Gas Refining Installation Wobbe Index Control via Flow Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas refining installations struggle to maintain a gas stream's Wobbe index within a required range due to continuous variations in the unrefined gas composition, often requiring constant resetting and resulting in the Wobbe index being outside the desired range for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A method and installation using a feedback or feedforward loop to control the flow rate of the unrefined gas stream fed to a refined gas stream, ensuring the combined gas stream's Wobbe index is maintained within the required range by continuously adjusting the flow based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments to the refining means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the gas refining means is constantly reset or adjusted to maintain Wobbe index within required range, then the Wobbe index control precision is improved, but the system complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the Wobbe index is continuously measured and compared against a reference value, and the flow rate of unrefined gas stream is automatically adjusted based on the deviation detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains manufacturing precision without requiring manual intervention or complex adjusting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically adjusting the flow rate of unrefined gas stream based on real-time Wobbe index measurements. The control system monitors the gas composition variations and autonomously modifies operating parameters to maintain the Wobbe index within the required range, eliminating the need for external manual adjustments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the gas refining means adjustment speed is increased to respond to composition variations, then the Wobbe index stability is improved, but the adjustment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the Wobbe index and provides real-time correction signals to the flow rate control mechanism. This allows the system to respond rapidly to composition variations while maintaining precision through iterative adjustments that converge on the target Wobbe index value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the flow rate adjustment is continuously adapted based on the current state of the gas stream. The control mechanism can vary its response characteristics, making rapid adjustments when composition changes are detected while settling to precise steady-state operation when the Wobbe index is near the target value.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used to adjust the gas refining means, then the adjustment precision can be maintained, but the response time to composition changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feedback control system eliminates manual intervention delays by continuously monitoring the Wobbe index and immediately initiating corrective flow rate adjustments when deviations are detected. The system responds as fast as the measurement and actuation hardware allow, far exceeding human response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses electronic sensing, signal processing, and actuation. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated control systems simultaneously improves both response speed and maintains adjustment precision.
4Ease of operation
If the flow rate of unrefined gas stream is not controlled, then the system operation is simpler, but the Wobbe index varies outside the required range
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system automatically manages the flow rate adjustment based on real-time Wobbe index measurements, maintaining manufacturing precision while requiring minimal operator intervention. The system handles the complexity of continuous adjustment internally, presenting a simple operational interface to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation of the flow rate to maintain the Wobbe index within the required range. The automated control mechanism monitors gas composition and autonomously adjusts operating parameters, eliminating the need for manual flow rate control while ensuring product specification compliance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method an gas refining installation for providing a gas stream having a Wobbe index within a required range. The method and gas refining installation both make use of refining an unrefined gas stream into a refined gas stream with a Wobbe index above said required range, and bypassing or feeding an unrefined gas stream to said refined gas stream, thereby obtaining a combined gas stream having a Wobbe index within said required range. Use can be made of either a feedback loop or a feedforward loop.