Optimization of expander plants

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5598204

Wang, W B

A computer program that uses the Tomich technique to solve multistage, multi-feed distillation problems was modified. The MSEQ method was utilized to generate initial temperature and vapor rate profiles. The modified fractionator program coupled with the MSEQ method was used to generate required rigorous data for expander-plant demethanizer splits. Furthermore, a shortcut method was developed to facilitate expander process simulation. Calculated demethanizer results from a simulation were compared with a commercial program with good agreement. The results from the shortcut method were in good agreement with rigorous calculations. Computer simulations were made for four different natural gases ranging from lean to rich in liquefiable hydrocarbons for various turboexpander plant processes. These processes included self-refrigerated expander process with/without external refrigeration, and with/without demethanizer heat recovery. Only lean gases can be utilized in the self-refrigerated expander process with high ethane recovery. While the use of external refrigeration in conjunction with the expander process can reduce overall horsepower requirements, it may not be economical to do so. In general, the processing should be carried out at the highest practical processing pressure. The use of demethanizer heat recovery is an efficient method to reduce both refrigeration horsepower and recompression energy requirements. This work emphasizes high ethane recovery. Further study of expander processes emphasizing ethane rejection is advisable.

• Research Organization: Tulsa Univ., OK (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5598204
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030300* -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
030400 -- Natural Gas-- Products & By-Products
ALKANES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COOLING
DISTILLATION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY RECOVERY
ETHANE
HEAT RECOVERY
HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANTS
OPTIMIZATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RECOVERY
REFRIGERATION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SIMULATION