Method of operating a compressor and an apparatus therefor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressor systems face challenges in managing blocked outlet events, leading to increased pressure and potential mechanical failure, which requires large and costly flare systems to relieve pressure, but existing solutions may not adequately reduce relief load efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The method involves passing multiple compressor feed streams through a first compressor, monitoring for blocked outlet events, and instructing the closure of compressor feed valves to reduce mass flow, with a pressure relief valve opening at a set pressure to accommodate reduced relief flow, sizing the flare system to handle this reduced flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure relief valve and flare system are installed to handle blocked outlet events, then safety is improved, but capital expenditure increases due to large piping and flare system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system activates recycle valves and reduces compressor speed before the blocked outlet event develops into a critical overpressure situation. By taking preliminary protective actions when early indicators are detected, the system prevents the need for large flare systems while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device continuously detects indicators of blocked outlet events and provides feedback to the control system, which adjusts recycle valve positions and compressor speed in real-time. This closed-loop control enables dynamic pressure management that reduces reliance on oversized passive relief systems
2Stress or pressure
If compressor speed is reduced to prevent overpressure during blocked outlet events, then pressure control is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of blocked outlet conditions. The control system modulates speed to maintain safe pressure levels during events while allowing full-speed operation during normal conditions, optimizing both safety and productivity across different operating states
Solution Approach 2:
The control strategy applies localized speed reduction only when and where needed (during blocked outlet events at the compressor discharge), while maintaining full productivity during normal operation. This targeted approach minimizes the impact on overall compressor output while effectively controlling pressure during critical events
3Stress or pressure
If recycle valves are opened to increase mass flow through the compressor, then pressure relief is improved, but driver power demand increases leading to gas turbine bogging down
Solution Approach 1:
The control system changes multiple parameters simultaneously: it opens recycle valves to increase mass flow while concurrently reducing compressor speed to decrease specific power demand. This coordinated parameter adjustment maintains pressure relief effectiveness while keeping total power demand within available capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The recycle valves are opened to a controlled extent that provides sufficient pressure relief without unnecessarily increasing mass flow and power demand. The control system applies partial action (moderate valve opening combined with speed reduction) that is calibrated to achieve the minimum necessary relief effect while avoiding gas turbine bogging down
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 approach effectively reduces the relief load during blocked outlet events, minimizing the size and cost of flare systems while preventing pressure increases, thereby enhancing safety and reducing capital expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief valve which passes the compressed refrigerant discharge stream to a flare system before mechanical failure can occur
Implementation Method 2
compressing the compressor feed streams in the first compressor to provide a compressed discharge stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention provides method of operating a compressor (100), for the reduction of relief load during a blocked outlet event, and an apparatus therefore, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) passing one or more compressor feed streams (10, 20, 30, 40) to one or more inlets (18, 28, 38, 48) of a first compressor (100), each compressor feed stream (10, 20, 30, 40) passing through a compressor feed valve (12, 22, 32, 42); (b) compressing the one or more compressor feed streams (10, 20, 30, 40) in the first compressor (100) to provide a compressed discharge stream (150) at the outlet (105) of the first compressor (100); (c) monitoring for a first indicator of a blocked outlet event of the first compressor (100); and (d) instructing the closure of the compressor feed valves (12, 22, 32, 42) when the first indicator of the first compressor (100) blocked outlet event is detected.