Compression train including one centrifugal compressor and LNG plant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LNG processes, such as AP-C3MR and Cascade, require multiple compressors to achieve high compression ratios for light gases like mixed refrigerant, ethylene, and methane, leading to non-compact compression trains due to the low molecular weight of these gases, which complicates the design and operation of medium-large scale LNG plants.

Innovation Solution

A single centrifugal compressor driven by a driver machine is used to compress refrigerant gases with a molecular weight less than 30 g/mol, achieving a high compression ratio exceeding 10:1, specifically designed to handle light gases by configuring the compressor into multiple sections with intercooling stages within a single casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If multiple compressors are used to achieve high compression ratios for light gases, then the compression ratio requirement is met, but the footprint and number of machines increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple compression functions into a single centrifugal compressor unit. The compressor is configured with multiple impellers arranged in series within one casing, allowing it to achieve the compression ratio of multiple separate compressors while occupying the space of only one machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single compressor is segmented into multiple functional sections, each with its own impeller. These sections are arranged in series to progressively compress the light gas refrigerant, with each section contributing to the overall compression ratio while remaining integrated within a single compressor housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stress or pressure

If multiple compressors are used to compress light gases, then the required compression performance is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidnumber of machines

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple compressor functions into one integrated unit. By placing multiple impellers in series within a single casing, the system achieves the compression performance of multiple machines while reducing the total number of separate devices to just one compressor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single centrifugal compressor is designed to perform multiple compression stages within one machine. The universal design allows it to handle light gases with molecular weight less than 30 g/mol and achieve high compression ratios that previously required multiple specialized compressor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stress or pressure

If multiple compressors are arranged in series, then high compression ratio is achieved, but installation and maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple compression stages into a single manufacturable unit. The compressor casing is designed to house all impellers and internal components as one integrated assembly, simplifying installation to a single unit rather than multiple separate machines, and enabling maintenance of the complete compression system in one location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for a more compact and efficient compression train that can replace multiple compressors, reducing the footprint and number of machines, simplifying installation and maintenance, while maintaining high LNG production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a single centrifugal compressor driven by a driver machine is used to compress refrigerant gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

achieving a high compression ratio exceeding 10:1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

configuring the compressor into multiple sections with intercooling stages within a single casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10809000B2Compression train including one centrifugal compressor and LNG plant

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 NUOVO PIGNONE TECH SRL

AI summary

Compression train for a natural gas liquefaction process. The compression train includes a driver machine and only one centrifugal compressor machine driven in rotation by the driver machine; the compressor is configured to compress a refrigerant gas with a molecular weight less than 30 g/mol from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure; the ratio between discharge and suction pressures is higher than 10. A LNG plant including a compression train.