Compression system and method of controlling a compression system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas compression systems face challenges in reducing compressor loads during start-up without increasing the risk of anti-surge system failure, particularly due to the need to lower upstream pressure without adding additional valves.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a throttling valve and recycle valve configuration, where the throttling valve is partially closed during start-up to create a pressure drop, and after the compressor reaches a predetermined speed, the anti-surge valve bypasses the throttling valve, reducing the risk of malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an additional valve is positioned inside the anti-surge loop to lower upstream pressure during start-up, then the compressor load is reduced, but the reliability of the anti-surge system deteriorates due to increased risk of valve failure
Solution Approach 1:
The existing throttling valve in the inlet duct is made to serve dual functions: its primary function of controlling gas flow to the compressor, and a secondary function of creating pressure drop during start-up by positioning it in a partially closed state. This eliminates the need for an additional valve in the anti-surge loop, thereby reducing component count while achieving load reduction during start-up
2Power
If the throttling valve is positioned in a partially closed condition during start-up, then the upstream pressure is lowered and compressor load is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The throttling valve's existing control mechanism is leveraged to achieve start-up load reduction. The control system already in place for regulating compressor inlet flow is extended to include the capability to position the valve in a partially closed state during start-up, thereby achieving pressure drop without requiring separate control hardware or complex additional systems
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 configuration effectively reduces compressor loads during start-up while minimizing the risk of anti-surge system failure by managing pressure drops without additional valves, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a valve inside the anti-surge loop and throttling it in order to cause a pressure drop upstream of the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A compression system comprises a compressor, an inlet duct, a throttling valve installed in the inlet duct, an outlet duct, an anti-surge valve fluidly coupling the outlet duct with a portion of the inlet duct downstream of the throttling valve and a recycle valve fluidly coupling the outlet duct with a portion of the inlet duct upstream of the throttling valve. Keeping the recycle valve open, the anti-surge valve closed and the throttling valve partially closed allows lowering the pressure of the flow entering the compressor during its start-up.