Compressor system with a gas temperature control at the inlet of the anti-surge line and relevant method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressor systems with anti-surge arrangements face issues due to the condensation of heavier gas components, leading to liquid phases in the anti-surge line, which can damage valves and cause overheating, especially in LNG plants using mixed refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system with a dual gas cooler arrangement and a gas temperature manipulation system that prevents or reduces liquid phases in the anti-surge line by using a de-superheater and condenser configuration, or by bypassing the gas cooler to mix hot gas with cooled gas, ensuring the anti-surge line remains mostly gas-free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anti-surge valve is opened to prevent surging, then compressor stability is improved, but liquid phase in the anti-surge line damages the valve and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cooler is positioned upstream of the anti-surge line inlet to pre-cool the compressed gas before it enters the anti-surge line. This preliminary cooling action removes heat from the gas, preventing condensation of heavier components and eliminating liquid phase formation before the gas reaches the anti-surge valve, thereby protecting the valve from liquid damage while maintaining surge prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cooler acts as an intermediary component between the compressor delivery side and the anti-surge line. It mediates the thermal state of the gas, transforming hot compressed gas into cooled gas that enters the anti-surge line, thus preventing the harmful liquid phase formation while allowing the anti-surge valve to function properly
2Temperature
If compressed gas is cooled in a gas cooler, then overheating of the compressor is prevented, but heavier gas components condense and form liquid phase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cooler is strategically positioned only at the inlet region of the anti-surge line, creating a localized cooling zone. This local quality approach cools the gas only where it enters the anti-surge line, preventing compressor overheating at the delivery side while avoiding excessive cooling that would cause widespread condensation and liquid phase formation throughout the entire anti-surge line
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 reduces or eliminates liquid phases in the anti-surge line, allowing for the use of simpler and less expensive valves, enhancing system reliability and extending the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of anti-surge valves by preventing damage from liquid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet is fluidly coupled to the delivery side of the compressor and the outlet is fluidly coupled to the suction side of the compressor. Since the compressed gas delivered by the compressor is at a higher temperature than the low-pressure gas at the suction side of the compressor, the inlet of the anti-surge line is arranged downstream of a gas cooler
Implementation Method 2
If the working gas processed by the compressor, for instance a refrigeration gas for LNG, contains components of different molecular weights, the heavier components may condense in the gas cooler downstream the compressor and produce a liquid phase in the gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor system including: a first compressor having a compressor suction side and a compressor delivery side; an anti-surge line having an inlet and an outlet; an anti-surge valve arranged along the anti-surge line and controlled for recirculating a gas flow from the compressor delivery side back to the compressor suction side; a gas temperature manipulation arrangement, functionally connected to the inlet of the anti-surge line, configured to reduce or prevent liquid phase in the anti-surge line when the anti-surge valve is open.