DE2047349A1 - Flow compressor System and process for compressing a flowing medium for the purpose of producing a product - Google Patents

Description

PATENT LAWYERS

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PATENT Attorney DIPL-ING. R, MÖLLER-BORNER PATENTANWALT DIPL-ING. HANS-H. WEY BERLIN-DAHLEM 33. PODBI ELSKIALLEE <58 8 M 0 N C H E N 22Wl D E N M AYE R STR AS S E 49 TEL 0311. 762907 ■ TELEGR. PROPINDUS TELEX 0184057 TEL. 0811. 225585 TELEGR. PROPINDUS TELEX 0524244

23 670

INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY
New York, NY USA

Flow compressor plant and process for the Compressing a flowing medium to produce a product

The invention relates to a flow compressor system and method for compressing a flowing medium for the purpose of producing a product, in particular a high-pressure flow compressor system and methods such as are used to produce a product, for example and predominantly in the chemical industry. As an example, reference is made here to gas compression systems and processes in which the compression of non-monomeric ethylene to pressures in the range of 20,000 to 75,000 psi (1 ^ 00 kg / cm ² to 5250 kg / cm ² ) occurs, with only a small part of the compressed flowing medium, for example the gas, namely monomeric ethylene, is converted into a product, namely degassed polymer, and a larger part of the gas volume is returned.

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Reciprocating compressors are currently used to carry out these processes and for the above-mentioned systems. Such equipment is extremely bulky, operates at low speeds, is extremely demanding large footprint and requires significant maintenance. If the capacities of these plants are to be increased, the reciprocating compressors must be multiplied, since it is inexpedient to use machines with larger volumes build, as this results in extremely high bearing loads in these appear. As a result, other types of machines are more practical and convenient in terms of floor space, maintenance and the cost.

Known systems and methods require a predetermined number of horsepower and draw their power energy sources located outside the system. It is not known to recover power from these plants, although this recovery is considerable economic Brings benefits.

It is the object of this invention to provide a flow compressor system with a number of power-driven devices for compressing a flowing medium for the purpose of production to provide a product with devices for supplying the medium and at least one addition to this system, Reactor devices, which are coupled to the compressing devices, around the compressed medium and take up the additive and cause a reaction occurring between the additive and the medium in order to Initiate the formation of a product from a part of the medium, with separation devices to »separate the product from the remaining medium content and devices,

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which the closing devices rait the reactor devices connect to direct the medium and the additive, these devices including means which have a Part of the energy contained in the cooperated medium for the number of times that a predetermined force is applied or use powered equipment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of compressing a medium in order to produce of a product, comprising the steps of arranging a number of powered devices for the compression of the medium, feeding the medium into the system for the purpose of compressing it through it Device for feeding at least one additive into the system for the purpose of adding to the medium, applying of the medium and the addition of energy to the egg. Jen to initiate a product from a part of the medium, applying the number of predetermined energy driven devices with the energy contained in the compressed medium and separation of the product from remaining part of the medium,

An advantageous measure of the invention consists in the arrangement of several stages of centrifugal flow compressors for compressing the medium to cause the creation of a product, supplying the compressed Medium and additive to a reactor in which a reaction between the additive and the medium occurs to initiate the formation of the product from a portion of the medium and the separation of the product from that part of the medium in which the invention includes the supply of the medium to the driving devices

for some of the compressor stages, whereby the energy contained in the compressed medium is used or recovered within the system.

Further advantages and measures according to the invention emerge from the following description of some exemplary embodiments, which are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show

1 shows a schematic, graphical representation of a first or preferred exemplary embodiment for the system according to the invention, and

FIGS. 2 to 5 are schematic diagrammatic representations of alternative embodiments for the plant according to the invention, with different arrangements for the application of low-pressure compressor stages are shown.

According to Fig. 1, the system 10 consists of a number of turbine compressor units 12, 1 ^, 16, 18 and 20. The units 12, 1 ^ and 16 are the low-pressure units of the system, while the units 18 and 20 are the high pressure - Represent aggregates of the system. Each of the units contains a turbine 22 which drives a compressor 2k.

As mentioned earlier, the invention is broadly related Scope of a compressor system for compressing a flowing medium as well as a method which is used to generate of a product by compressing the media. Although in the following exemplary embodiments as a basis for explaining the invention

the compression of a gas, namely monomeric ethylene, to the production of a degassed polymer, namely polyethylene, is described, it is assumed that the Invention can also be used for other media.

A feed line 26 is used to feed gas into the system. The gas is fed to a pump 28, which is driven by a motor 30. The Gae then flows through a line 32 into a circulation line 34.

The gas is passed through a heat exchanger via circulation line 34 36 and from there to the units 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20, in series, for the purpose of continued increased compression directed. Between the units 14 and 16 an intercooler 38 is arranged. This takes care of acceptable temperature parameters in pre-compressed gas, for the purpose of further subsequent compression. That for good Highly compressed gas flows from the unit 20 through a high pressure line 40 to a reactor 42. In this In the exemplary embodiment, the reactor 42 has an autoclave. Corresponds to the compressed gas in the reactor Heat supplied together with a catalyst, this being a certain additive, whereby the formation of the product is initiated. This additive is introduced into the reactor through an additional line 44. How however from the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2, 3 4 and 4, the catalyst or additive can also be added at other points in the plant than in the reactor.

The additive and the gas quenching flows through a safety valve 46, which is provided exclusively for safety reasons. The safety valve 46 is «one

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automatically to an unfavorable reaction between the gas and the catalytic additive responding device for quickly spraying off the contents of the Reactor in order to avoid destruction of the plant.

The gas and additive mixture contains molten polymer. The molten polymer is fed in series through a line k8f under very high pressure and at high speed to the turbines 22 of the units 20 and 18. The energy contained in the molten polymer drives the turbines 22, which in turn operate the compressors Zk coupled to them. As a result, energy introduced into the gas produced becomes ζ. Τ. recovered by the plant according to the invention and the method according to the invention. The molten polymer is fed from the turbine 22 of the unit 18 via a check valve 50 and a separator feed line 52 to an expansion valve $ k.

According to the prior art, the gas from the reactor is fed directly to an expansion valve in order to subject the gas to an optimum pressure for the separation of the product from it. This known practice neglects the benefits of energy recovery in accordance with the present invention. sighted. The expansion valve $ k according to the disclosed system is provided for the same known purpose, namely to expand the gas and additional mixture to a desired pressure for the separation of the product. On it will

the gas and additional mixture is fed to the separator 56 with a discharge line 58 from which the product emerges and the separator 56 is connected to the circulation line ¹ Jk for

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the recirculation of the gas that does not form the product, χ. B. aonoierat ethylene, connected to the plant.

The turbines 22 of the units 12, 14 and 16 are driven by energy supplied from the outside. Accordingly, steam supply lines 60 and steam return lines 62 are connected to each of the turbines. High pressure and low pressure gas leakage lines 6k and 66 are provided for the return of gas emerging from the system. The lines 6k and 66 are connected to the high-pressure connecting lines 68 and low-pressure connecting lines 70.

The lines 64, 66, 68 and 70 are appropriately named, because encapsulated according to the invention are K _o mpressorstufen and turbines used in common housings. Accordingly, the leakage lines are arranged within each housing, downstream for the return of the leakage gas.

About $ 50> the energy required to drive the compressor units is provided by the recirculated gas supplied, according to the present invention. The remaining part of the energy is supplied to the system from outside, for example through the steam lines 60.

Fig. 1 shows the use of externally supplied steam to drive the low-pressure units 12, 14 and 16. In Figures 2 to 5 with alternative embodiments the new system shows other means of driving the low pressure compressor stages. the Reference numbers in Figures 2 to 5 denote where

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they are the same as in Fig. 1, the same or similar parts.

Fig. 2 shows a first alternative A _u sfüh.rungsbeispiel two turbine compressor units. In this system, ethylene is monomeric via a feed line 26, under

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a pressure of about 210 kg / cm (300 psi) and enters a turbine compressor 80. The catalyst or additional line kk in this exemplary embodiment introduces the additive into the low-pressure compressor Zk of the turbine compressor assembly 80. The pressure of the gas exiting the turbine compressor set 80 is in the range of 910 kg / cm ² to 1050 kg / cm ² (13,000 to 15,000 psi). The gas is cooled in the intercooler 82. It should be noted that the cooling of monomeric ethylene is required whenever a predetermined, upper critical level is reached, which is determined by the polymerization temperature limit of the gas. After the cooler 82, the gas enters another turbine compressor set 84 by which the gas is compressed to the final pressure. This turbine compressor set 84 is driven by the expansion of the molten polymer which is supplied from a reactor 42 * similar to the reactor 42 in FIG.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the same gas is namely monomeric ethylene, for the drive of the low-pressure turbine compressor unit 80 used. An ethylene supply line 86 introduces the gas into a powered reciprocating compressor 88 at atmospheric pressure. From this the gas is fed into a driven centrifugal

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Compressor 90 out and from there into a closed, fuel-heated heater 92. The heated, compressed Gas is passed through the turbine 22 of the turbine compressor set 80 in order to drive the latter. That expanded Gas is supplied to the compressor 90 via a cooler 9 ^ returned. The recirculation takes place together with a predetermined amount of processed gas, which over a line 86 from the compressor 88 comes.

In Fig. 3, a system is shown where the Driving energy for a low pressure turbine compressor is taken from ethylene. The ethylene in this embodiment is treated in a more closed circuit. The low pressure and high pressure values for this one Closed loop ethylene cycle vary with energy requirements of the compressor is considerable. The ethylene is compressed by a compressor 90, which by a Electric motor is driven. It is then heated in a closed, fuel-heated heater 92 that occurs into the turbine 22 of the turbine compressor unit 80 and is ex-

pandered and chilled in the cooler 9 ^ before putting it back into the Compressor 90 enters. A treatment compressor 88 maintains the ethylene circulation under a suitable pressure and is fed through a line 86 · which has a feed line 26 connected 1st.

The exemplary embodiment in FIG. K shows a system which is based on an air-gas turbine cycle. Here, too, the air is compressed in a closed circuit by a motor-driven compressor 90, heated in a fuel-heated, closed heater 92, in the

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Turbine 22 of a turbine compressor set 80 * introduced, expanded at the low-pressure end of the circulation circuit and returned to the compressor 90 after it has been cooled in the cooler 9k. An air conditioning compressor 88 is provided to keep the system under pressure.

Since the medium in the low-pressure ethylene compressor Zk and in the turbine 22 of the compressor 80 * differs, seals not shown are arranged between them and leaking ethylene is recompressed and fed back to the system at the appropriate pressure. The system also includes a motor-driven leakage gas compressor, which compresses the gas leak again and recycled into the system. The additional line kk introduces the catalyst into the high-pressure turbine compressor 8Ί.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the system in which a steam circulation is provided for driving the turbine 22 of the low-pressure compressor 80 * . Steam is generated in a boiler 102, which is fed to the turbine 22 of the compressor 80 'and expanded there to a low pressure. The remaining energy of the steam is used to drive a steam turbine 104, which in turn drives the compressor 96. This steam turbine 104, together with an intermediate condenser 106, condenses the steam and the condensate is returned to the boiler. In this system, too, precautions have been taken to recompress the leaking ethylene from the low-pressure ethylene compressor, for which purpose the leakage compressor 100 is arranged.

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Each of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 5 shows the possibility of implementing the disclosed method with the principle of supplying a predetermined number of compressors with energy which is contained in the compressed medium.

The prerequisites and requirements for each of the presented Embodiments vary. Likewise, each embodiment requires the supply of y PS, where the method involves feeding less than y PS (e.g. y-a PS) from an outside of the Plant lying energy source and the supply of the PS demand (for example a PS) from a Energy source of the system teaches. Certain parameters - with regard to pressures, temperatures, flow rates, etc. - can be specified, but these would in the clearly clear presentation of the invention do not contribute anything to a further understanding of the same.

By means of the additional catalyst line kk (FIGS. 1 to 5), a predetermined addition of one or more types is added to the fully compressed medium (monomeric ethylene). The additive will or may be a source of free radicals, for example oxygen, an organic peroxide or the like. The particular catalyst is not part of the present invention. The reactors used in the various plants should contain means for causing a reaction to occur between the medium and the catalyst additive in order to initiate the formation of the product, for example means for introducing thermal energy into the compressed medium and the additive. Next are the compressor units

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2k according to the preferred embodiment in FIG. 1 each contain two centrifugal stages. However, these are specific versions that are derived from an analysis of given or desired system parameters. Alternatives and modifications of the various systems will be possible for a person skilled in the art who becomes familiar with the invention, since only ordinary mechanical engineering knowledge is required for this.

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Claims (1)

2Ü47349 PATENT CLAIMS 1. / Compressor system, characterized by: A number of powered means for compressing a medium to produce a product; Means to Feeding medium into this system; Means for feeding at least one additive into said plant; Reactor means, which are coupled to the compression means for receiving the compressed medium and additive and for Causing a reaction to occur between the additive and the medium to initiate the formation of the product from part of the medium; Separating means for separating the product from the remaining medium; and means which the Separating means connect to the reactor means in order to conduct medium and additive between them, the means for Combine some of the energy contained in the compressed medium to power certain means to Compress the medium, consume. 2. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy utilizing means include means for expanding the medium. 3 · installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the medium supply means comprises means for supplying gas into the system, the purpose K _o mprimierung thereof contained. 10/1773 20Λ7349 - i4 - 4. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid supply means means for supplying monomeric ethylene into the plant for the purpose of compression
the same in this one. 5. Plant according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for adding the additive are means for adding a catalyst to the monomeric ethylene. 6. Plant according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for adding the additive contain means for adding a catalyst to monomeric ethylene, the
a source of free radicals, such as oxygen
organic peroxide or the like, 7. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressing means comprise centrifugal compressors and the connecting means comprise turbines. 8. Plant according to claim 7, characterized in that the number of compressors contain multistage centrifugal compressors connected in series and the connecting means have turbines, each of which is drive-wise coupled to one of the stages and to which
Release address part of the stored energy to drive the specific stage * 9. Plant according to claim 8, characterized gekenneeicb.net that the turbines have means "around Sxpandiare" 4 ·· Medium ". 10: j ./r/73 2Ü47349 10. Plant according to claim 8, characterized in that means for conducting leakage medium from the number the compressors to the supply lines are available and that the supply means include means for returning the leakage medium to the system. 11. Plant according to claim 8, characterized by other means for charging the plurality of compressors, wherein the supply means have means for supplying the medium to the drive means, and that the drive means means for compressing, heating and cooling the medium and for performing the same for repeated the same compression, heating and cooling as well as having means for expanding the medium in the circuit A _n of the heating. 12. Plant according to claim 8, characterized by steam generating means for driving the number of compressors, wherein the D _a mpferzeugungsmittel a fuel-heated steam boiler, a steam expansion device, and a capacitor include those connected for circulation of steam through the system all in series are. 13. Plant according to claim 12, characterized in that that other means of the plurality of compressors comprise a steam turbine, as well as a feed compressor, the is effectively arranged between the medium supply means and the plurality of driven compressor means, and Means which the steam turbine and the supply compressor for the purpose of supplying drive energy therebetween couple. 1 ί VO 2 Ü A 7 3 4 1 ^. Compressor system for a flowing medium, characterized by means for feeding the medium into the system under a pressure of χ kg / cm, driven Means for compressing the introduced medium to ζ kg / cm as a function of y PS; means for supplying y-a PS to, driven by an energy source located outside the plant the compression means and by means of supplying means driven by an internal source of the plant a PS to the compression centers. 15. Plant according to claim 14, characterized in that that the medium supply means means for supplying a gas, for example a monomeric ethylene, to the System for the purpose of compression contain and means for feeding at least one additive into the system as well as reactants, which with the compression means for the reception of compressed gas and an additive and for causing a reaction occurring between the additive and the gas for the purpose of initiation are coupled to the formation of a product from a portion of the gas; Separation means for separating the Product from the remaining gas and where the PS feed means, which are fed by an internal source of the plant, means for connecting the separating means to the reactor contains means for supplying the gas and the additive and that the connecting means contains means to use part of the energy contained in the compressed gas to drive part of the Contains compressive agents. 2 nights 4 7 3 4 16. Plant according to claim 15t, characterized in that that the compression means in Ser_J.e coupled stages of centrifugal compressors and the connecting means comprise turbines, each of which is drivingly is coupled to one of the stages and responds to the supply of part of the stored energy, to drive the appropriate stage. 17. Plant according to claim 16, characterized in that that the turbines have means for expanding the gas. 18. A method for compressing a flowing medium to cause the creation of a product, characterized through the process steps: arranging a Number of powered means for compression of the medium; Feeding the medium into the installation for the purpose of compression therein by the compression means; Feeding at least one additive into the plant for the purpose of adding it to the medium; Developing energy in the medium and additive to cause a reaction occurring therebetween to prevent formation of the To introduce product from part of the medium; predetermined power means for the number of compressors with energy stored in the compressed medium and separating the product from the remaining part of the Medium. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in, that the applying step includes the step of expanding of the medium to release the energy it contains. 1 i) ./1773 2U471U9 20. The method according to claim 19 »characterized in that that the medium supply step is the supply of the gas, for example monomeric ethylene, into the system contains. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that that the step of adding includes adding a catalyst to the gas. 22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that that the additional step includes adding to the gas a catalyst which is a source of free radicals such as oxygen, an organic peroxide or the like. 23. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that that the arrangement of a number of compression means the Arrangement in series-coupled stages of centrifugal compressors contains, and that the admission or At least one driving step is the coupling of a turbine one of these levels and the copied medium and the additive to the turbines is directed to a To allow expansion of the medium in the turbine and to cause the turbines to act on a resultant Release of the stored energy in order to drive the compressor stage. Zh. Method for compressing a flowing medium, characterized by feeding the medium into the system with a pressure of χ kg / cm; Arranging means for compressing the supplied medium to ζ kg / cm as a function of y PS; Arranging a first generator 10 /! 773 2U47349 with y-a PS; drive coupling of the generator with a first part of the compression means; Loading the generator by an energy source located outside the system; Arranging a second generator with a PS; drivingly connecting or coupling the second generator to a second part of the compression means and driving the second generator by a source within the facility. 25. The method according to claim 2k, characterized in that the feeding step includes feeding a gas such as monomeric ethylene into the plant and further the steps of feeding at least one additive into the plant for addition to the gas; Transferring energy to the gas and additive to cause a reaction to occur therebetween to initiate the formation of a product from a portion of the gas and to separate the product from the gas. 26. A method for compressing a flowing medium for producing a product, characterized by the Arranging at least two stages of pressurized compressors for compressing the medium thereby; Feeding the medium into the plant for the compression of the same; Acting on one of the stages from a source outside the plant and pressurizing another of the Steps from one source within the plant. 27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the step of applying a different stage includes the step of using energy contained in the compressed medium. T ■■ "; ·} L U 28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in, that at least one additive is introduced into the plant for the purpose of addition to the medium; Energy on that Medium and the additive is transferred to a reaction occurring between these two for the purpose of forming a To induce product from one part of the medium, and separate the product from the remaining part of the Medium, the step of using the energy stored in the medium prior to separating the product from the remaining part of the gas is carried out. 1 . SU Blank page