Patent ID: 8532830
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: F04D,F25J

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling one or more first compressors at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a compressor feed stream; (b) passing the compressor feed stream through the one or more first compressors, the or each first compressor having a first inlet and a first outlet to provide one or more first compressed streams; (c) measuring at least one pressure and at least one flow of the group consisting of: the pressure (P (d) providing a first compressor recycle line including an in-line first recycle valve around the or each first compressor; (e) passing the or each first compressed stream through at least one throttling valve downstream of the compressor recycle line to provide a controlled stream; (f) selectively allowing a fraction of the or each compressor feed stream to bypass the or each first compressor and the at least one throttling valve via a first bypass line; and (g) automatically controlling at least one of the throttling valve(s) using the measurement values of step (c), wherein the compressor feed stream is provided from a mixed hydrocarbon stream which is separated into a light overhead stream being the compressor feed stream, and a heavy bottom stream, wherein the mixed hydrocarbon stream is expanded in one or more expanders to provide a mixed phase hydrocarbon stream upstream of its separation, and at least one of the one or more expanders and at least one of the one or more first compressors are mechanically interconnected by one or more common drive shafts.