Swing Adsorption Gas Purification for Compressor Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating gas streams to produce utility gases, such as seal gases and fuel gases, are costly and complex, especially in remote locations or where infrastructure is lacking, due to the need for large equipment and high costs associated with removing contaminants like hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and water, which can lead to compressor failures and environmental issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using a selective component removal system with swing adsorption process units, such as pressure swing adsorption, thermal swing adsorption, or rapid cycle adsorption, to separate and purify a gaseous feed stream, producing a utility stream suitable for use in compressor seals and other equipment, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional separation equipment (molecular sieves, distillation towers, glycol contactors) is used to remove contaminants from gas streams, then the gas can be purified to meet utility requirements, but the equipment becomes capital intensive, large in size, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple adsorption beds in series, each containing different adsorbent materials targeted at specific contaminants. This divides the complex purification task into simpler stages, removing H2S, CO2, and water vapor sequentially through separate beds rather than using one large complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials (molecular sieves, activated carbon, silica gel) packed in columns to selectively adsorb contaminants from the gas stream. These porous materials provide large surface areas for contamination removal in compact configurations, replacing large traditional separation equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional separation equipment is used to remove contaminants, then gas purification is achieved, but the equipment requires large space and significant capital investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses highly porous adsorbent materials that provide enormous internal surface areas within small volumes. These materials can remove contaminants effectively while occupying minimal space compared to traditional large-scale separation equipment like distillation towers
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the purification process into multiple small adsorption beds rather than one large system, the patent achieves the required purification quality while reducing overall equipment footprint and capital costs
3Device complexity
If discharge gas is used as seal gas source, then the system is simplified, but liquid components may condense across seal faces causing compressor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful liquid components (H2S, CO2, water vapor) from the discharge gas stream through adsorption before the gas reaches the seal system. This removes the contaminants that would otherwise condense on seal faces and cause failure, while still using the process gas itself as the seal gas source
Solution Approach 2:
Porous adsorbent materials in the gas treatment system selectively remove moisture and condensable contaminants from the discharge gas, preventing liquid dropout on seal surfaces while maintaining system simplicity
4Reliability
If reciprocating compressor is used to compress fuel gas for seal gas, then seal gas availability is ensured, but cylinder oil contamination occurs which damages dry gas seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts oil vapor and particulate contaminants from the seal gas stream using adsorption beds containing activated carbon or other oil-adsorbing materials. This removes cylinder oil carryover that would otherwise damage dry gas seal faces
Solution Approach 2:
Porous adsorbent materials such as activated carbon are used to selectively adsorb oil vapors and particulates from the compressed fuel gas, preventing oil contamination of the seal system while ensuring reliable seal gas supply
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 approach enables the generation of clean, dry utility gases efficiently, reducing equipment costs and environmental impact, while ensuring reliable operation of compressors and gas turbines by effectively removing contaminants and maintaining consistent gas composition.
Implementation Method 1
separating the gaseous slip stream using a selective component removal system having at least one swing adsorption process unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to a method and system for preparing gaseous utility streams from gaseous process streams, nitrogen process streams, and other types of streams. The methods and systems may include at least one swing adsorption process including pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, and rapid-cycle adsorption processes to treat gaseous streams for use in dry gas seals of rotating equipment such as compressors, turbines and pumps and for other utilities. The systems and processes of the present disclosure are further applicable to high pressure gaseous streams, for example, up to about 600 bar.