Hydrogen pipeline network pressure
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Is the pressure in the hydrogen pipeline network at your workplace subject to large fluctuations? Is it controlled solely by the hydrogen production unit? Last night, the pressure in the hydrogen pipeline network was adjusted throughout the night! !
Is it in normal production or the startup phase?
It’s normal; our plant uses hydrocracking off-gases along with natural gas as raw materials to produce hydrogen, and the levels of PSA off-gases vary greatly
No, the pressure in our hydrogen pipeline network is generally controlled by the hydrocracking units of large hydrogen consumers. Our hydrogen is supplied by a continuous reforming unit; PSA provides only a small portion, and there is also a hydrogen-rich gas recovery unit that supplies hydrogen.
This is adjusted based on the upstream and downstream processes; with a constant supply of raw materials, the hydrogen consumption does not fluctuate significantly. By reaching an agreement with the hydrogen consumers, the consumption level can be adjusted as needed
The PSA adsorption time for hydrogen production isn’t set properly, or there is a leak in the programmable valve; under normal conditions the hydrogen pressure should be stable. Another possibility is that the processing volume is too low – adjust the T2 time accordingly
Changes in the pressure of the hydrogen pipeline network reflect issues with the balance between hydrogen supply and demand. Here, the hydrogen available comes from hydrogen production, reforming processes, and the ethylene unit; the main consumers of hydrogen are hydrogenation units. If there are any fluctuations in the operation of such heavy hydrogen consumers like hydrocrackers, hydrogen consumption will change significantly
Hydrogen balance is a very complex issue; it requires not only stable hydrogen production but also the use of hydrogen for stabilization. If there are significant changes in the raw materials used by our company, then the amount of hydrogen required for processing as well as the sulfur content will change, which in turn affects the hydrogen consumption. In such cases, hydrogen production is the only way to adjust the pressure in the hydrogen system. As long as it involves communication and coordination.
If the user's hydrogen consumption remains stable, the pressure can be simply controlled by the hydrogen production unit's control system. If the user’s consumption varies significantly, a hydrogen usage unit is selected to assist in regulating the pressure of the hydrogen production control system, based on the amount of hydrogen consumed and the extent of those fluctuations.