Patent Application
20080210316
The present invention relates to an assembly of at least two modules for a system containing a gas, for example an H-containing gas, which modules are effective at very high pressure, in particular at a pressure higher than 100 bar.
According to the invention an H-containing gas is understood to be hydrocarbon gases, such as natural gas (CH4), ethane gas (C2H6), propane gas (C3H8), butane gas (C4H10), dihydrogen sulphide (H2S) and also hydrogen gas (H2). An H-containing gas is usually dangerous because of the risk of explosion thereof. The gas system and the module according to the invention are, however, also suitable for gases that do not contain hydrogen, such as nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) or carbon dioxide (CO2).
Systems operating with an H-containing gas are used, inter alia, in the petrochemical industry, both onshore and offshore. An example of a system operating with an H-containing gas is a transport system for transporting natural gas. Such gases are processed under very high pressures and are also readily inflammable, i.e. susceptible to explosion. With such systems it is thus important that every possible measure is taken to prevent leakage of H-containing gas into the environment. With such systems, measurements such as pressure measurements or flow measurements are also continuously carried out on the gas stream. In this context it is customary that meters are connected to the gas stream via various valves, such as shut-off valves, bleed valves, equaliser valves and the like. In this context it is conventionally customary that individual pipe sections are connected to one another as well as to various valves and measurement instruments. This is time-consuming, the construction takes up a great deal of space and, moreover, the construction is not readily accessible if work has to be carried out because various pipes are in the way.
The object of the present invention is, now, to simplify this complex system of pipe sections, appendages and connections between them.
According to the invention this object is achieved by providing an assembly comprising at least two modules for a system operating with a gas, wherein each module is effective at very high pressure, in particular at a pressure higher than 100 bar, such as higher than 150 bar, wherein each module comprises:
By drilling the requisite channels in a solid metal block a very large number of individual pipe sections, which conventionally were connected to one another, are saved. This leads to a simplified construction. Each solid metal block comprises a main channel and at least one branch channel. For example, the main channel extends in a longitudinal direction of the block, whereas the branch channel runs transversely from the main channel to a top side of the block. The meter can then be arranged on said top side. Because a plurality of blocks are connected to one another, the drilled channels in the blocks can extend also in a direction through multiple modules positioned adjacent to each other. The lateral openings of the channels in these modules correspond to one another. Thus, the modules of the assembly according to the invention constitute a two dimensional grid of channels and appendages. Therefore, the assembly according to the invention allows a very versatile functionality with only a limited number of modules, while the connection of two or even more modules that are positioned laterally against one another is relatively simple and compact.
A further advantage of the invention is that the risk of leakage of gas is substantially reduced. The known system has a large number of pipe sections that are connected to one another via various connectors, valves and meters. With this construction each connection constitutes a location susceptible to leaks. In practice one or more connections are frequently not completely leak-free after joining together the numerous components of the known system. This is even the case if the known system is constructed by an experienced specialist. According to the invention the number of connections and thus locations susceptible to leakage is substantially reduced because the channels have been drilled in a solid block.
The meter for measuring a flow value of the flow through the main channel of the system is, for example, a flow meter and/or pressure meter for measuring the flow through and the pressure in the main channel of the system, respectively.
Various appendages are connected to the block according to the invention. These appendages can comprise one or more meters and also one or more valves. The appendages can also comprise control members. Control members will usually be adjustable valves. A module according to the invention will comprise at least one meter and also at least one valve in the form of a shut-off valve. At least one main channel and at least one branch channel will have been drilled in the block. The main channel is for throughput of the main stream of gas on which measurements have to be carried out. The branch channel constitutes the connection to the meter. The shut-off valve is provided in order to be able to remove the meter without interrupting the main stream of gas. In another respect this shut-off valve also provides a safety feature, because in the event of faults in the meter, for example a leak, the shut-off valve can shut as a safety measure.
It is noted that U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,177 discloses a gas delivery system having a mounting block that supports appendages and defines passageways between the appendages so that a gas can flow through the passageways and appendages. The block has a slender, narrow shape. The passageways within the block extend substantially along two directions of a single plane only, i.e. in the longitudinal and height direction of the block. Thus, it is not possible to arrange two or more appendages side by side along the width on this block. The connections between the appendages are substantially one-dimensional. As a result, the functionality of a system having such blocks is relatively limited.
According to a further embodiment of the invention at least one valve of a module furthermore comprises a so-called bleed valve, which on one side is connected to the at least one branch channel and on the other side opens into a flow opening. If the module is intended for an H-containing gas, the flow opening is, for example, connected to a feed or discharge channel for a gas that is inert with respect to the H-containing gas. With respect to an inert gas, consideration can be given here, for example, to nitrogen (N2). By blowing such an inert gas into the system it is possible to drive the hazardous H-containing gas out of the system. On the one hand, the hazardous H-containing gas can leave the system via the bleed valve until outflow of the inert gas is detectable, which indicates that the system has been purged. The bleed valve functions as discharge here. On the other hand, the purpose of such a bleed valve is to enable an inert gas to be blown into the branch channel and thus to drive out the hazardous H-containing gas. In this way safety can be guaranteed during maintenance work.
According to one embodiment of the invention the at least one meter comprises an absolute pressure meter which is connected to the main channel via a single branch channel, which branch channel is provided with a said shut-off valve and a said bleed valve. An absolute pressure meter, is a meter that measures a pressure with respect to the ambient pressure. The Applicant has arrived at the insight that this module is one of the five standard modules by means of which a large number of diverse customer-specific systems can be constructed.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the system of drilled channels of a module comprises at least two branch channels, each of which contains a shut-off valve for shutting off or opening the branch channel concerned, wherein at least one branch channel is connected to the main channel and wherein the at least one meter is provided with a pressure difference meter, which is connected between said two branch channels. With this arrangement the pressure difference meter can be connected to the main channel via two of said branch channels by means of a said shut-off valve in each case.
In this case it is possible according to the invention that the branch channels, in the section between the shut-off valves and the connection to said meter, are connected to one another by a pressure equalisation channel, and the at least one valve furthermore comprises an equaliser valve provided in said pressure equalisation channel for opening and closing the equalisation channel. With such a meter, which is in communication with the main channel via two branch channels, it is important in the case of systems that operate with such high pressures, such as higher than 200 bar, to prevent this very high pressure difference reaching the meter when switching on and switching off the system. The meter is usually not able to withstand such high pressure differences, or is adapted to measure much smaller pressure differences. For this reason a pressure equalisation channel with an equaliser valve therein is provided between the branch channels. When switching on and switching off the system the pressure equaliser valve will be open so that a large pressure difference is not apparent at the meter. As soon as the system is then in operation the equaliser valve can be closed and the meter can start to operate. The Applicant has arrived at the insight that this module as well is a so-called standard module on the basis of which a large number of customer-specific systems can be made.
With this embodiment it is advantageous if a module comprises two of said bleed valves, each of which is connected to one of the respective branch channels. In this way it is ensured that the equaliser valve cannot prevent both branch channels being flushed clean with an inert gas. With this arrangement it is furthermore advantageous according to the invention if the bleed valves are connected to the equalisation channel on either side of the equaliser valve.
According to the invention it is advantageous if the system of drilled channels of a module comprises at least one throughput channel that is connected between the branch channels, and where the appendages furthermore comprise a throttle device, which is provided in the throughput channel. The throttle device can be any flow control device or pressure control device, such as an adjustable valve. The flow through the throughput channel can be set using the throttle device. Preferably the throttle device is constructed as described in NL 1011661 C.
The throughput channel can, for example, be formed by the main channel with an inlet end and an outlet end. The throughput channel can, for example, also be an extension of the main channel. The throughput channel then forms a separate channel that at an input end thereof is connected to the main channel. This embodiment as well, in particular in combination with claims 8, 7, 6 or 5, forms a so-called standard module by means of which highly diverse customer-specific systems can be constructed.
According to yet a further embodiment the main channel of a module is connected via a link channel to the at least one branch channel, wherein a main shut-off valve is provided in the link channel. The main channel is connected via the link channel to the throughput channel. The main channel is therefore divided into a first main channel section that runs through the module and a second main channel section that forms the throughput channel and in which the throttle device is fitted. This embodiment as well, in particular in combination with the embodiment according to claim 9 or 10 in combination with claims 5 or 6 or 7 or 8, again forms a so-called standard module.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the main channel is designed for distribution of the gas to the module in question and also to one or more other devices, such as one or more modules according to the invention. In particular, the first main channel section is suitable for this purpose. The main channel thus makes coupling up of various modules according to the invention considerably easy. Only one connection on a module has to be provided and the main channel, which, in turn, can be connected to a main channel of a neighbouring module, ensures that the gas stream can be distributed over various modules. With this arrangement it is advantageous if a main shut-off valve is provided in the link channel.
According to yet a further embodiment of the invention it is advantageous if the throughput channel has an outlet end that is provided with a one-way valve or non-return valve (check valve), which only allows gas through that is flowing in the direction out of the module. If the throughput channel is formed by the main channel with an inlet end and an outlet end, a module can be provided with such a non-return valve (check valve) at the outlet end of the main channel. The non-return valve allows through only gas that flows in the direction from inlet end to outlet end in the main channel, in the intended direction of flow thereof. Such an embodiment has the advantage that it can be ensured that no gas flow back into the module can take place at the outlet end. Such a non-return valve is optionally also fitted at the inlet end, by means of which it is ensured that no gas flow from the module can flow back in the feed device at the inlet end. This is advantageous in particular in the case of modules for measurements on the buffer gas stream and/or regulation of the buffer gas stream. This module, in particular in combination with the module according to claims 12, 11, 10 or 9 and one of claims 5, 6, 7 or 8, in turn forms a so-called standard module by means of which highly diverse customer-specific systems can be composed.
In total, the Applicant has arrived at the insight that five standard modules can suffice. The invention thus provides a modular system of two or more of said standard modules, with which a very large number of functionalities can be achieved.
According to the invention, the openings of the bores of a module can easily be closed by placing a stopper or plug in said openings. Closed-off channels located entirely within the block can be produced in this way. If channels of a module have to be connected to another module, the stopper can be dispensed with in one or more locations.
For connecting channels in the metal block with one another it is advantageous according to the invention if one or more of the drilled channels of the channel system of a module that are to be connected to one another cross one another some distance apart, and if a transverse bore for connecting them together is provided transversely to said crossing channels. The transverse bore can then be closed by a stopper or also in some other way at the opening on the outer surface of the metal block. It is also possible to provide a valve in said transverse bore, which valve will then assume the function of the plug at the opening of the transverse bore. On the outside of the block the valve can seal onto the block by means of a flange and a sealing ring. An operating member of the valve for adjusting the valve can then protrude from the outside of the block.
It is advantageous according to the invention if the connection between the openings of the laterally positioned modules comprises a sleeve fitting in both openings, which sleeve has at least one sealing ring, such as two sealing rings, on each end to be accommodated in a respective opening, to produce a seal between the sleeve and the respective opening. A double seal is frequently required in applications at very high pressure, such as 200 bar, for safety reasons.
According to a further aspect the invention relates to a module for an assembly as described above.
According to yet a further aspect, the present invention relates to a gas system, in particular for an H-containing gas, comprising:
In such a gas system the gas seal device in particular has a gas filter. In the case of such a gas filter consideration can be given in particular, but not exclusively, to a gas filter device as described in EP 1 230 503 B1 in the name of Indufil B.V.
Such a gas system furthermore has, in particular, a buffer gas device adapted for purging the gas system with a gas inert to the H-containing gas. The buffer gas device according to the invention can also comprise one or more standard modules described above.
According to yet a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a module, assembly or gas system according to the invention, at a gas pressure of at least 100 bar, such as at least 150 or 200 bar.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an illustrative embodiment shown in the drawing.
a shows a front view of part of the sealing gas system according to the invention.
b shows a side view of the part of the sealing gas system shown in
a shows a front view of a first standard module according to the invention.
b shows a diagrammatic process diagram of the standard module shown in
a shows a front view of a second standard module according to the invention.
b shows a diagrammatic process diagram of the module shown in
a shows a front view of a third standard module according to the invention.
b shows a diagrammatic process diagram of the module shown in
a shows a front view of a fourth standard module according to the invention.
b shows a diagrammatic process diagram of the module shown in
a shows a front view of a fifth standard module according to the invention.
b shows a diagrammatic process diagram of the module shown in
In
The gas compressor 2 has a compressor housing 4 that delimits an essentially closed interior 6. A rotor 8 that can turn is accommodated in the compressor housing 4. The rotor 8 interacts with a stator 10 in the interior 6 of the compressor housing 4. The rotor 8 has a drive shaft on which several vanes 14 are fixed. The drive shaft 12 extends through a central opening 16 in the compressor housing 4.
During operation a very high pressure prevails in the interior 6 of the compressor housing 4. In practice, the pressure in the interior 6 close to the central opening 16 is about 200 bar. The gas system 1 according to the invention has a gas seal device or sealing gas device 18 that prevents the H-containing gas leaking out from the interior 6 between the drive shaft 12 and the central opening 16 under the influence of that pressure. The gas seal device 18 provides a seal between the drive shaft 12 and the central opening 16 of the compressor housing by feeding a sealing gas under high pressure. This sealing gas originates from the high pressure side of the compressor 2.
For this purpose the gas seal device 18 has a return system 20 that is provided with a main line 21. The main line 21 has an inlet 22 that is connected to the high pressure side of the compressor 2. In this illustrative embodiment the gas compressor 2 has a radial outlet 24, to which the inlet 22 of the gas seal device 18 is connected. During operation the gas seal device 18 can tap off gas under high pressure from the radial outlet 24.
The main line 21 is connected to the gap between the central opening 16 and the drive shaft 12. Such a gas seal lowers the pressure outside the interior 6 of the compressor housing 4. If the pressure in the interior 6 is approximately 200 bar, a pressure of approximately 120 bar still prevails in the adjacent chamber 27 outside the interior 6.
The chamber 27 is delimited by a protective casing 29. The protective casing 29 has a central opening 16′ that is aligned with respect to the central opening 16 in the compressor housing 4. The drive shaft 12 also extends through the central opening 16′ of the protective casing 29. The gap between the central opening 16′ of the protective casing 29 and the drive shaft 12 is likewise sealed by the gas seal device 18. For this purpose the main line 21 is also connected to said gap concerned. As a result the pressure outside the chamber 27 delimited by the protective casing 29 is lower than inside it. If the pressure in the chamber 27 is approximately 120 bar, a pressure of approximately 60 bar still prevails outside it.
A further protective casing 33, which delimits a chamber 31, is therefore provided. The protective cap 33 likewise has a central opening 16″ tha is aligned with respect toth central openings 16, 16′. The drive shaft 12 of the rotor 8 also extends through said central opening 16″ out of the protective casing 33. The main line 21 is also connected to the gap between the drive shaft 12 and the central opening 16″ of the protective casing 33. The gas seal for the protective cap 33 formed in this way lowers the pressure to approximately ambient pressure.
The main line 21 of the gas seal device 18 branches via the distributor line 25 to three injection locations in the respective gaps between the drive shaft 12 and the central openings 16, 16′, 16″. The gas seal device 18 injects gas under high pressure at said injection locations, by means of which three respective gas seals are formed. As a result the pressure drops from the interior 6 of the compressor housing 4 stepwise down to ambient pressure.
Further protective casings and/or injection locations are, of course, possible for reducing the pressure. The number of protective casings is, for example, dependent on the pressure in the gas compressor.
The sealing gas fed to the gas seals must not contain any impurities. A sealing gas filter device 35 is therefore fitted in the main line 21 of the gas seal device 18. The sealing gas filter device 35 is described in EP 1 230 503 B1 in the name of Indufil B.V. The mode of operation thereof will therefore not be explained in more detail here.
Furthermore, various modules 40 according to the invention are connected to the main line 21. The modules 40 are designed to measure absolute pressure, pressure difference and/or mass flow. The modules 40 are also designed to control these parameters. If the values measured by the modules 40 give rise to alarm, as well as during maintenance work, the H-containing gas must be driven out of the system 1. After all, the H-containing gas, such as natural gas, constitutes a hazardous gas that can cause an explosion. A buffer gas device 38 is provided for driving the H-containing gas out of the system 1.
The buffer gas device 38 has a pressure vessel 42 for an inert gas, such as nitrogen. The pressure vessel 42 is connected via a main line 41 to the interior 6 of the compressor housing 4, the chamber 27 within the protective casing 29 as well as the chamber 31 within the protective casing 33. The main line 41 also opens into the sealing gas filter device 35.
A buffer gas filter device 45 for cleaning the buffer gas fed from the pressure vessel 42 is fitted in the main line 41 of the buffer gas device 38. Furthermore, modules 40 according to the invention are connected to the main line 41 of the buffer gas device 38. The modules 40 in the main line 41 are designed, corresponding to the modules 40 in the main line 21 of the gas seal device 18, for measuring and/or controlling absolute pressure, pressure difference and/or mass flow.
a and 2b show a frame or rack 50. The sealing gas filter device 35 and the buffer gas filter device 45 are accommodated in the rack 50. The modules 40 connected thereto, as well as further modules 40 according to the invention, are likewise fitted in the rack 50.
The modules 40 comprise five standard modules 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and 40e. The entire functionality of the process diagram shown diagrammatically in
In practice each module 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e frequently operates at a pressure of approximately 200 bar. However, the module according to the invention can also be suitable for a pressure of 400 bar or higher. If the pressure is greater than 400 bar there is the chance that the gas starts to behave as a liquid. This is dependent on the operating temperature. If the gas is liquid, the medium has a higher relative density. Sealing will be simplified as a result.
Very compact construction of the measurement and control system is possible using the standard modules 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e according to the invention. Each module has, for example, a length dimension of only 29 cm. As a result the rack 50 shown in
The five standard modules 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e will be explained successively below.
The first standard module 40a shown in
The measurement range of the meter 69 is, for example between 100 and 400 bar. The meter 69 is connected to the branch channel 67.
The module 40a has a further appendage that is constituted by a valve. The valve is a shut-off valve 70 that is fitted in the branch channel 67. The shut-off valve 70 is open during operation. After shutting off the branch channel 67 by means of the shut-off valve 70, uncoupling of the meter 69 is possible. This is, for example, necessary in connection with maintenance work, such as replacement of the meter 69.
In addition, the module 40a has a bleed valve 71, which constitutes a further appendage. The bleed valve 71 is connected to the branch channel 67 between the shut-off valve 70 and the meter 69. The bleed valve 71 serves to feed or discharge inert gas, such as nitrogen, that originates from the buffer gas device 38. An inert gas fed via the bleed valve 71 can drive the hazardous natural gas out of the module 40a. As an alternative, it is possible to feed an inert gas via the main channel 65. The bleed valve 61 then acts as discharge.
a and 5b show the second standard module 40b, where the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Corresponding to module 40a, the module 40b has a main channel 65, which, for example, is connected to the main line 21 or 41. The main channel 65 has an inlet end 64. The branch channel 67, which is connected to the main channel 65, can, incidentally, be located in the extension thereof. The system of drilled channels in module 40b furthermore has a second branch channel 68. A shut-off valve 70 for shutting off or opening the relevant branch channel 67, 68 is provided in each branch channel 67, 68. The shut-off valves 70 can uncouple the module 40b by the closure thereof. A meter 69′ for measuring a pressure difference is connected between the ends of the branch channels 67, 68. The meter 69′ measures the pressure difference between the pressure in the main channel 65 and the pressure that is connected at the free end 62 of the second branch channel 68.
In the section between the shut-off valves 70 and the meter 69′ the module 40b has a pressure equalisation channel 73 that can connect the branch channels 67, 68 to one another. An equaliser valve 75 for opening and closing the equalisation channel 73 is fitted in the pressure equalisation channel 73. The meter 69′ for measuring a pressure difference has only a limited range. Such a pressure difference meter is not able to withstand the very high pressures, such as approximately 200 bar, that prevail in the H-containing system. The equaliser valve 75 is therefore open during start-up of the system. The pressure then remains approximately the same on either side of the meter 69′. The equaliser valve 75 can then be closed, after which the meter 69′ measures the pressure difference between the branch channels 67, 68.
The module 40b furthermore has two bleed valves 71 for feeding or discharging an inert buffer gas, such as nitrogen. The function and mode of operation of the bleed valves 71 of module 40b is comparable to that of module 40a. The bleed valves 71 are each connected to one of the respective branch channels 67, 68. In particular the bleed valves 71 are connected to the equalisation channel 73 on either side of the equaliser valve 75. By using two bleed valves 71 it is guaranteed that the module 40b can be completely purged, even if the equaliser valve 75 is closed.
a and 6b show the third standard module 40c according to the invention, where the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. In the illustrative embodiment of the module 40c shown in
The fourth standard module 40d is shown in
A throughput channel 83 or split-off section of the main channel 65, in which the throttle device 78 is incorporated, is connected between the branch channels 67, 68. When the main shut-off valve 80 is open, the same pressure prevails on the side of the branch channel 67 as in the main channel 65. On the opposite side of the throttle device 78, that is to say on the side of the branch channel 68, the throughput channel 83 has an outlet 85. The outlet 85 is connected to, for example, an injection port in a protective casing for sealing the compressor 2. The flow at the outlet 85 and at said injection port concerned can be set using the throttle device 78. The meter 69′ measures the pressure difference over the throttle device 78.
The main channel 65 is therefore designed for distribution of the gas to said module 40d as well as to one or more other devices, such as one or more further standard modules 40. For this purpose the inlet end 64 and/or the outlet end 66 is connected to such a further standard module. The throughput channel 83 forms part of the main channel 65. After all, the main channel 65 continues via the link channel 81 into the throughput channel 83.
The function and mode of operation of the pressure equalisation channel 73 and the pressure equaliser valve 75 incorporated therein, as well as the function and mode of operation of the bleed valves 71 correspond to the standard modules 40b and 40c, which have been described above.
In
The leak-tight connection between two drilled channels in two different modules 40 is shown in detail in
There is some distance, for example 1-5 mm, between the lateral surface 96 of each module and the closest sealing ring 94. At high pressure the draw bolt 90 will stretch, as a result of which the lateral surfaces 96 of the modules are able to move apart to some extent. The sealing rings 94 still form an excellent seal after stretching of the draw bolts.
As shown in
The main shut-off valve 80 has a ball 105 for shutting off the transverse bore 103. For this purpose the ball 105 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the transverse bore 103. The ball 105 can be moved by the handle 107 between a closed position and an open position.
The closing end of the transverse bore 103 forms a valve seat for the ball 105. The ball 105 is made of a material that has a greater hardness than the material of the block 60. In this illustrative embodiment the ball 105 is made of ceramic, whilst the block is made of steel, such as stainless steel. The valve seat for the ball is formed by pressing the ball 105 onto the transverse bore 103 with a force that gives rise to plastic deformation of the edges of the transverse bore 103. For this purpose the shaft 108 is tightened with a predetermined tightening moment using the handle 107 before first use. The valve seat formed in this way and the associated ball 105 can provide an excellent seal by this means. After the valve seat has been formed the handle can move the ball into the closing position by exerting a lower tightening moment.
Ceramic has a very low coefficient of expansion. The ceramic ball 105 therefore provides an excellent seal irrespective of the temperature prevailing in the transverse bore 103. In the closed position of the ball 105 the transverse bore remains shut over a temperature range of −100 to +900° C.
Of course, the invention is not restricted to the illustrative embodiment shown in the figures. A person skilled in the art can make various adaptations without going beyond the scope of protection of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05106543.1 | Jul 2005 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2006/050176 | 7/14/2006 | WO | 00 | 1/16/2008 |
