Parallel Cryogenic Expanders With Rotary Valve Flow Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic liquefied gas expander systems face challenges in increasing flow capacity without enlarging the expander size, vessel size, and generator diameter, which complicates design and increases costs, and require external control valves that add complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
A parallel flow system with two liquefied gas expanders operating within a single containment vessel, utilizing a rotary control valve to manage flow between the expanders, allowing for compact design and flexible operation without the need for external valves, thereby reducing space and cost requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of expanders, vessel, and generator is increased to increase flow capacity, then flow capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single expander into multiple smaller expanders (first expander and second expander) operating in parallel. Each expander handles a portion of the total flow, achieving high flow capacity without requiring any single expander to be oversized. This segmentation allows standard-sized components to be used while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple expanders are combined within a single vessel with a common inlet and common outlet. The parallel configuration merges their outputs to achieve the required flow capacity. This combining approach allows the system to meet high productivity requirements using multiple smaller, less complex units rather than one large complex unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external control valves are added to manage flow between expanders, then flow control flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary control valve positioned between the expanders serves multiple functions: it controls flow distribution to each expander, enables independent operation of each expander, and allows for maintenance shutdowns of individual expanders. This single multi-functional component provides the required operational flexibility without adding multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary control valve acts as an intermediary device that mediates the flow distribution between the common inlet and the two expanders. It provides centralized control over the parallel flow paths, enabling flexible operation while simplifying the overall control architecture compared to having separate control valves for each expander.
3Power
If larger generators are used to accommodate increased flow capacity, then power generation is improved, but device complexity and installation disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total power generation requirement is segmented across multiple smaller generators, each coupled to its respective expander. Instead of requiring one large complex generator, the system uses multiple standard-sized generators in parallel, each handling a portion of the total power output. This segmentation avoids the need for oversized, complex generator designs.
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
The system achieves higher flow capacity and operational flexibility with reduced size and cost, eliminating the need for larger generators and minimizing disruption during installation and maintenance, while maintaining efficiency by allowing partial operation of expanders.
Implementation Method 1
turbine expanders are able to reduce pressure and create rotational momentum that generates shaft torque (which reduces enthalpy)
Data Source
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AI summary
One or more cryogenic liquefied gas expanders are configured within one or more containment vessels with parallel flow through the expanders, where cryogenic fluid enters through a common inlet and is split between a first expander and a second expander, while expanded cryogenic fluid is generated by both expanders and exits through a common outlet. Parallel flow between the liquefied gas expanders is further facilitated by a rotary control valve positioned either between vessels or between chambers within a vessel and between the two liquefied gas expanders.