Issues regarding the interlock alarm for the cooling water temperature of reciprocating compressor cylinders in winter
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The reciprocating compressor of the hydrogenation unit using reformed hydrogen as the medium is equipped with a water supply station for its cooling water system; the interlock alarm is triggered at 45°C when the cooling water temperature of the cylinder drops, and at 38°C when the cooling water temperature of the packing rises. The current problem is that in winter, when the ambient temperature is low, especially when it drops below 0°C, the temperature of the coolant in the cylinders falls to 38°C, which triggers alarms. At this time, the inlet temperature of the compressor is around 10°C, and the requirement specified by API standards is that the coolant temperature in the cylinders be 6°C higher than the inlet temperature. The circulating water flow rate of the cooling water heat exchanger has caused the valve to close to the point where regulation becomes difficult. So I’m asking everyone how they solved this problem.
To solve this problem, one must start by adjusting the water temperature; I’m not sure whether the source of your cooling water can be adjusted. Generally, the tunability is higher at low temperatures and lower at high temperatures. It is best for the water supply authorities to make the adjustments. Otherwise, a heat exchanger must be added to the water inlet of the equipment.
Adding heating and insulation to the water tank solves the problem.
In a standard design, the water tank should be equipped with a steam coil for heating, or steam can be directly introduced into the tank to heat it; when the water temperature is too low, the steam inlet valve can be opened to heat the circulating cooling water system. In extremely cold regions, the pipelines of circulating water cooling systems can be equipped with anti-freezing insulation.
There is a three-way valve near the cylinder, allowing flow without going through the cooler. It can be adjusted.
From everyone’s responses, it can be seen that the opinion is still to keep the temperature within the designed range. It comes down to the issue of regulating water temperature; it seems that adjusting the flow rate of water in the circulating water system and the desalination heat exchangers at the water treatment station, as well as enhancing insulation around the pipelines, are necessary. Since temperature control valves cannot function effectively when they are outside their operating range, controlling the flow rate through bypass valves is also an option.
This problem does exist in winter; it was well discussed