How to improve the efficiency of liquefaction units and save energy
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I would like to discuss an issue here: currently, in the domestic chlor-alkali industry, the efficiency of chlorine liquefaction ranges from 75% to 90%, with most values being around 80%. We use a low-pressure method for liquefaction at pressures of 0.18MP–0.25MP. I would like to ask those with more experience what pressure level would allow me to improve efficiency while also saving electricity. Additionally, I have another question: the manufacturer told me that the liquefaction temperature has nothing to do with energy savings. I believe that converting electrical energy into the cooling power needed for R22 is a form of energy transformation, and a higher liquefaction temperature should result in greater energy savings. Is my reasoning correct?
I agree with you; a higher liquefaction temperature results in higher efficiency for the refrigeration unit, and thus saves electricity. But one thing is that when you increase the liquefaction temperature, you also need to take into account the electrical energy required to heat the gas
I think it’s incorrect to claim that the liquefaction temperature mentioned by manufacturers has nothing to do with energy savings. If the liquefaction temperature is high, it is still necessary to maintain production efficiency, which means that the liquefaction pressure must be high. A higher liquefaction pressure reduces the energy required for liquefying chlorine gas, thus enabling energy savings. Increasing the liquefaction pressure is undoubtedly an effective way to improve liquefaction efficiency and save electrical energy used by refrigeration machines; the higher the pressure, the better. The key factor is the capacity of the chlorine compressor, but raising the pressure also increases the electricity consumption of the compressor. The best method is to improve the purity of free chlorine. We use ion exchange membranes with a purity of 98.5%; the liquefaction pressure is 0.15 MPa, the liquefaction temperature is 23 degrees, and the liquefaction efficiency is generally between 94-95%
My pressure is 0.19 MP; the liquefaction temperature is around -10. The purity level is higher than yours, and I use a small turbine
We maintain a liquefaction efficiency of around 95%, with the purity of residual chlorine at around 50–60%, and a hydrogen content below 2.5%. The liquefaction efficiency of chlorine is generally between 75% and 90%, with values around 80% being common. Isn’t this statement incorrect? With the chlorine purity being so high and the hydrogen content so low these days, it’s impossible for the liquefaction efficiency to be between 75–95%.