, PO), due to various demands for pressurized fluid, 1 ,PO 2 , . . , PO N ) subject to various loads, in a method, the method includes evaluation of one or more virtual rearrangements of the system (1), which includes virtual changes to the operating conditions of the system, such as pressure settings or flow rate settings, and / or virtual modifications to the piping network, such as virtually adding, removing, replacing, and / or modifying components of one or more parts of the piping network, and the evaluation further includes, - A calculation of potential economic savings (PFS) resulting from the improved energy efficiency or reduced energy consumption caused by such relocation of the system (1) relative to the cost of relocating the system (1), wherein the calculation is based on the pressure (P) within the system (1). IN , P POi ) including calculations, - Evaluation of the aforementioned potential economic savings (PFS), - If there are positive potential economic savings (PFS), this includes proposing to the user one or more virtual relocations for implementation, The method described above includes at least, - a) The step of generating one or more sets of theoretical piping networks (TPNs) to which the rearrangement on the system is virtually applied, -b) A step of calculating the potential economic savings (PFS) for each possible virtual relocation of the system (1) in the generated set, -c) A step of retaining one or more of the calculated potential economic savings (PFS) and the virtual relocation of the system (1), -d) A step of evaluating whether there is at least one or more virtual rearrangements of the system (1) in the set in which a positive potential economic savings (PFS) was obtained during the calculation, -e) If, during the calculation step, there is no virtual relocation of the system (1) in the set of positive potential economic savings (PFS) obtained, the method is stopped. -f) If, during the calculation step, there is at least one virtual relocation of the system (1) in the set of which positive potential economic savings (PFS) have been obtained, the step of proposing to the user one or more of the virtual relocations which have been obtained which have been obtained which have been obtained which have been obtained during the calculation step, Step a) which generates one or more sets of theoretical piping networks (TPNs), -h) The most important pipe outlets (PO) of the piping network (2) or the previously generated theoretical piping network (TPN). i c ) and -i) The most important pipe outlet (PO i c The steps include evaluating whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the following: -j) The most important pipe outlet (PO i c If no abnormality is found in ), the step of generating a theoretical piping network (TPN) is to generate the inlet pressure (P IN , P IN new ) is a specific amount (ΔP decr ) virtually decreases, in steps, -k) The most important pipe outlet (PO i c If an abnormality is found in the most important pipe outlet (PO i c A method comprising the step of generating a theoretical piping network (TPN) having a virtually modified portion of the piping network (2) connected to ).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in step c), the maximum potential economic savings (PFS) and the virtual relocation of the system (1) are stored, and in step f), if at least the maximum potential economic savings (PFS) is positive, the virtual relocation of the system (1) in the set having the maximum potential economic savings (PFS) is proposed to the user for implementation.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method includes step g) presenting to the user on a display unit the calculated potential economic savings (PFS) and the virtual one or more virtual rearrangements of the system (1) in the set.

4. The most important pipe outlet (PO) of the aforementioned piping network (2), or of the previously generated theoretical piping network (TPN). i c The step h) that determines ) -l) One or more pipe outlets (4, PO i Regarding the user position (5, UL), i ) at any time the minimum required pressure (P POi req A step in which the user position (5, UL) is determined, thereby i The steps can be performed without interrupting the operation in ) -m) The main pipe inlet (3) and the pipe outlet (4, PO i Pressure (P) IN , P POi ) is measured during the measurement period (ΔT) corresponding to the normal duty cycle of the piping network (2). m ) and -n) The inlet pressure (P) at the main pipe inlet (3) IN ) is measured or set, and during the measurement period (ΔT m ) to the aforementioned pipe outlet (4, PO i The pressure (P POi The method according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the step of measuring )

5. The aforementioned step h) -o) If the piping network (2) is a theoretical piping network (TPN), the virtual modification of the piping network (2) relates to one or more piping outlets (4, PO i ) during the measurement period (ΔT m ) during the virtual pressure (P POi v The steps to calculate ) and p) The measurement period (ΔT m ) The pipe outlet (4, PO i ) Excess pressure or virtual excess pressure (OP POi , OP POi v To determine the measurement period (ΔT m ) inside each related pipe outlet (4, PO i The measured pressure (P) may change in ) POi ) or calculated virtual pressure (P POi v ) and the user position (5, UL i The minimum pressure (P) required at any time in ) POi req The steps involve calculating the difference between ) and , q) The pipe outlet (4, PO) of the aforementioned piping network (2) i The lowest excess pressure (OP) present or measured in ) POi min ) and the related pipe outlets (4, PO) affected by the proposed virtual rearrangement of the piping network (2) i ) the calculated minimum virtual excess pressure (OP POi vmin ) and a series of minimum excess pressures (OP) POi min , OP POi vmin ) obtain each associated pipe outlet (4, PO i ) Regarding the measurement period ΔT m The minimum excess pressure (OP) that occurs within POi min ), or minimum virtual excess pressure (OP POi vmin The steps to obtain ) -r) during the measurement period (ΔT m ) in the pipe network (2) or the theoretical pipe network (TPN), the step of obtaining the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or the minimum minimum virtual excess pressure generation (SMO v ) wherein the important pipe outlet (PO i c ) is the pipe outlet (PO v ) related to the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or the minimum minimum virtual excess pressure generation (SMO i ), the method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of.

6. evaluating whether an abnormality has occurred at said most important piping outlet (PO i c ), said step i) includes evaluating whether the minimum minimum overpressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum overpressure (SMO m ) occurring in said pipe network (2) during said measurement period (ΔT v ) is greater than zero, corresponding respectively to the presence or absence of an abnormality; A method according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. Step j) generating a theoretical piping network (TPN), wherein the most important piping outlet (PO i c When no abnormality is found in the inlet pressure (P IN , P IN vnew ) is virtually reduced, and the step j) is the measurement period (ΔT m ) during which the minimum minimum excess pressure (SMO) or the minimum virtual minimum excess pressure (SMO) generated or calculated within the piping network (2) v A quantity (ΔP) that is equal to, slightly greater than, or slightly less than ) decr ) the inlet pressure (P IN init The method according to claim 5, characterized by comprising the step of reducing ).

8. The most important pipe outlet (PO i c Step k) includes generating a theoretical piping network (TPN) having a virtually modified portion of the piping network (2) connected to the main piping inlet (3) and the most important piping outlet (4, PO i c The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it is virtually modified by increasing the diameter (D) of one or more portions of the piping network (2) between the ) and the ).

9. The most important pipe outlet (PO i c Step k) includes generating a theoretical piping network (TPN) having a virtually modified portion of the piping network (2) that leads to the main piping inlet (3) and the most important piping outlet (PO i c The method according to claim 5, characterized in that it is virtually modified by inserting one or more local buffer containers into a portion of the piping network (2) between ) and ).

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising step s) a criterion is used to determine whether it is preferable to enlarge the diameter (D) of a portion of the piping network (2) to generate a theoretical piping network (TPN).

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising step s) a criterion is used to determine whether it is preferable to generate a theoretical total piping network (TPN) using the inserted local buffer container.

12. Total duration of abnormality (ΔT) an ), that is, the most important pipe outlet (4, PO i c The measured pressure (P POi ) is the user position (5, UL i ) at any time the minimum pressure (P POi req The total duration of the anomaly (ΔT) is lower than the total duration. an ) is a predetermined period (ΔT crit ) when it exceeds the total duration of the abnormality (ΔT an ) is a predetermined period (ΔT crit The method according to claim 10, characterized in that when the above criteria do not exceed the above, a theoretical piping network (TPN) is generated using the enlarged pipe diameter (D) of a part of the piping network (2).

13. Total duration of abnormality (ΔT) an ), that is, the most important pipe outlet (4, PO i c The measured pressure (P POi ) is the user position (5, UL i ) at any time the minimum pressure (P POi req The total duration of the anomaly (ΔT) is lower than the total duration. an ) is a predetermined period (ΔT crit ) when it exceeds the total duration of the abnormality (ΔT an ) is a predetermined period (ΔT crit The method according to claim 11, characterized in that when the above criteria do not exceed the above, a theoretical piping network (TPN) is generated using local buffer containers inserted into a part of the piping network (2).

14. Step b) calculates the potential economic savings (PFS) for a specific virtual rearrangement of the piping network (2), by the proposed amount (ΔP decr ) only the inlet pressure (P IN The method according to claim 1, characterized by including step t) subtracting the cost of implementing the virtual relocation from the savings obtained by reducing ).

15. After step t) calculating the potential economic savings (PFS) associated with the implementation of virtual relocation, the method, - Step u) to evaluate whether the aforementioned potential economic savings (PFS) are positive or negative, - Step v) comparing the potential economic savings (PFS) calculated for the virtual relocation with one or more previously calculated potential economic savings (PFS) for one or more other virtual relocations, The method according to claim 14, comprising step c) which holds at least the maximum calculated potential economic savings (PFS) and the virtual relocation.

16. The method of claim 15, characterized in that the method includes step x) in which an evaluation of the next virtual rearrangement of the generated set is started until the last virtual rearrangement is reached, and steps t), u), and v) are repeated multiple times for various virtual rearrangements of the piping network (2) to result in different potential economic savings (PFS), and at least the rearrangement relating to the greatest potential economic savings is stored in step c) and proposed to be implemented in step f).

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method is performed using electronic means (14) and / or is a computer implementation method.

18. A data processing device or computer (14) comprising a processor and / or computer program adapted to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A compressor (11) characterized by comprising a data processing device or computer (14) as described in claim 18.

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