Patent Publication Number: US-2009225929-A1

Title: Petrochemical complex

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a petrochemical complex that produces a fuel and a petrochemical by applying heat to crude oil. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
       FIG. 4  shows a schematic configuration of an example of a conventional petrochemical complex that produces a fuel and a petrochemical by applying heat to crude oil. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the conventional petrochemical complex is configured as follows. Firstly, water is heated by combusting a petroleum fuel  10  in a boiler  11 , so that steam  1   a  (of approximately 300° C.) is generated. Then, the pressure of the steam  1   a  thus generated in the boiler  11  is adjusted by a first pressure reducing device  12 , so that the steam  1   a  has a temperature in a medium temperature range (approximately from 200° C. to 300° C.). In addition, the pressure of part of the steam  1   a  whose pressure has been adjusted by the first pressure reducing device  12  is further adjusted by a second pressure reducing device  13 , so that the part of the steam  1   a  has a temperature in a low temperature range (approximately from 100° C. to 200° C.). The part of the steam  1   a  in the low temperature range is fed to a low-temperature-range plant  15  that utilizes heat in the low temperature range. The rest of the steam  1   a  in the medium temperature range is fed to a medium-temperature-range plant  16  that utilizes heat in the medium temperature range. On the other hand, flame  10   a  in a high temperature range (approximately from 300° C. to 1200° C.) is generated by combusting the petroleum fuel  10  in a combustion furnace  14 . By use of the radiant heat of the flame  10   a , heat is provided to a high-temperature-range plant  17  that utilizes heat in the high temperature range. Note that, in  FIG. 4 , reference numeral  1   b  denotes a condensate that is returned to the boiler  11  after being used in the plants  15  and  16 , while reference numeral lob denotes an exhaust gas from the combustion of the petroleum fuel  10 . 
     In addition, there is another example of the conventional petrochemical complex. In this example, a liquid, such as an oil, that can be heated to a high temperature, is used as the heating medium for the medium-temperature-range plant  16 , instead of the steam  1   a . The liquid is heated to a temperature in the medium temperature range by use of combustion heat of the petroleum fuel  10  combusted in the boiler  11  so as to be used as the heating medium for the medium-temperature-range plant  16 . Note that, in this case, the temperature of the steam  1   a  generated in the boiler  11  is set in the low temperature range (approximately from 100° C. to 200° C.). 
     Patent Document 1: JP-A 11-019504 
     Patent Document 2: JP-A 2000-002790 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     In the conventional petrochemical complex as described above, when a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil, the fuel thus produced is used as well. In other words, crude oil is used as both of a material and a heat source. Accordingly, in addition to the amount of crude oil to be used as a material necessary for producing a product to be sold as a commercial product, required is another amount of crude oil to be used as a fuel. As a result, a significant amount of crude oil is consumed, as compared with the production of a product to be sold as a commercial product. For this reason, in the conventional petrochemical complex, there is a demand for reducing the amount of consumption of crude oil as much as possible. Concurrently, there also is a strong demand for reducing the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used so that the generation of carbon dioxide can be reduced as much as possible. 
     In view of the above-described circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a petrochemical complex with which the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used can be reduced. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     A first invention for solving the above-described problems provides a petrochemical complex that produces a fuel and a petrochemical, by applying heat generated in heating means to crude oil by use of a heating medium. The petrochemical complex is characterized in that the heating medium is a nuclear reactor. 
     The petrochemical complex according to a second invention provides the following characteristics in addition to the first invention. The nuclear reactor is a light-weight reactor, and the heating medium is steam generated through heat exchange with a light water that is a coolant of the light-weight reactor. 
     The petrochemical complex according to a third invention provides the following characteristics in addition to the first invention. The nuclear reactor is a fast-breeder reactor, and the heating medium is steam generated through heat exchange with liquid sodium that is a coolant of the fast-breeder reactor. 
     The petrochemical complex according to a fourth invention provides the following characteristics in addition to the first invention. The nuclear reactor is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, and the heating medium is steam generated through heat exchange with helium gas that is a coolant of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. 
     The petrochemical complex according to a fifth invention provides the following characteristics in addition to the first invention. The petrochemical complex includes a light-water reactor serving as the nuclear reactor; a steam turbine rotationally driven by use of steam generated through heat exchange with a light water that is a coolant of the light-water reactor; and a compressor connected to the steam turbine, and compressing and feeding a heat transfer gas. The petrochemical complex is also characterized in that the heating medium is the heat transfer gas compressed by, and fed from, the compressor. 
     The petrochemical complex according to a sixth invention provides the following characteristics in addition to the first invention. The petrochemical complex includes a fast-breeder reactor serving as the nuclear reactor; a steam turbine rotationally driven by use of steam generated through heat exchange with liquid sodium that is a coolant of the fast-breeder reactor; and a compressor connected to the steam turbine, and compressing and feeding a heat transfer gas. The petrochemical complex is also characterized in that the heating medium is the heat transfer gas compressed by, and fed from, the compressor. 
     The petrochemical complex according to a seventh invention provides the following characteristics in addition to the first invention. The petrochemical complex includes a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor serving as the nuclear reactor. The petrochemical complex is also characterized in that the heating medium is a heat transfer gas having exchanged heat with helium gas that is a coolant of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. 
     EFFECT OF THE INVENTION 
     In the petrochemical complex according to the present invention, the heating means is the reactor. For this reason, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used, in turn reducing the amount of consumption of crude oil, and concurrently to reduce the generation of carbon dioxide. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a petrochemical complex according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the petrochemical complex according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic configuration of an example of a conventional petrochemical complex. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, descriptions will be given of a petrochemical complex according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the petrochemical complex according to the present invention is not limited to embodiments to be described below. 
     First Embodiment 
     Descriptions will be given of a first embodiment of the petrochemical complex according to the present invention with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  shows a schematic configuration of the petrochemical complex. 
     In  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  101  denotes a low-temperature-range plant using heat in a low temperature range (approximately from 100° C. to 200° C.), reference numeral  102  denotes a medium-temperature-range plant using heat in a medium temperature range (approximately from 200° C. to 300° C.), and reference numeral  103  denotes a high-temperature-range plant using heat in a high temperature range (approximately from 300° C. to 1200° C.). These plants  101  to  103  are capable of producing a fuel and a petrochemical by applying heat to crude oil. 
     In addition, reference numeral  110  denotes a light-water reactor of a boiling water type or a pressurized water type. Reference numeral  111  denotes a first steam generator. The first steam generator  111  exchanges heat with light water  110   a  that is a coolant of the light-water reactor  110 , thus generating steam  1   a  serving as a heating medium. Reference numeral  112  denotes a second steam generator. The second steam generator  112  exchanges heat with the steam  1   a  generated in the first steam generator  111 , thus generating steam  2   a  serving as a heating medium. It should be noted that the first and second steam generators  111  and  112  constitute steam generating means in this embodiment. 
     The second steam generator  112  feeds the steam  2   a  to the medium-temperature-range plant  102  via a first pressure reducing device  113 , and concurrently to the low-temperature-range plant  101  via the first pressure reducing device  113  and a second pressure reducing device  114 . Moreover, the second steam generator  112  is capable of feeding the steam  2   a  also to a steam turbine  115 . 
     A compressor  116  and a power generator  117  are connected to the steam turbine  115 . The compressor  116  compresses a heat transfer gas  3  serving as a heating medium, and then feeds the compressed heat transfer gas  3  to the high-temperature-range plant  103 . Note that, in  FIG. 1 , each of reference numerals  1   b  and  2   b  denotes a condensate. 
     In such a petrochemical complex  100  according to this embodiment, when the light-water reactor  110  is activated, the light water  110   a  (of approximately 300° C.) serving as the coolant flows into the first steam generator  111 , so that the steam  1   a  (of approximately 300° C.) is generated. Subsequently, the steam  1   a  thus generated flows into the second steam generator  112 , so that the steam  2   a  (of approximately 300° C.) is generated. 
     The pressure of part of the steam  2   a  is adjusted by the first pressure reducing device  113 , so that the temperature of the part falls in a medium temperature range (approximately from 200° C. to 300° C.). Thereafter, the pressure of that part of the steam  2   a  is partially further adjusted by the second pressure reducing device  114 , so that the temperature of the part falls in a low temperature range (approximately from 100° C. to 200° C.). Thereafter, the part in the low temperature range is fed to the low-temperature-range plant  101  to be used as a heat source. 
     In addition, the rest of the steam  2   a  having the adjusted temperature in a medium temperature range (approximately from 200° C. to 300° C.) is fed to the medium-temperature-range plant  102  to be used as a heat source. 
     On the other hand, the rest of the steam  2   a  that is sent out from the second steam generator  112  is fed to the steam turbine  115 , thus causing the steam turbine  115  to rotate. The rotation of the steam turbine  115  drives the compressor  116 , and concurrently drives the power generator  117 . The heat transfer gas  3  is compressed by the driving of the compressor  116  to have a temperature in a high temperature range (approximately from 300° C. to 1200° C.). The heat transfer gas  3  is then fed to the high-temperature-range plant  103  to be used as a heat source. 
     Consequently, these above-described plants  101  to  103  produce a fuel and petrochemicals by applying heat to crude oil. 
     In short, the petrochemical complex  100  according to this embodiment is configured to produce a fuel and a petrochemical from crude oil by: firstly causing the light-weight reactor  111  of a boiling water type or a pressurized water type to generate heat; generating the steam  2   a  by use of the heat, and then feeding the steam  2   a  to the plants  101  and  102 ; and concurrently compressing and heating the heat transfer gas  3  by use of the steam  2   a , and then feeding the heat transfer gas  3  to the plant  103 . 
     In this way, in the petrochemical complex  100  according to this embodiment, when a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil, it is unnecessary to use the fuel thus produced. In other words, in the petrochemical complex  100 , crude oil can be used only as a material but not as a heat source. 
     As a result, the petrochemical complex  100  according to this embodiment makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used, in turn reducing the amount of consumption of crude oil (by approximately 20%), and concurrently to reduce the generation of carbon dioxide (by approximately 20%). 
     Second Embodiment 
     Descriptions will be given of a second embodiment of the petrochemical complex according to the present invention with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  shows a schematic configuration of the petrochemical complex. It should be noted that the same parts as those in the above-described first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the descriptions of the first embodiment, and that the same descriptions as those made in the first embodiment will thus be omitted. 
     In  FIG. 2 , reference numeral  210  denotes a fast-breeder reactor, while reference numerals  211  and  112  denote a first steam generator and a second steam generator, respectively. The first steam generator  211  exchanges heat with liquid sodium  210   a  (of approximately 500° C.) that is a coolant of the fast-breeder reactor  210 , thus generating steam  1  serving as a heating medium. The second steam generator  112  exchanges heat with the steam  1   a  generated in the first steam generator  211 , thus generating steam  2   a  serving as a heating medium. It should be noted that the first and second steam generators  211  and  112  constitute steam generating means in this embodiment. 
     The petrochemical complex  100  according to the above-described first embodiment employs the light-water reactor  111  of the boiling water type or the pressurized water type as the nuclear reactor. In the petrochemical complex  100 , firstly, heat is generated in the light-water reactor  111 . Then, the steam  2   a  is generated by use of the heat so as to be fed to the plants  101  and  102 . Concurrently, the heat transfer gas  3  is compressed and heated by used of the steam  2   a  so as to be fed to the plant  103 . In this way, a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil. On the other hand, a petrochemical complex  200  according to this embodiment employs the fast-breeder reactor  211  as the nuclear reactor. In the petrochemical complex  200 , firstly, heat is generated in the fast-breeder reactor  211 . Then, the steam  2   a  is generated by use of the heat so as to be fed to the plants  101  and  102 . Concurrently, the heat transfer gas  3  is compressed and heated by use of the steam  2   a  so as to be fed to the plant  103 . In this way, a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil. 
     Accordingly, in the petrochemical complex  200  according to this embodiment, when a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil, it is unnecessary to use the fuel thus produced, as in the case of the petrochemical complex  100  according to the above-described first embodiment. In other words, crude oil can be used only as a material but not as a heat source. 
     As a result, as in the case of the petrochemical complex  100  according to the above-described first embodiment, the petrochemical complex  200  according to this embodiment makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used, in turn reducing the amount of consumption of crude oil (by approximately 20%), and concurrently to reduce the generation of carbon dioxide (by approximately 20%). 
     Third Embodiment 
     Descriptions will be given of a third embodiment of the petrochemical complex according to the present invention with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  shows a schematic configuration of the petrochemical complex. It should be noted that the same parts as those in the above-described first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the descriptions of the first and second embodiments, and that the same descriptions as those made in the first and second embodiments will thus be omitted. 
     In  FIG. 3 , reference numeral  310  denotes a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, while reference numerals  311  and  112  denote a first steam generator and a second steam generator, respectively. The first steam generator  311  exchanges heat with helium gas  310   a  (of approximately 900° C.) that is a coolant of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor  310 , thus generating steam  1   a  serving as a heating medium. The second steam generator  112  exchanges heat with the steam  1   a  generated in the first steam generator  211 , thus generating steam  2   a  serving as a heating medium. It should be noted that the first and second steam generators  311  and  112  constitute steam generating means in this embodiment. 
     In addition, reference numeral  318  denotes a heat exchanger serving as heat exchanging means. The heat exchanger  318  causes heat transfer gas  3 , which is a heating medium, to exchange heat with the helium gas  310   a , which is the coolant of the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor  310 . The heat exchanger  318  then feeds the heat transfer gas  3  to the high-temperature-range plant  103 . 
     The petrochemical complexes  100  and  200  according respectively to the above-described first and second embodiments employ the light-water reactor  111  and the fast-breeder reactor  211  as the nuclear reactor. In each of the petrochemical complexes  100  and  200 , firstly, heat is generated in the corresponding one of the light-water reactor  111  and the fast-breeder reactor  211 . Then the steam  2   a  is generated by use of the heat so as to be fed to the plants  101  and  102 . Concurrently, the heat transfer gas  3  is compressed and heated by use of the steam  2   a  so as to be fed to the plant  103 . In this way, a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil. On the other hand, a petrochemical complex  300  according to this embodiment employs the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor  311  as the nuclear reactor. In the petrochemical complex  300 , firstly, heat is generated in the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor  311 . Then, the steam  2   a  is generated by use of the heat so as to be fed to the plants  101  and  102 . Concurrently, the heat transfer gas  3  is heated (heat-exchanged) by use of the heat so as to be fed to the plant  103 . In this way, a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil. 
     Accordingly, in the petrochemical complex  300  according to this embodiment, when a fuel and a petrochemical are produced from crude oil, it is unnecessary to use the fuel thus produced, as in the cases of the petrochemical complexes  100  and  200  according respectively to the above-described first and second embodiments. In other words, crude oil can be used only as a material but not as a heat source. 
     As a result, as in the cases of the petrochemical complexes  100  and  200  according respectively to the above-described first and second embodiments, the petrochemical complex  300  according to this embodiment makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used, in turn reducing the amount of consumption of crude oil (by approximately 20%), and concurrently to reduce the generation of carbon dioxide (by approximately 20%). 
     Other Embodiments 
     Note that, in the petrochemical complex  100  according to the above-described first embodiment, the steam generating means is constituted of the two steam generators  111  and  112  communicating serially with each other. However, as another embodiment, the steam generating means may be constituted of, for example, three steam generators caused to communicate serially with one another. Employing this configuration makes it possible to further secure the segregation from the light-water reactor  100 , and to thus further enhance the safety. 
     Moreover, in each of the petrochemical complexes  200  and  300  according respectively to the above-described second and third embodiments, the steam generating means is constituted of the two steam generators, that is, one of the generators  211  and  311 , as well as the generator  112 , caused to communicate serially with each other. However, as another embodiment, for example, when the segregation from the fast-breeder reactor  210  or the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor  310  is sufficient, the steam generating means may be constituted of a single steam generator. 
     Furthermore, in the petrochemical complex  300  according to the above-described third embodiment, the heat exchanging means is constituted of the single heat exchanger  318 . However, as another embodiment, the heat exchanging means may be constituted of, for example, two heat exchangers caused to communicate serially with each other. Employing this configuration makes it possible to further secure the segregation from the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor  310 , and to thus further enhance the safety. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The petrochemical complex according to the present invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of a petroleum fuel to be used, in turn reducing the amount of consumption of crude oil, and concurrently to reduce the generation of carbon dioxide. For this reason, it is industrially very beneficial to employ the present invention.