Assembly of cryogenic equipment, such as an assembly of cryogenic exchangers, optimized for tolerating thermomechanical contractions

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20), said assembly (1) comprising: - a first cryogenic equipment (10) and a second cryogenic equipment (20) whose connection means (10B, 20B) are made of a first material, - a piping routing (30) fluidically connecting the first cryogenic equipment (10) and the second cryogenic equipment (10), - a main support (40) made of a second material with different thermomechanical properties to those of the first material, - an intermediate support (50) made of a material with thermomechanical characteristics similar to those of the first material, the first cryogenic equipment (10) and the second cryogenic equipment (20) comprising support means (10A, 20A), preferentially made of said first material, each support means (10A, 20A) being attached to the main support (40) and to the intermediate support (50), each support means (10A, 20A) being attached to said main support (40) with one degree of freedom.

Description

Assembly of cryogenic equipment, such as an assembly of cryogenic exchangers, optimized for tolerating thermomechanical contractions

[0001] The invention relates to the field of cryogenic equipment assemblies such as a cryogenic exchanger assembly, or a cold box comprising such a cryogenic exchanger assembly.

[0002] A cryogenic exchanger assembly, also known as an exchanger bank, consists of a number of cryogenic exchangers interconnected by support structures and pipe routing intended to facilitate the transfer of cryogenic fluids between the cryogenic exchangers.

[0003] The pipe routing follows a particular pattern: Core → Headers → Transition joints → Manifold → Transition joints → Headers → Core. Note that the transition joints may not be necessary, depending on the type of cryogenic exchanger assembly desired. In this configuration, the core corresponds to the main body of a cryogenic exchanger, through which the fluid or fluids to be treated circulate. The headers and the transition joints connect the various parts of the exchanger to the piping, while the manifolds distribute and group the fluid flows.

[0004] An assembly of cryogenic exchangers is commonly assembled using two assembly principles.

[0005] Such an assembly can be arranged in a cryogenic cold box in whose enclosure the assembly is cooled.

[0006] The term "cold box" is used to describe a shell generally made of carbon steel, which houses cryogenic equipment. The cold box can be rectangular or circular in shape. The cold box provides structural support, insulation containment and protection for internal equipment. A cold box can contain any type of cryogenic equipment, such as, but not limited to, brazed aluminum plate heat exchangers, rectification columns, knock-out drums, interconnecting piping, valves and instrumentation.

[0007] In the first configuration shown in, each cryogenic exchanger 100, 200 is attached to two stainless steel support beams 300, 400 via support means 100A, 100B, 200B, in this example four angle brackets. One support means 100A immobilizes one of the exchangers of the assembly on a beam 300, while the other support means 100B, 200B allow one or two degrees of freedom in the plane of the beams 300, 400. This configuration allows the mobility of exchangers 100, 200 to be tolerated during cool-down. Tolerance is permitted in the plane of the beams when two degrees of freedom are allowed at the support means 100B and 200B. This thus limits the mechanical deformation of the beams 300, 400, exchangers 100, 200 or piping routing 500.

[0008] However, this first configuration has its disadvantages. Indeed, the mechanical forces passing between the various elements (Core → Headers → Transition joints → Manifold) generate significant thermomechanical stresses, requiring additional thicknesses in order to absorb the loads. These extra thicknesses increase the direct costs (purchasing, welding, inspection) and indirect costs (transport, handling, structural reinforcement). Furthermore, the increased rigidity of the piping runs counter to the flexibility analysis needs. High loads on the fixed point can also lead to mechanical failure.

[0009] According to a second assembly configuration shown in, each cryogenic exchanger 100, 200 is attached to two stainless steel support beams 300, 400 via support means 100B, 200B (herein four), each support means 100B, 200B of which immobilizes the exchangers 100, 200 on the support beams 300, 400 without the possibility of degrees of freedom. In order to comply with the mechanical deformation tolerances when the assembly of cryogenic exchangers 100, 200 during cool-down, the piping routing 500 and the connection points, such as for example the manifolds, are lengthened between the exchangers 100, 200 in order to absorb the thermal contractions without generating excessive thermomechanical stresses.

[0010] In the second configuration, the disadvantages are mainly related to the overall footprint. The length and complexity of piping lines increase considerably, as does the size of the cold box. These features entail higher manufacturing costs and raise questions of technical feasibility, particularly in terms of space management and installation.

[0011] Thus, each configuration presents specific challenges in terms of mechanical constraints, costs and feasibility.

[0012] The aim of the invention is therefore to resolve the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a cryogenic equipment assembly that compensates for the thermomechanical stresses to which a cryogenic equipment assembly is subjected.

[0013] To this end, according to one aspect of the invention, a cryogenic equipment assembly is proposed such as a cryogenic exchanger assembly, said assembly comprising:

[0014] - at least a first cryogenic equipment comprising a first connection means and a second cryogenic equipment comprising a second connection means, each connection means being made of a first material,

[0015] - a pipe routing fluidically connecting the first connection means and the second connection means,

[0016] - a main support made of a second material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics different from those of the first material,

[0017] - an intermediate support made of a material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics similar to those of the first material,

[0018] the first cryogenic equipment and the second cryogenic equipment comprising support means, preferentially made of said first material,

[0019] each support means being attached to the main support and to the intermediate support,

[0020] each support means being attached to said main support with at least one degree of freedom, preferentially two degrees of freedom, so as to allow a relative movement between each support means and the main support related to thermomechanical contractions at the cryogenic equipment and said piping routing during the cool-down of the assembly.

[0021] The present invention offers several significant technical advantages. Firstly, the combined use of a main support made of a material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics different from those of cryogenic equipment, and an intermediate support made of a material similar to that of the cryogenic equipment, makes it possible to homogenize the thermomechanical stresses between the two pieces of equipment when the assembly is subjected to thermodynamic stresses, particularly when the equipment is cool-down, and particularly when thermomechanical stresses at the routing links are balanced. This reduces the risk of breakage in an over-stressed routing link. This configuration also reduces the need for extra thicknesses in piping and equipment structures, thus reducing the direct manufacturing costs and the thermomechanical stresses exerted on the entire installation. Secondly, the integration of degrees of freedom at the support means, between the cryogenic equipment and the main support, allows relative movements, effectively compensating for deformations induced by the thermal contractions. Through this design, the invention limits the risks of mechanical failure and improves the durability of the assembly. Finally, by reducing stresses and optimizing materials, it is possible to reduce the overall dimensions and improve the technical feasibility, particularly in terms of managing the space and installation. Thus, the invention provides a complete and innovative response to the problems of thermomechanical tolerance in cryogenic equipment assemblies, particularly during the cool-down of such an assembly. The present invention also makes it possible to distribute the sliding forces, the seismic accelerations more evenly, as well as the forces exerted on the piping at the installation site. It also makes it possible to reduce the intervention in the box during start-up.

[0022] A "material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics" identical to another material is understood to mean at least a similar (or even identical) coefficient of expansion, and similar operating temperatures, particularly between the intermediate support and the manifold.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first material is aluminum and the second material is stainless steel.

[0024] This combination of materials offers optimum mechanical and thermal properties. Lightweight, highly conductive aluminum reduces overall weight while offering excellent resistance to cryogenic temperatures. The stainless steel used for the main support ensures good low-temperature performance, high mechanical strength and enhanced corrosion resistance, even in extreme environments. This combination minimizes the thermomechanical stresses while improving the durability and the structural stability. Furthermore, it helps reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, thus optimizing the overall performance of the assembly.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one degree of freedom allows longitudinal mobility of the cryogenic equipment along said main support, preferentially at least two degrees of freedom allow a mobility of the cryogenic equipment in the plane of said main support.

[0026] The preferential addition of at least two degrees of freedom in the plane of the main support offers increased tolerance to multidirectional deformation, limiting the risk of breakage or permanent deformation. This embodiment improves the reliability and the durability of the assembly while optimizing the flexibility analysis of the system.

[0027] Advantageously, at least one support means, preferably each support means, is fixed to said intermediate support with at least one degree of freedom, preferably two degrees of freedom.

[0028] This thus reduces the risks of overstressing the first material at this mechanical connection formed between the exchangers and the said supports.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the degree(s) of freedom of the main support is formed by a clearance between an opening in the main support and an attachment means.

[0030] Advantageously, the degree(s) of freedom of the intermediate support is (are) formed by a clearance between an opening in the intermediate support and an attachment means.

[0031] Advantageously, the clearance is between 0 mm and 100 mm. The clearance is preferentially adapted to the stresses of the installation.

[0032] This configuration limits the local deformations at the attachment points, thus improving the durability of components.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, said attachment means is mounted without clearance with respect to the intermediate support.

[0034] Such a mounting allows the intermediate support to slide with respect to the support means. This thus ensures a balance of thermomechanical stresses between the two cryogenic exchangers.

[0035] Preferentially, the support means are in contact with the intermediate support. Advantageously, the contact is direct.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, an adjusting shim is arranged between the main support and the intermediate support.

[0037] This configuration improves the installation flexibility and optimizes the performance of the system by guaranteeing a better distribution of loads.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, an insulating shim is arranged between the main support and the intermediate support.

[0039] This configuration improves the energy efficiency of the assembly by minimizing cooling losses to the main support, while allowing the intermediate support to be cooled. Furthermore, it protects the sensitive components from deformations related to temperature variations, enhancing the durability and the reliability of the equipment.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate support consists of two mounting plates, each plate being connected to the support means of the same face of a cryogenic equipment.

[0041] This configuration improves the stability and the rigidity of the assembly, while limiting the risks of local deformations or stress concentration points.

[0042] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a cryogenic cold box comprising a cryogenic equipment assembly as defined previously.

[0043] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which can be understood with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] shows a schematic view of a first configuration of a cryogenic exchanger assembly known in the background art.

[0045] shows a schematic view of a second configuration of a cryogenic exchanger assembly known in the background art.

[0046] shows a schematic view of a cryogenic exchanger assembly according to the invention.

[0047] shows a perspective view of an assembly configuration of a support means of the assembly shown in

[0048] shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the support means shown in

[0049] shows a cryogenic equipment assembly 10, 20, herein forming a cryogenic exchanger assembly. Said assembly 1 herein comprises a first cryogenic exchanger 10 comprising a first connection means 10B and a second cryogenic exchanger 20 comprising a second connection means 10B, each connection means being made of a first material, in the present embodiment aluminum. In the example shown, the connection means 10B, 20B are manifolds.

[0050] These two cryogenic exchangers are connected via their connection means 10B, 20B by a piping routing 30 allowing the circulation of a cryogenic fluid through the two cryogenic exchangers 10, 20.

[0051] The heat exchangers 10, 20 are joined together using a main support 40 to form an equipment assembly 1. The main support 40 is made of a second material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics different from those of the first material. In this embodiment, said second material is stainless steel.

[0052] The pipe routing 30 can advantageously be made in the first material or in the second material.

[0053] As shown, each cryogenic exchanger 10, 20 comprises support means 10A, 20A made of the same material as the first material. This ensures the uniformity of the thermomechanical expansions and contractions that the cryogenic exchangers 10, 20 and the support means 10A, 20A will undergo.

[0054] In addition to the main support 40, an intermediate support 50 is provided to connect the two exchangers 10, 20 together. This intermediate support 50 is advantageously made from a material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics similar to those of the first material. The choice of a material sharing the same characteristics as the first material makes it possible to homogenize the distribution of thermal stresses undergone by the assembly 1, particularly during the cool-down of the assembly 1.

[0055] The intermediate support 50 consists of two mounting plates 50A, 50B. Each plate 50A, 50B is connected to the support means 10A, 20A of a same side of cryogenic equipment 10, 20. This thus ensures that thermomechanical stresses are distributed longitudinally along each plate 50A, 50B as the cryogenic exchangers expand or contract with respect to one another.

[0056] The support means 10A, 20A are intended to be attached to the main support 40 and to the intermediate support 50 in an assembly configuration that ensures a uniform distribution of the thermomechanical stresses undergone by the assembly without stress imbalance between the exchangers 10, 20 of the assembly 1. More particularly, the assembly configuration provides for each support means 10A, 20A to be attached to the main support 40 so as to allow at least one degree of freedom and preferentially two degrees of freedom.

[0057] As shown in, according to a first arrangement, a degree of freedom of the main support 40 is formed by a clearance between an opening 40' in the main support 40 and an attachment means 80A and a clearance between an opening 50' in the intermediate support 50 and the attachment means 80A. Additionally, a degree of freedom of the intermediate support 50 is formed by a clearance between an opening 10A', 20A' in a support 10A, 20A and said attachment means 80A.

[0058] According to a second arrangement, an attachment means 80B is advantageously mounted without clearance with respect to the intermediate support 50, and with clearance between the attachment means 80B and a support means 10A, 20A. This ensures that the intermediate support 50 does not slip relative to the support means 10A, 20A. Thermomechanical stress homogeneity during the expansion or the contraction of the assembly 1 is also ensured through a chain of elements made of the same material, that is the cryogenic exchangers 10, 2, their support means 10A, 20A and the intermediate support 50, each made of the first material or of a material with the same thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an adjusting shim 60 and an insulating shim 70 can be provided between the main support 50 and the intermediate support 40.

[0060] While the adjusting shim 60 compensates for manufacturing tolerances in level at the support points of a heat exchanger 10, 20, the thermal insulating shim 70 thermally insulates a heat exchanger at these support points.

[0061] Preferentially, the adjusting shim 60 and the insulating shim 70 are mounted without clearance with respect to the attachment means 80A.

[0062] Preferentially, the main support 40, the thermal insulating shim 70, the adjusting shim 60, the intermediate support 50, and a support means 10A, 20A are superimposed in this order.

[0063] It is understood that each support means 10A, 20A shown inmay comprise a plurality of attachment means 80A, 80B.

[0064] Figures 3 and 4 show a particular configuration of the invention, showing the two arrangements of attachment means 80A, 80B applied to a same support means 10A, 20A.

[0065] A first arrangement of attachment means 80A (herein two) is designed to attach the support means 10A, 20A to both the main support 40 and to the intermediate support 50 with clearance.

[0066] A second arrangement of attachment means 80B (herein two) is designed to ensure clearance-free attachment of the support means 10A, 20A to the intermediate support 50, while allowing a clearance between an opening 50' in the intermediate support 50 and the corresponding attachment means 80B.

[0067] In the case of the first arrangement, the attachment means 80A connect the support means 10A, 20A to the intermediate support 50 and to the main support 40.

[0068] Unlike the first arrangement, in the case of the second arrangement, the attachment means 80B are not connected to the main support 40, but only to the intermediate support 50.

[0069] Although the present description refers to specific embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, individual features of the various embodiments shown or mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Consequently, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

An assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) such as an assembly of cryogenic exchangers, said assembly (1) comprising:- at least a first cryogenic equipment (10) comprising a first connection means (10B) and a second cryogenic equipment (20) comprising a second connection means (20B), each connection means (10B, 20B) being made of a first material,- a piping routing (30) fluidically connecting the first connection means (10) and the second connection means (10),- a main support (40) made of a second material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics different from those of the first material,- an intermediate support (50) made of a material with thermomechanical expansion or contraction characteristics similar to those of the first material,the first cryogenic equipment (10) and the second cryogenic equipment (20) comprising support means (10A, 20A), preferentially made of said first material,each support means (10A, 20A) being attached to the main support (40) and to the intermediate support (50),each support means (10A, 20A) being attached to said main support (40) with at least one degree of freedom, preferentially two degrees of freedom, so as to allow a relative movement between each support means (10A, 20A) and the main support (40) related to thermomechanical contractions at the cryogenic equipment (10, 20) and said piping routing (30) during the cool-down of the assembly (1).The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to the preceding claim, the first material is aluminum and the second material is stainless steel.The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one degree of freedom allows a longitudinal mobility of the cryogenic equipment (10, 20) along said main support (40), preferentially at least two degrees of freedom allows a mobility of the cryogenic equipment (10, 20) in the plane of said main support (40).The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the degree or degrees of freedom of the main support (40) are formed by a clearance between an opening (10A') in the main support (40) and an attachment means (80).The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to the preceding claim, wherein said attachment means (80) is mounted without clearance with respect to the intermediate support (50).The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adjusting shim (60) is arranged between the main support (40) and the intermediate support (50).The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an insulating shim (70) is arranged between the main support (40) and the intermediate support (50).The assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate support (50) consists of two mounting plates (50A, 50B), each mounting plate (50A, 50B) being connected to the support means (10A, 20A) of a same side of cryogenic equipment (10, 20).A cryogenic cold box comprising an assembly (1) of cryogenic equipment (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims.

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