Amine Reclaimer Control with Variable Steam and Level Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclaimer systems for amine agents experience inefficiencies due to temperature fluctuations and irreversible thermal degradation, leading to reduced amine agent recovery and increased losses, as they rely on constant steam input and independent control subsystems that fail to maintain stable temperature and fluid level.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with variable steam input and fluid input streams controlled by interconnected temperature and level controllers, using selectors and transfer functions to maintain the desired operational temperature within a narrow range, thereby stabilizing the temperature and reducing thermal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If constant steam input is used to heat the fluid to desired operational temperature, then the amine agent evaporation is sufficient for reclaiming, but the temperature varies significantly above and below the desired temperature causing reduced reclaiming efficiency and increased thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant steam input to variable steam input that dynamically adjusts throughout the operational cycle. The steam flow rate is modulated based on real-time temperature feedback from multiple sensors, allowing the system to maintain stable temperature despite changing process conditions. This dynamic control enables consistent amine agent recovery while preventing thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations in the reclaimer, with their signals fed to a temperature controller that continuously adjusts steam flow. This closed-loop feedback system detects temperature deviations and automatically corrects them, ensuring the temperature remains within the desired range throughout the operational cycle, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and temperature stability.
2Ease of operation
If independent temperature and level control subsystems are used, then the control system is simple to operate, but the temperature control is insufficient leading to significant temperature variations during operational cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature and level control subsystems into an integrated control architecture where both controllers communicate and coordinate their actions. The temperature controller and level controller are interconnected through the steam and fluid input stream control valves, allowing them to work synergistically. This integration maintains ease of operation while significantly improving temperature control reliability through coordinated control actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where the temperature controller and level controller exchange signals and cooperate through shared control elements (steam flow and fluid input streams). This intermediary interaction allows the simple independent controllers to achieve reliable temperature control by coordinating their effects, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and control reliability.
3Productivity
If high temperature is used to maximize amine agent evaporation, then the amount of amine agent reclaimed is increased, but irreversible thermal degradation of amine agent occurs causing significant losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temperature parameter within an optimal range rather than using high temperature. Through variable steam input and integrated control, the system maintains temperature stability that maximizes evaporation kinetics while staying below the threshold for irreversible thermal degradation. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between reclaiming rate and amine agent loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of high temperature into benefit by using controlled, stable temperature within the optimal range. Instead of allowing temperature to fluctuate above the degradation threshold, the system uses feedback control to maintain temperature at levels that provide sufficient evaporation drive without causing thermal degradation. This transforms the temperature parameter from a harmful factor into a beneficial controlled parameter.
4Productivity
If variable steam input and interconnected control subsystems are implemented, then temperature stability is improved and amine agent recovery is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the temperature and level controllers to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The temperature controller not only regulates temperature but also coordinates with the level controller through shared control elements. The steam control valve serves both temperature regulation and overall process control functions. This multi-functionality enhances recovery performance while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances amine agent recovery while minimizing losses, achieving stable temperature control without requiring additional hardware, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing capital costs compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
providing steam to the reclaimer vessel, wherein the providing of the steam heats the fluid in the reclaimer vessel to a desired operational temperature
Implementation Method 2
Reclaimers generally utilize distillation processes to extract useable amine agent. Reclaimers are operated at an elevated temperature in order to produce sufficient evaporation of amine agent during the operational cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
Reclaimer systems and methods of their use are provided. Reclaimer systems use one or more fluid input streams and a variable steam input to control temperature of a fluid in a reclaimer vessel. In certain embodiments, a temperature controller and level controller are both connected to at least one fluid input stream subsystem and a steam input subsystem. Output from the level controller and the temperature controller is used to control flow through both a fluid input stream subsystem and a steam input subsystem. In certain embodiments, selectors are used to determine which controller output to obey when controlling the steam input subsystem and the fluid input stream subsystem. In certain embodiments, lean amine agent and an inert fluid are input in a ratio controlled by a ratio controller in order to maintain the fluid level in a vessel.