Chemical Plant Compressor Train with Motor-Primary Steam Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor systems for chemical plants, particularly those using steam turbines to drive compression units, result in over-specified configurations leading to increased operating and maintenance costs due to the need for precise steam flow rate control.
Innovation Solution
A compressor train configuration where the compression unit is primarily driven by an electric motor, with a steam turbine assisting, eliminating the need for precise steam flow rate control and simplifying the steam turbine's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the steam turbine is used as the main driving machine for the compression unit, then the compression unit can be driven, but precise control of steam flow rate is required which increases device complexity and operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motor as an intermediary driving source that works in combination with the steam turbine. The motor assumes the primary driving responsibility, allowing the steam turbine to operate in a simplified assistance mode without requiring precise steam flow rate control, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient driving power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional driving configuration by making the motor the main driver and the steam turbine the assistant, rather than using the steam turbine as the primary driver. This inversion eliminates the need for complex steam flow control systems while still utilizing the steam turbine's power assistance capability.
2Power
If the steam turbine configuration is over-specified to ensure sufficient power, then power supply is guaranteed, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power output of the motor and steam turbine to drive the compression unit. This combination allows for a more balanced power distribution where the steam turbine does not need to be over-specified, as the motor supplements the power supply, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while ensuring sufficient total power.
3Device complexity
If the compression unit is mainly driven by the electric motor with steam turbine assistance, then precise steam flow rate control is no longer required, but the steam turbine configuration must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the steam turbine provide only assistance power rather than full driving power. This partial power contribution from the steam turbine, combined with the motor's primary power supply, eliminates the need for precise steam flow rate control while still utilizing the steam turbine's power generation capability effectively.
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 configuration reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, allowing for lower-priced chemical products and wider industrial application by simplifying the compressor train's design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a steam turbine rotated by steam generated in association with treatment of the process gas of the chemical plant and configured to assist in rotation of the motor
Implementation Method 2
a main trip and throttle valve disposed on the connection line and configured to block or cause the steam to flow into the steam turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor train for a chemical plant includes a compression unit configured to compress a process gas of the chemical plant by being driven, a motor configured to drive the compression unit, a steam turbine rotated by steam generated in association with treatment of the process gas of the chemical plant and configured to assist in rotation of the motor, a steam introduction line through which the steam flows toward the steam turbine, and a main trip and throttle valve disposed on the steam introduction line and configured to regulate a flow rate of the steam to the steam turbine.