Catalytic cracking: Can electric-hydraulic slide valves be equipped with centralized oil stations?
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Currently, each electro-hydraulic slide valve in the catalytic cracking unit is operated independently by its own oil pump, which provides the power needed to drive the slide valve. Each slide valve requires 2 oil pumps, one in use and one as a backup. Is it possible to set up a larger fuel station to supply power to all the spools? Won’t this allow us to save a few oil pumps? Please discuss its feasibility.
I don’t think it’s very feasible for the following reasons: 1. The locations of the various special valves are quite scattered, making it difficult to arrange the pipelines in a centralized manner; moreover, the lubrication oil pipelines should not be made too long； 2. If a sudden failure occurs in the lubricating oil station, all of the special valves will stop functioning, which increases safety risks; it is better to keep it as an independent system ； 3. The work requirements for each executing agency are different.
Technically, it should be possible, but the risks are too concentrated. Valve manufacturers, in their pursuit of maximizing profits, lack the motivation to do so.
Theoretically, it’s possible, but in practice it’s not feasible. If everything were standardized across all systems, people would be unable to use the devices, as they would be covered entirely with pipes.
I also think it’s technically feasible, but its practicality is low and the risks are too high
It is not recommended to do this; the investment in gas stations accounts for only a small portion of the cost associated with valves, and the cost of pipelines in hydraulic systems is not negligible； Regardless of the layout, the positions of these valves are dispersed locally. However, in double-acting slide valves, it is feasible to use a single oil supply for the control mechanisms of the two valve plates, and such arrangements do indeed exist.
1. The several special valves are spread out quite widely, making piping troublesome； 2. Risk concentration: all the eggs are in one basket; if there is a problem with the lubrication system, all the control valves will stop functioning.