Single Casing Centrifugal Compressor for Propane Dehydrogenation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current propane dehydrogenation plants for propylene production have large footprints, require complex machinery, and are energy-intensive due to multiple compressors and complex mechanical couplings, necessitating frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A single centrifugal compressor with multiple sections housed in a single casing is used to compress the effluent from the reactor section to the product recovery section, reducing the footprint and number of machines, and incorporating intercooling for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple compressors are used in sequence to compress effluent from reactor to product recovery section, then compression function is achieved, but footprint and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compressor functions into a single centrifugal compressor unit. The effluent compression train comprises one centrifugal compressor that performs the compression function previously requiring multiple compressors in sequence, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the necessary compression capability from reactor section to product recovery section.
2Reliability
If multiple compressors with complex mechanical couplings are used, then compression is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple compressor units into a single centrifugal compressor, the patent eliminates complex mechanical couplings between separate compressors. This single-unit design reduces the number of moving parts and connection points that require maintenance, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while preserving compression capability.
3Reliability
If multiple compressors are used in sequence, then effluent compression is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple compression stages into a single centrifugal compressor optimized for the overall compression ratio from reactor to product recovery section. This eliminates energy losses associated with multiple compression stages and intermediate pressure vessels, reducing total power consumption while achieving the necessary compression function.
4Area of stationary object
If a single centrifugal compressor is used instead of multiple compressors, then footprint is reduced, but compression ratio requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the operating parameters of the single centrifugal compressor to handle the full compression ratio from reactor section to product recovery section. By optimizing the compressor speed, impeller design, and inlet/outlet conditions, the single unit achieves the required compression ratio that previously required multiple compressors, thereby reducing footprint.
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 achieves up to 50% reduction in footprint, lowers power consumption, and enhances reliability by simplifying the compression train, reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a single centrifugal compressor drivingly coupled to the driver
Implementation Method 2
incorporating intercooling for improved efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The compression train (13) for a dehydrogenation plant (1) comprises a driver (36) and a single centrifugal compressor (35) drivingly coupled to the driver. The centrifugal compressor comprises a single casing and a plurality of compressor sections (39.1, 39.2, 39.3) inside said casing (37). Each compressor section comprises at least one impeller (40.1, 40.2) arranged for rotation in the casing (37). The compressor (35) is adapted to compress a mixture containing propane, propylene and hydrogen, having a molecular weight between 20 and 35 g/mol, from a suction pressure between about 0.2 barA and about 1.5 barA to a delivery pressure between about 11 barA and about 20 barA, with a volumetric flowrate comprised between about 120,000 m3/h and about 950,000 m3/h.