Split refrigerant compressor for the liquefaction of natural gas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current side-stream compressor systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) applications are limited by the third compressor stage, which is the most critical and inefficient, leading to reduced overall performance and increased complexity due to the need for dual compressors and gearboxes to achieve optimal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system with two units, each having specific gas inlets and outlets, where the discharge of the first unit is fluidly coupled to one of the inlets of the second unit, allowing for a more efficient distribution of side-stream flow rates and simplifying the structure and control of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single compressor with four gas inlets at different pressure levels is used, then the system structure is simple, but the third compressor stage becomes the most critical and limits overall performance due to high flow rate and low pressure ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor is divided into two separate compressor units, each handling specific pressure levels. The first compressor handles the first and second gas inlets, while the second compressor handles the third and fourth gas inlets. This segmentation allows each compressor stage to operate at optimal points, eliminating the performance limitation caused by the critical third stage in a single compressor configuration.
2Productivity
If two identical compressors are used in parallel to increase performance, then the flow rate capacity is improved, but the system complexity increases and some impellers operate below optimal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using two identical compressors, the invention employs two compressors with different configurations optimized for their specific functions. The first compressor is optimized for handling lower pressure levels (first and second inlets), while the second compressor is optimized for higher pressure levels (third and fourth inlets). This local optimization ensures each impeller operates at or near its optimal operating point, avoiding the inefficiency of running identical compressors below optimal conditions.
3Productivity
If two compressors with different inlet assignments are used, then the critical third stage problem is alleviated, but the delivery pressure requirements create design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an intermediary connection where the delivery of the first compressor is fluidly coupled to one of the gas inlets of the second compressor. This intermediary arrangement allows the two compressors with different inlet assignments to work together seamlessly, enabling each to operate at optimal efficiency while maintaining overall system pressure compatibility through the connecting fluid pathway.
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 improves the overall performance of the compressor system by reducing the load on the critical stage and simplifying the structure and control, avoiding the complexity and inefficiencies of dual compressors and gearboxes, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the LNG liquefaction process.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor system comprises a first compressor unit and a second compressor unit... delivering a first plurality of gas streams at different pressure levels to a first plurality of gas inlets of a first compressor unit; delivering a second plurality of gas streams at different pressure levels to a second plurality of gas inlets of a second compressor unit
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor system is disclosed, including a first compressor unit having: at least a first gas inlet at a first gas pressure level; a second gas inlet at a second gas pressure level; and a gas discharge; a second compressor unit having: at least a third gas inlet at a third gas pressure level; a fourth gas inlet at a fourth gas pressure level; and a gas delivery. The gas discharge of the first compressor unit is fluidly coupled to one of the third gas inlet and fourth gas inlet of the second compressor unit.