Patent ID: 12197199

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, or to particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods and systems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methods and systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIG.2is a simplified block diagram of a process for producing ethylene. In the process shown inFIG.2, there are typically 3-5 individual stages of compression in the ethylene unit (depends on unit design). The simplified block diagram (FIG.2) illustrates a few stages of compression before the acid gas/caustic tower and a few stages of compression following.

FIG.3is a process flow diagram of an exemplary process gas compressor. This illustration shows a common five-stage compression design layout for an ethylene unit. It shows four stages of compression before the acid gas/caustic towers and a fifth stage of compression following. The process gas flowing through the compressor is being compressed thought each stage—the initial inlet pressure at stage1would be approximately 6-10 psi and at the exit of the final stage of compression the gas would be approximately 550-600 psi.

FIG.4is a simplified diagram of a system for monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor400used in a production environment. Generally, the process gas compressor400will have from three to five separate compression stages. In the system ofFIG.4, data related to the process gas compressor400is measured and collected by a control and/or monitoring system402. The control/monitoring system402includes at least a processor and a memory in communication with the processor (as described in greater detail herein). There are hundreds of measurements that are being taken from the entire process gas compressor system. These measurements include but are not limited to: pressures and temperatures on the inlet and outlet of each stage; mass or volumetric gas flow rates; inboard and outboard radial vibrations, bearing temperatures and axial movement measurements from each compressor and turbine rotor; interstage cooler pressures, temperatures and delta pressure; liquid level control measurements for each interstage knockout; steam flow rates; cooling water flows and temperatures; turbine and rotor speeds; gas composition and molecular weight (which has to be calculated or simulated—it depends on the plant's available tools of measurement).

At least a portion of the data measured and collected by the control/monitoring system is stored in a data historian404. The data historian comprises at least a memory that is accessible by the control/monitoring system402. At least a portion of the measured and collected data stored in the data historian404is retrieved by a device406having at least a processor. In some instances, the processor of the device404may be the same processor as used by the control/monitoring system402. The device406uses its processor to perform calculations for key performance indicators (KPIs) and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor and its associated auxiliary equipment (steam turbine, surface condenser and the interstage coolers and condensation drums)400using the retrieved measured and collected data. The KPIs and diagnostic outputs are calculated for thermodynamic performance, rotor dynamics and system performance ratios408associated with the process gas compressor400. Polytropic efficiency of the process gas compressor400is one KPI. Additional KPIs include but are not limited to compression ratio, discharge temperature, temperature rise, volumetric flow, head, radial vibration, axial movement, bearing temperatures, rotor speed, delta pressure, steam flow, vacuum pressure, approach temperature, additive dosages and the like.

Generally, the control/monitoring system402also monitors and maintains operation, performance and reliability of the associated auxiliary equipment408and is used to measure and collect data related to the auxiliary equipment408associated with the process gas compressor400. KPIs and diagnostic outputs associated with the auxiliary equipment408may include one or more of pressure differential across piping, status and performance of interstage coolers, status and performance of exchangers and knock-out drums, key performance ratios, approach temperatures, horsepower trends, and the like.

The device406then compares the calculated KPIs and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor to design and setpoint limits. This may be performed using one or both of retrieved measured and collected data (retrieved from the data historian404) and real-time data as it is measured by the control/monitoring system402. Generally, comparing the calculated KPIs and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor to design and setpoint limits includes comparing the calculated KPIs and diagnostic outputs for the associated auxiliary equipment408. The comparison is used to perform at least one of treatment, continued monitoring, reporting, communication and modeling of the process gas compressor based on the comparisons. This may include performing at least one of treatment, continued monitoring, reporting, communication and modeling for the associated auxiliary equipment based on the comparisons. In some instances, the result of the comparison comprises injecting an additive into the processes gas compressor400based on the comparison. For example, the additive may be one or more of wash oil, boiler feed water, antipolymerant and surface modifier. In some instances, the device406may cause the additive to automatically be injected into the processes gas compressor400. The device406may also automatically determine the type or types of additive to inject and/or the amount to inject.

In some instances, when the device406calculates the KPIs and diagnostic outputs for thermodynamic performance, rotor dynamics and system performance ratios associated with the process gas compressor400, this may include thermodynamic trends and performance plots, mechanical and rotor dynamics trends for the process gas compressor and the auxiliary equipment.

In some instances, the process gas compressor400comprises a turbine section and a compressor section, and the mechanical and rotor dynamics calculated by the device406for the process gas compressor400include mechanical and rotor dynamics for each of the compressor section and the turbine section.

Advantageously, performing treatment based on the comparisons comprises providing versatile treatment recommendations specifically designed to meet a customer's reliability and performance expectations. It is also to be appreciated that in some instances a customer's available equipment measurement data source/historian can be used to define the KPIs for the thermodynamic performance, rotor dynamics and auxiliary equipment associated with the process gas compressor400.

In some instances, performance reporting of the process gas compressor based on the comparisons comprises providing standardized service reports/monitoring/communication on a periodic basis. For example, the reports may be provided weekly or any other periodic basis. Performing communication of the process gas compressor based on the comparisons may comprise providing periodic service reports and coordinated periodic performance team discussion to ensure performance expectations are met. For example, the periodic service reports may be provided on a weekly basis and the coordinated periodic performance team discussions may occur on a quarterly basis. In some instances, performance modeling of the process gas compressor based on the comparisons comprises determining polytropic efficiency of the process gas compressor corrected for boiler feedwater injection, creating performance expectation models for feed slate changes and determining real-time compressibility factor (k-factor).

FIG.5is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor and its auxiliary equipment used in a production environment. At step502, data related to a process gas compressor400and its auxiliary equipment408is measured and collected. Generally, the data is measured and collected by a control/monitoring system402. At least a portion of the measured and collected data is stored in a data historian404. At504, at least a portion of the measured and collected data stored in the data historian is retrieved. At506, a processor is used to perform calculations for key performance indicators (KPIs) and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor and its auxiliary equipment using the retrieved measured and collected data. The KPIs and diagnostic outputs are defined for thermodynamic performance, rotor dynamics and system performance ratios associated with the process gas compressor and its associated auxiliary equipment (steam turbine, surface condenser, interstage coolers and condensation drums, and the like). At508, the calculated KPIs and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor and its auxiliary equipment are compared to design and setpoint limits. And, at510, at least one of treatment, continued monitoring, reporting, communication and modeling of the process gas compressor ad its auxiliary equipment are performed based on the comparisons. The described method may be implemented on a computing device comprising at least a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. For example, computing device406. It is also to be appreciated that the method can be implemented using a computer program product comprised of a non-transitory computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon.

FIG.6is an overview illustration that shows the steps of asset measurement, data acquisition, data modeling (calculation of KPIs and diagnostic outputs), and comparison of calculations versus design and performance limits for a process gas compressor. Exemplary outputs of rotor dynamics reports and performance reports are shown. Also illustrated are remote access capabilities and alerts/notifications that can be created by the system for monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment.

The system has been described above as comprised of units. One skilled in the art will appreciate that this is a functional description and that the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A unit can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The units can comprise software for monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment. In one exemplary aspect, the units can comprise a processing device that comprises a processor721as illustrated inFIG.7and described below.

FIG.7is an exemplary computing device700that can comprise all or a part of the control/monitoring system or can comprise a separate computing device used to implement aspects of the method of monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment. In various aspects, the processing device ofFIG.7may comprise all or a portion of the device406and/or monitoring/control system402. As used herein, “processing device” may include a plurality of processing devices. The processing device710may include one or more hardware components such as, for example, a processor721, a random-access memory (RAM) module722, a read-only memory (ROM) module723, a storage724, a database725, one or more input/output (I/O) devices726, and an interface727. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the computing device700may include one or more software components such as, for example, a computer-readable medium including computer executable instructions for performing a method associated with the exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that one or more of the hardware components listed above may be implemented using software. For example, storage724may include a software partition associated with one or more other hardware components. It is understood that the components listed above are exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

Processor721may include one or more processors, each configured to execute instructions and process data to perform one or more functions associated with a processing device for monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment. Processor721may be communicatively coupled to RAM722, ROM723, storage724, database725, I/O devices726, and interface727. Processor721may be configured to execute sequences of computer program instructions to perform various processes. The computer program instructions may be loaded into RAM722for execution by processor721.

RAM722and ROM723may each include one or more devices for storing information associated with operation of processor721. For example, ROM723may include a memory device configured to access and store information associated with computing device700, including information for identifying, initializing, and monitoring the operation of one or more components and subsystems. RAM722may include a memory device for storing data associated with one or more operations of processor721. For example, ROM723may load instructions into RAM722for execution by processor721.

Storage724may include any type of mass storage device configured to store information that processor721may need to perform processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, storage724may include one or more magnetic and/or optical disk devices, such as hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, or any other type of mass media device.

Database725may include one or more software and/or hardware components that cooperate to store, organize, sort, filter, and/or arrange data used by computing device700and/or processor721. For example, database725may store an algorithm for monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment. Database725may also store information associated with a method of monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment, comprising retrieving at least a portion of measured and collected data associated with a process gas compressor; performing calculations for key performance indicators (KPIs) and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor using the retrieved measured and collected data; comparing the calculated KPIs and diagnostic outputs for the process gas compressor to design and setpoint limits; and performing at least one of treatment, continued monitoring, reporting, communication and modeling of the process gas compressor based on the comparisons. It is contemplated that database725may store additional and/or different information than that listed above.

I/O devices726may include one or more components configured to communicate information with a user associated with computing device700. For example, I/O devices may include a console with an integrated keyboard and mouse to allow a user to maintain an algorithm for monitoring and maintaining operation, performance and reliability of a process gas compressor used in a production environment, and the like. I/O devices726may also include a display including a graphical user interface (GUI) for outputting information on a monitor. I/O devices726may also include peripheral devices such as, for example, a printer for printing information associated with computing device700, a user-accessible disk drive (e.g., a USB port, a floppy, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM drive, etc.) to allow a user to input data stored on a portable media device, a microphone, a speaker system, or any other suitable type of interface device.

Interface727may include one or more components configured to transmit and receive data via a communication network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a workstation peer-to-peer network, a direct link network, a wireless network, or any other suitable communication platform. For example, interface727may include one or more modulators, demodulators, multiplexers, demultiplexers, network communication devices, wireless devices, antennas, modems, and any other type of device configured to enable data communication via a communication network.

As noted above, the device406is used to create standardized service reports/monitoring/communication on a periodic basis.FIGS.8A-8Qare examples of such reports. The report illustrated inFIGS.8A-8Qhelp to simplify and standardize the vast sea of raw data from the process gas compressor and its associated auxiliary equipment (steam turbine, surface condenser, interstage coolers and condensation drums, and the like). The raw data is translated into numerical key performance indicators (KPIs) which can be graphically trended as health insights and performance relevant information trends. The report helps to distinguish between an anticipated performance pattern and an uncharacteristic condition. In some instances, uncharacteristic conditions noted in the report are reviewed and communicated by qualified engineering experts. In summary, the generated report, reviewed by a qualified expert, can systematically analyze the health of the process gas compressor and its auxiliary equipment, reducing unplanned downtime while improving asset productivity and performance.

It is to be appreciated that while the above methods, systems and computer program products generally focus on the production of ethylene, these methods, systems and computer program products can also be applied and utilized in other production environments including oil and gas production and processing; oil refining; industrial gas production; and the like.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications may be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which the methods and systems pertain.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.