Thread Content
Should a reciprocating or centrifugal compressor be used for the hydrogen compressor in coal tar hydrogenation? What is the reason? Please, fellow sailors, help clear up this confusion!
Centrifugal methods are commonly used, but reciprocating methods are also used; I’ve seen both. Circulating hydrogen is characterized by high pressure, but little pressurization is required, so centrifugal compressors are a better choice.
Moreover, the centrifugal type can be driven by a steam turbine, saving energy
Thank you for your reply. Neither high-temperature coal tar hydrogenation nor low-temperature coal tar hydrogenation allows for shutdowns; it is certainly good that the turbine has a low failure rate, as long as there are no faults in the preceding sections. If a problem does occur, it will be one that has a long-lasting impact. Are all steam turbines chosen for coal tar hydrogenation?
Problems with the compressor have a lasting impact as well. I’m not sure if this is the case for all coal tar hydrogenations
Reciprocating compressors have high pressure, require extensive maintenance, experience flow fluctuations, and the pressurizing medium can become contaminated; Centrifugal compressors have lower pressure, require less maintenance, provide stable flow, and keep the medium clean!
Choose based on volume and pressure, giving priority to centrifugal types
Look at the operating pressure and volume; reciprocating types are more common in oil refining
The operating pressure for coal tar hydrogenation is very high, over 100 kilograms. A reciprocating machine is selected for the circulating hydrogen compressor.