Compressor Inlet Throttling Valve Configuration to Reduce Startup Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression systems face challenges in reducing startup loads on compressors without introducing additional valves that increase the risk of failure, particularly during the start-up phase.
Innovation Solution
A compression system design with a throttling valve, recycle valve, and anti-surge valve configuration that allows for controlled pressure reduction during startup by creating recycle and anti-surge flows, bypassing the throttling valve after compressor acceleration, thereby reducing load and minimizing risk of system failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a valve is positioned inside the anti-surge loop to reduce 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:
A dedicated start-up valve is introduced as an intermediary component specifically for start-up operations. This valve temporarily controls upstream pressure during the critical start-up phase but is bypassed during normal operation, thus reducing compressor load only when needed without compromising the reliability of the permanent anti-surge system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control function is segmented into two separate systems: a temporary start-up valve for initial compression phase and the permanent anti-surge valve for ongoing protection. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function, with the start-up valve being smaller and less critical since it operates only transiently.
2Reliability
If the anti-surge loop is kept open during start-up to reduce pressure ratio, then surge is avoided, but the compressor load cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The start-up valve acts as a temporary intermediary that provides additional pressure control capability during start-up. By partially closing this valve, upstream pressure is reduced independently of the anti-surge loop status, enabling both surge avoidance (anti-surge loop open) and load reduction (start-up valve partially closed) to occur simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the start-up valve position during the transient start-up phase to achieve optimal balance between maintaining adequate flow (preventing surge) and reducing compressor load. The valve is closed only temporarily during start-up and then opened for normal operation.
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
Effectively reduces startup loads on compressors by managing pressure and flow dynamics, enhancing safety and reliability by avoiding additional valve failures.
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
generating a first recycle flow from an outlet of the compressor to the inlet of the compressor
Implementation Method 3
generating a second recycle flow from the outlet of the compressor to the inlet of the compressor, the second recycle flow bypasses the throttling valve
Data Source
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AI summary
A compression system (100) comprises a compressor (110), an inlet duct (130), a throttling valve (140) installed in the inlet duct (130), an outlet duct (150), an anti -surge valve (160) fluidly coupling the outlet duct (150) with a portion of the inlet duct (130) downstream of the throttling valve (140) and a recycle valve (170) fluidly coupling the outlet duct (150) with a portion of the inlet duct (130) upstream of the throttling valve (140). Keeping the recycle valve (170) open, the anti -surge valve (160) closed and the throttling valve (140) partially closed allows lowering the pressure of the flow entering the compressor (110) during its start-up.