Regeneration Gas Compressor Bypass for Continuous Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molecular sieve regeneration gas systems face challenges in continuously treating the regeneration gas stream when the associated compressor is not operational, leading to potential contaminant release and revenue loss, as existing systems lack adequate contaminant removal capabilities without compressor operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of additional cooling and separation equipment, along with a controller to manage isolation valves, allows continuous treatment of the regeneration gas stream by cooling and separating liquids regardless of compressor operation, enabling contaminant removal and liquid recovery even when the compressor is out of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regeneration gas compressor is not operational, then the system cannot compress and recycle the regeneration gas stream, but this leads to inability to continuously treat contaminants and lose revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent pathways: a treatment pathway (cooler and separator) that operates continuously, and a compression/recycle pathway (compressor) that operates when needed. The isolation valves segment the flow paths, allowing the treatment equipment to function independently of the compressor's operational status.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler and separator act as intermediary components between the regeneration gas source and the compressor/recycle system. These intermediaries provide continuous treatment functionality while the compressor remains optional, mediating between the continuous need for contaminant removal and the intermittent need for gas compression.
2Reliability
If additional cooling and separation equipment is added to enable continuous treatment without compressor operation, then continuous contaminant removal is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler and separator are designed to handle multiple functions: they treat the regeneration gas stream whether it will be compressed/recycled or flared. This multi-functionality allows continuous operation independent of compressor status, as the same equipment prepares the gas for either pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling and separation operations are performed in advance of the compression/recycle decision point. By preliminarily treating the regeneration gas stream through the cooler and separator before the isolation valves direct it to either the compressor or flare, the system ensures contaminants are continuously removed regardless of subsequent compressor availability.
3Productivity
If the cooler and separator are positioned before the isolation valves, then continuous treatment is enabled independent of compressor operation, but the system requires additional valve control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation valves are designed to dynamically respond to compressor operational status. When the compressor is available, the valves direct treated gas to compression/recycle; when unavailable, they redirect to flare. This dynamic valve control enables continuous processing through the cooler and separator while adapting the downstream path based on real-time compressor availability.
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 solution ensures continuous processing of the regeneration gas stream, preventing contaminant emissions and allowing for liquid recovery, thereby maintaining operational efficiency and revenue generation even when the regeneration gas compressor is not operational.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the regeneration gas stream in a cooler to a temperature suitable to condense liquids in the regeneration gas stream
Implementation Method 2
in a separator, removing liquids condensed in the regeneration gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuously treating a regeneration gas stream used to regenerate a molecular sieve adsorption vessel is disclosed. The regeneration gas stream is cooled in a cooler to a temperature suitable to condense liquids therein. A separator removes liquids condensed in the regeneration gas stream. The regeneration gas stream is compressed in a compressor. The regeneration gas stream is flowed through the cooler, the separator, and the compressor when the compressor is operational. The regeneration gas stream is flowed through the second cooler and the second separator but not the compressor when the compressor is not operational, thereby enabling continuous treatment of the regeneration gas stream.