Parallel Compressor Layout With Single Prime Mover for Higher Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing LNG plant designs require multiple stand-alone compressor trains to increase production capacity, leading to high capital and operating costs, and pose challenges in efficiently compressing natural gas due to the need for dedicated compression strings and large prime movers.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single prime mover connected to three or more compressor bodies in series, with parallel inlet and outlet conduits, allowing for higher discharge pressures and smaller, more maintainable compressors, and optional inclusion of scrubbers and coolers between stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stand-alone compressor trains are used to increase production capacity, then output capacity is improved, but capital costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compressor bodies (first, second, and third compressors) onto a single common drive shaft, merging what would traditionally be separate stand-alone trains into one integrated unit. This allows multiple compression functions to be performed while reducing the number of independent prime movers and control systems, thereby increasing output capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single common drive shaft serves multiple compressor bodies simultaneously, creating a universal driving mechanism that performs multiple compression functions. The first and second compressors handle different pressure stages while the third compressor provides backup or additional capacity, all driven by one prime mover, thus achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated compression strings are installed for each train, then reliability is improved, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational flexibility where the third compressor can be engaged or disengaged from the common drive shaft depending on operational needs. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy (third compressor as backup) while avoiding the capital cost of having permanently installed dedicated compression strings for every possible failure scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by allowing the third compressor to switch between active and inactive states on the common drive shaft. When the first and second compressors are sufficient, the third can be disengaged, reducing capital expenditure. When additional capacity or backup is needed, the third compressor can be engaged, maintaining reliability without permanent over-provisioning
3Productivity
If larger prime movers are used to handle increased capacity, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression function across three separate compressor bodies mounted on a common drive shaft. This segmentation allows each compressor to be relatively smaller and more manageable compared to a single large compressor, while collectively handling the total required capacity. The modular arrangement makes individual compressors easier to maintain without shutting down the entire system
4Productivity
If stand-alone trains are installed to handle feed gas supply increases, then productivity is improved, but loss of time for system shutdown and restart increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common drive shaft configuration enables continuous operation where the first and second compressors can remain active while the third compressor is engaged or disengaged. This continuity of useful action allows capacity adjustments and maintenance operations without requiring complete system shutdown, thereby reducing time loss compared to stand-alone trains where any maintenance requires stopping the entire train
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 increases efficiency and output capacity while reducing capital costs by utilizing smaller, more reliable compressors and allowing for process turndown or maintenance without shutting down the entire system.
Implementation Method 1
one prime mover and three or more compressor bodies wherein the main drive shafts of all the compressor bodies are connected in series to the prime mover
Implementation Method 2
compressing a fluid in two or more stages
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a novel arrangement for equipment used to compress fluids. A single prime mover is connected to a plurality of compressors. A supply conduit with parallel branch conduits directs fluid to be compressed to at least two compressors and parallel output conduits from each compressor are connected to a common output conduit, which directs compressed fluids to at least one additional compressor.