Parallel dynamic compressor apparatus and method related thereto
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for compressing natural gas, particularly in large-scale LNG plants, are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple stand-alone compressor trains, which increase capital and operating expenses, and do not effectively address the growing demand for larger capacity without significant upgrades.
Innovation Solution
The use of parallel compressor bodies connected in series, driven by a higher powered prime mover, allows for higher discharge pressures and more efficient operation, utilizing smaller compressors that are easier to maintain and operate, and enables process turndown or maintenance without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple stand-alone compressor trains are used to handle increasing LNG production, then the plant capacity is improved, but the capital cost and operating cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compressor bodies (first, second, and third compressor bodies) onto a single common drive shaft, creating an integrated compression system. This merging approach allows multiple compression functions to be achieved through one unified apparatus rather than requiring separate stand-alone compressor trains, thereby increasing capacity while reducing the number of independent units needed in the plant
Solution Approach 2:
The single common drive shaft serves multiple compressor bodies simultaneously, making the drive system universal and multi-functional. This configuration allows one prime mover to perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate drive systems, reducing both capital investment in equipment and the overall complexity of having multiple independent compression trains
2Productivity
If a single large compressor is used to increase capacity, then the plant capacity is improved, but the maintenance difficulty and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression system into multiple separate compressor bodies (first, second, and third compressor bodies) that are connected in series on a single drive shaft. This segmentation allows each compressor body to be a smaller, more manageable unit that is easier to maintain and repair individually, while still achieving the total capacity needed through the combined series arrangement
3Ease of repair
If one compressor is taken offline for maintenance, then the maintenance quality is improved, but the system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the compression system into multiple compressor bodies on a single drive shaft, the patent enables selective maintenance of individual compressor bodies without shutting down the entire system. Other compressor bodies can continue operating independently, maintaining system availability while allowing focused maintenance on the specific unit that requires attention
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to dynamically adapt to maintenance needs by allowing individual compressor bodies to be taken offline while the others remain operational. This dynamic configuration enables the system to maintain productivity during maintenance activities, balancing repair access with continuous operation
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 allowing for higher discharge pressures and more reliable operation with smaller, easier-to-maintain compressors, and enables flexible maintenance without shutting down the system.
Implementation Method 1
a prime mover are coupled to a first compressor body and a second compressor body
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive a feed gas stream and compress the feed gas stream to a higher pressure
Data Source
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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.