Gas Compressor Mode Switching for Ethane Recovery and Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas processing systems require significant modifications and the use of either two independent compressors or a single compressor's disassembly to switch between ethane recovery and rejection modes, making the process time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage compressor system with three valves that allows switching between series and parallel operations to adapt between ethane recovery and rejection modes without modifying the compressor sections, using a first valve to control flow to the first compressor section, a second valve to control flow between compressor sections, and a third valve to control flow to the outlet, enabling efficient mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas processing equipment is sized to handle peak production rates, then sufficient processing capacity is available during high production, but equipment sits underutilized during low production periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (first mode for high production, second mode for low production) based on real-time production conditions. This allows the gas processing equipment to adapt its configuration and capacity utilization dynamically rather than being fixed, resolving the contradiction between having sufficient peak capacity and avoiding underutilization during low production.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas processing equipment is designed to perform multiple functions across different operating modes. The same equipment handles both high-volume processing during peak production and low-volume processing during off-peak periods, potentially with different processing pathways or configurations, making the equipment universal rather than specialized for a single operating condition.
2Productivity
If a single gas processing train is used, then equipment utilization can be optimized, but the system cannot handle varying production rates effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The single gas processing train incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows it to operate in different modes depending on production rates. During high production, it operates in a first mode with higher throughput; during low production, it switches to a second mode that maintains optimal utilization. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and achieving production rate flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel gas processing trains are implemented, then production flexibility is improved, but capital costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing multiple specialized processing trains, the invention uses a single multi-functional processing train that can adapt to different production rates through mode switching. This universal equipment performs the work of multiple specialized trains without requiring duplicate infrastructure, thereby achieving production flexibility while avoiding the capital costs and operational complexity of parallel trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple potential processing trains into a single integrated system. By combining high-production mode capabilities and low-production mode capabilities into one unified processing train with switching capability, it eliminates the need for separate parallel trains, reducing both capital investment and operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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
Enables seamless switching between ethane recovery and rejection modes without altering the compressor sections, reducing operational costs and time, and optimizing ethane recovery and rejection processes by adjusting valve positions to achieve desired flow and pressure ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor section (31), and a second compressor section (32)... after compression by the first compressor section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A gas process compressor having a first compressor section and a second compressor section, wherein a first operating mode for a gas processing system is switched to a second operating mode by opening and closing one or more valves controlling a flow of the natural gas stream to the first compressor section and the second compressor section. A gas processing and management system and method for switching between operating modes e is also provided.