Method and apparatus for maximizing the productivity of a natural gas liquids production plant
US6332336A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2280/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An objective in a natural gas liquids (NGL) plant is that of achieving and maintaining maximum productivity. If this plant is equipped with a turboexpander that drives a gas compressor (recompressor), maximum turboexpander productivity provides maximum plant productivity attained by maximum compressor power. This is accomplished by manipulating the compressor operating point location (by adjusting the opening of the antisurge valve) and by controlling rotational speed. The subjects of the proposed invention are the method and apparatus (comprising a turboexpander/recompressor rotational speed controller and a recompressor antisurge controller) providing maximum turboexpander/recompressor rotational speed and recompressor operating point location (corresponding to maximum power) by opening the turboexpander's adjustable nozzles and the recompressor antisurge valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.