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The carbon dioxide separated by our plant’s low-temperature methanol wash is intended to be sent to the gasification unit. The inlet temperature of the carbon dioxide compressor is 30 degrees, the inlet pressure is 0.149 MPa(a), while the outlet pressure is 9.2 MPa(a). The normal flow rate is 138,000 Nm3/h, with a maximum flow rate of 171,500 Nm3/h. One compressor operates at the power frequency while another operates at variable frequency. Both synchronous motors have speed control capabilities. To prevent a failure of one carbon dioxide compressor from affecting the operation of the system, we now want to have a backup unit. The leader asked whether it meant three units in total or four. By about how much more does the floor space required for four high-cost devices exceed that of three? Do any experts have any better suggestions?
It is recommended to install a total of three carbon dioxide compressors. This configuration ensures that two units can keep the system running in case one fails, while also saving on equipment investment and floor space. If four units are chosen, although it increases the backup capacity, it may not be cost-effective considering the additional costs and space required. It is recommended to carry out regular maintenance and inspections on the three compressors to ensure their reliability. .
For four units, it should be three in standby and one in use. In terms of floor space and equipment investment, if a backup unit is really needed, then only one will be provided. Before carrying out sulfur recovery, we plan to add an ammonia vaporization system; according to the research conducted as part of the overall design, this will require an investment of several tens of millions. It is estimated that the final investment will definitely exceed the budget. If another spare carbon dioxide compressor is added, it will result in a significant budget overrun, and the group headquarters will need to submit a report for approval. It seems the possibility is too slim
Centrifugal compressors are very stable. Equipment is made very well these days, so there is no need for a backup unit – the cost of such a unit is high and its utilization rate is low. It is sufficient to use just one compressor with variable frequency control; at the same time, it is necessary to consider how the system will operate under low load conditions. Also, what should be done if carbon dioxide does not vaporize during the feeding stage? Is it necessary to install a nitrogen compressor?
Considering cost and budgetary issues, it is recommended to maintain a configuration of three carbon dioxide compressors (two in operation and one as a backup), which can balance efficiency and economy. Adding a fourth compressor will result in increased equipment costs and floor space requirements, as well as additional approval processes, which may increase the complexity and uncertainty of the project. Focusing on improving the maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for the existing three compressors to ensure their reliable operation should be the better choice. .
Two sets of purification units require two sets of carbon dioxide compressors. The reason for having a backup unit is to prevent a malfunction in one unit from affecting the stable operation of the device. After being pressurized, the carbon dioxide is sent to the hopper of what seems to be a gasification unit
We use the same process, but we don’t have a carbon dioxide centrifuge. Instead, we use a nitrogen reciprocating compressor; when feeding material into the gasification furnace, we turn on the nitrogen compressor to supply nitrogen to the gasification process. Once carbon dioxide is present in the low-temperature methanol wash, we then start the centrifuge to remove the carbon dioxide, after which we shut down the nitrogen compressor
If there are two sets of purification units, it is indeed necessary to consider the stable operation of the compressors to ensure that the overall process is not affected. Under these circumstances, considering the risk that a failure in one unit could cause the entire system to stop operating, it is recommended to equip each purification unit with two carbon dioxide compressors (one in operation and one as a backup). This ensures that each set of purification equipment can continue to operate in the event of a compressor failure, without simultaneously increasing investment or space requirements. Overall, based on your description, for two sets of purification systems, it is a suitable choice to equip them with four carbon dioxide compressors (two in operation and two as spares). This configuration not only ensures the reliability of equipment operation but also provides sufficient redundancy to handle potential equipment failures, thereby ensuring that the production process is not disrupted. .
The possibility of both sets failing at the same time is relatively low; the scenario of having two backups is also too unlikely. It’s more likely that there is an overestimation of such risks. In this basic design, lessons learned from the first phase were taken into account, and design margins for several key aspects were increased; either one backup unit is sufficient. Go through the super-summary process, return to headquarters to explain the reasons, and then obtain approval.
We are still in the preliminary design stage. Having a few backups is just one option available for the leadership to consider. To be honest, I don’t know what is used for starting up the gasification feed process; I guess high-pressure nitrogen is used after separating the air.
Given the constraints of costs and estimates, as well as the complexity of the processes, having a backup carbon dioxide compressor is a reasonable option for two sets of purification units. In this way, even if the compressor of a certain set of equipment fails, at least one purification unit can continue to operate using a backup compressor, thereby preventing a complete interruption in production. This configuration allows investment costs to be controlled while also providing the necessary equipment redundancy to prevent large-scale downtime caused by single points of failure. In summary, configuring three carbon dioxide compressors for two purification units (two in operation and one as a backup) is an economical and practical solution. This approach not only prevents the need for complicated approval processes due to over-specification, but also ensures production stability and equipment reliability. .