IN A HERMETICALLY-SEALED CASING

Background

[0001] In the field of synthetic ammonia production, working fluids, such as ammonia, are often brought to high temperatures and pressures during the production process. Instead of wasting the potential energy exhibited by such working fluids at these pressures, it is clearly beneficial to capture that energy and generate power therefrom. As can be appreciated, generating power onsite will serve to offset energy costs that would otherwise be expended on power derived from the power grid.

[0002] While various power generating devices are known, there is always a need for improved power generating devices for use in various chemical production processes.

Summary

[0003] Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an expander-generator. The expander- generator may include a hermetically-sealed housing having a shaft disposed therein, the shaft having a free end and extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing. The expander-generator may further include a high pressure expander section disposed about the shaft and configured to receive and expand a working fluid and discharge the working fluid via a high pressure discharge defined within the housing, and a low pressure expander section axially-offset from the high pressure expander section and in fluid communication with the high pressure expander section via the high pressure discharge, wherein the low pressure expander is configured to receive and further expand the working fluid derived from the high pressure discharge. The expander generator may also include a generator coupled to the free end of the shaft, wherein the working fluid is expanded to rotate the shaft and thereby generate useful work for the generator.

[0004] Embodiments of the disclosure may further provide a method of expanding a fluid. The method may include introducing a working fluid into a high pressure expander section disposed within a hermetically-sealed housing, the housing having a shaft disposed therein, and expanding the working fluid in the high pressure expander section and thereby providing torque rotation to the shaft. The method may further include discharging the working fluid from the high pressure expander section and introducing the working fluid into a low pressure expander section axially-offset from the high pressure expander section, and expanding the working fluid in the low pressure expander section thereby providing further torque rotation to the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft generates useful work for a generator coupled to a free end of the shaft.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary expander-generator, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary expander-generator of Figure 1 .

[0008] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary radial expander wheel, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

[0009] Figure 4 illustrates an enthalpy versus entropy diagram generally depicting the expansion process of a working fluid, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

Detailed Description

[0010] It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0011] Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term "or" is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless otherwise expressly specified herein.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary expander-generator 1 00, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 1 provides an isometric view of the expander- generator 100, and Figure 2 illustrates a corresponding side view thereof. As depicted, the expander-generator 100 may include a high pressure expander section 102 and a low pressure expander section 104, each being disposed within a hermetically-sealed casing or housing 101 . While only the lower half of the housing 101 shown in Figure 1 , it will be appreciated that the housing 1 01 also includes an upper half (not shown), and together the upper and lower halves of the housing 1 01 hermetically-seal the contents disposed therein so that a process gas or working fluid is substantially contained therein.

[0013] As illustrated, the expander sections 1 02, 104 may be arranged in a back-to-back configuration. In other embodiments, however, the expander sections 102, 1 04 may be arranged successively (one after another along a shaft axis) without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Each expander section 1 02, 1 04 may be coupled to a rotatable shaft 1 06 that extends substantially the whole length of the housing 101 and rotates about a central axis X. The shaft 1 06 may have a free end 1 05 to which a generator 1 07 or the like may be coupled in order to convert any rotational motion of the shaft 1 06 into useful work, as will be described below.

[0014] Referring to Figure 2, a balance piston 108 may be disposed on the shaft 1 06 and interposed between the high pressure expander section 102 and the low pressure expander section 1 04. As will be discussed in more detail below, embodiments employing a back-to-back configuration may be able to employ a balance piston 108 of reduced size since the balance piston 1 08 will not be required to counteract as much axial thrust commonly found in successively arranged expansion sections.

[0015] The shaft 1 06 may be supported at least at each end with one or more radial bearings 1 1 0. Each radial bearing 1 10 may be directly or indirectly supported by the housing 1 01 , and in turn provide support to the shaft 106. In one embodiment, the bearings 1 10 may be magnetic bearings, such as active or passive magnetic bearings. In other embodiments, however, other types of bearings 1 1 0 may be used, such as, but not limited to, roller bearings, ball bearings, needle bearings, or any combination thereof. In addition, at least one axial thrust bearing (not shown) may also be disposed about the shaft 1 06 and in combination with the radial bearing 1 10 disposed at the free end 1 05 of the shaft 1 06. The axial thrust bearing may also be of the magnetic-type and be configured to at least partially bear axial thrusts generated by the expander sections 102, 104. In other embodiments of the disclosure, any number of bearings may be positioned along the shaft 1 06 to support the expander components (individually or in groups) in a center hung-type configuration.

[0016] The expander-generator 1 00 may also include one or more seals 1 12 or seal arrangements disposed about the shaft 106 at or near each end of the shaft 1 06, and located inboard of the radial bearings 1 1 0. In at least one embodiment, each seal 1 1 2 includes a tandem dry gas seal having an intermediate labyrinth seal disposed between each dry gas seal. Exemplary dry gas seals can be found in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,1 31 ,91 3; 6,267,382; 6,347,800; 6,601 ,854; 6,916,022, the contents of which are each hereby incorporated by reference to the extent these disclosures are consistent with the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the seals 1 12 may be buffer seals, such as brush seals or oil damper seals.

[0017] The housing 1 01 may provide both support and protection for the expander sections 1 02, 104, shaft 1 06, balance piston 1 08, bearings 1 1 0, and seals 1 1 2. Consequently, each of these components shares the same pressure-containing casing. In one embodiment, the components housed within the housing 1 01 may be configured as a modular bundle assembly or cartridge generally used in the DATUM® product line of compressors commercially-available from Dresser-Rand Company. The cartridge in the present disclosure may further include the diaphragms and other stationary flow path components, bearings, seals, and instrumentation required to operate the expander-generator 1 00. At least one advantage to this configuration is that the cartridge can be completely pre- assembled outside of the housing 1 01 , and subsequently installed into the housing 101 as a complete assembly and sealed therein. Moreover, the cartridge can be removed from the housing 1 01 in the same way, thereby dramatically reducing turnaround times for maintenance operations.

[0018] Referring again to both Figures 1 and 2, the high and low pressure expander sections 102, 104 may each include at least one radial expander wheel followed by a series of axial expansion stages. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the high pressure expander section 1 02 includes a high pressure radial expander 202 followed by, or otherwise axially-offset from, two axial expansion stages 204a and 204b. Moreover, the low pressure expander section 104 may include a low pressure radial expander 206 followed by, or otherwise axially-offset from, four axial expansion stages 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d. As will be appreciated, the number of axial expansion stages 204a, b, 208a-d may be varied to accommodate varying applications of the expander-generator 100. For example, the number of axial expansion stages 204a, b, 208a-d may be increased or decreased to accommodate varying working fluid characteristics and/or conditions, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. [0019] In operation, a working fluid at an elevated pressure and temperature is introduced into the expander-generator 1 00 via a high-pressure scroll or inlet 21 0 defined within the housing 101 . In one embodiment, the working fluid may be an ammonia gas (NH ₃ ) derived from a synthetic ammonia production process. In other embodiments, however, the working fluid may include any compressible fluid such as, but in nowise limited to, air, C0 ₂ , N ₂ , H ₂ S, natural gas, methane, ethane, propane, i-C ₄ , n-C ₄ , i-C ₅ , n-C ₅ , and/or combinations thereof.

[0020] The high pressure inlet 210 may be designed to accelerate the working fluid and swirl the working fluid before it enters the high pressure radial expander 202. Imparting swirl to the working fluid may allow the design of the nozzle vanes 302 (Figure 3) of the high pressure radial expander 202 to include a minimal degree of turning, thereby generating minimal losses while the working fluid expands within the body of the high pressure radial expander 202.

[0021] Referring briefly to Figure 3, illustrated is an exemplary radial expander wheel 300, such as, for example, either the high or low pressure radial expanders 202, 206 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The radial expander wheel 300 is designed to have a working fluid enter radially, as shown by arrow A. The general flow of the working fluid may then be redirected by the nozzle vanes 302 and exit therefrom in a predominantly axial direction, corresponding to the central axis X of the shaft 1 06. As the working fluid passes through the radial expander wheel 300 it expands, thereby causing the shaft 1 06 to rotate and produce work.

[0022] With reference again to Figures 1 and 2, after passing through the high pressure radial expander 202, the working fluid is directed into the axial expansion stages 204a, b of the high pressure expander section 1 02 where it further expands and provides additional rotation force to the shaft 106. Each expansion stage 204a, b may include a stationary set of stator vanes axially-spaced from a corresponding set of rotating rotor blades. The stator vanes may be mounted to or otherwise disposed within the housing 1 01 . The rotor blades may be a circular moving blade set symmetrically-mounted radially about the shaft 1 06.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the stator vanes and rotor blades may be complimentarily profiled so that the working fluid expands tangentially with respect to the rotor blades as it moves through each stage 204a, b. Accordingly, both the static and rotating airfoils may be designed for maximum aerodynamic performance. As can be appreciated, such smooth fluid flow may serve to minimize the acoustic signature of the expander-generator 100 and increase its efficiency. Exemplary profiling of the stator vanes and rotor blades is disclosed in co-owned and co-pending U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 1 2/472,590, entitled "System and Method to Reduce Acoustic Signature Using Profiled Stage Design," the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

[0024] The working fluid exits the high pressure expander section 102 via a high pressure discharge 212 fluidly coupled to the last expansion stage 204b. The working fluid generally exits at a lowered temperature and pressure as compared to the temperature and pressure at the high pressure inlet 210. In one embodiment, the high pressure discharge 21 2 feeds the working fluid to a heat exchanger 214 (Figure 2) fluidly coupled thereto. The heat exchanger 21 4 may be adapted to increase the temperature of the working fluid before injecting it into the low pressure expander section 104 via a low pressure scroll or inlet 21 6 defined within the housing 1 01 . Moreover, the heat exchanger 21 4 may be configured to remove any condensed liquids (if any) resulting from the cooling and depressurization of the working fluid in the high pressure expander section 1 02. In other embodiments, however, the heat exchanger 21 4 may be omitted and the high pressure discharge 21 2 may instead be fluidly coupled directly to the low pressure inlet 216.

[0025] The low pressure inlet 21 6 is in fluid communication with the low pressure radial expander 206 and thereby feeds the working fluid derived from the high pressure expander section 102 to the low pressure radial expander 206. The general design of the low pressure radial expander 206 may be substantially similar to the radial expander wheel 300 described above with reference to Figure 3. Consequently, the low pressure radial expander 206 will not be described in detail, and instead reference should be made to the disclosure above. Furthermore, the axial expansion stages 208a-d axially-spaced from and directly following the low pressure radial expander 206 may be substantially similar to the axial expansion stages 204a, b, as generally described above. Consequently, the axial expansion stages 208a-d will also not be described in detail, and instead reference should be made to the disclosure above. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, to accommodate the lower pressures of the working fluid derived from the high pressure discharge 21 2, the general dimensions and sizing of the low pressure radial expander 206 and accompanying axial expansion stages 208a-d may be larger than the high pressure radial expander 202 and accompanying axial expansion stages 204a, b.

[0026] As the working fluid courses through the low pressure radial expander 206 and accompanying subsequent axial expansion stages 208a-d generally along the central axis X, the working fluid expands even further and thereby provides added torque to the shaft 1 06 which produces additional work. The spent working fluid may then be discharged from the housing via the low pressure discharge 21 8 which is in fluid communication with the last axial stage 208d.

[0027] In order to generate power, the free end 1 05 of the shaft 106 may be coupled to a generator 1 07 (Figure 2) or the like. In at least one embodiment, the generator 1 07 may be an asynchronous electricity generator capable of providing electricity to surrounding applications or even inputting power back into the national power grid. In other embodiments, the generator 107 may be replaced with a compressor or a pump to provide useful work thereto.

[0028] Having the high and low pressure sections 102, 1 04 in a back-to-back configuration, as generally depicted in Figures 1 and 2, may serve to minimize the overall thrust forces sustained by the shaft 1 06. Consequently, a balance piston 108 of a reduced size may be employed, thereby allowing the shaft 1 06 to be shorter which will reduce the overall weight of the shaft 106. As can be appreciated, a lighter shaft 106 may be able to rotate more freely and thereby provide a more efficient expander-generator 1 00.

[0029] Referring now to Figure 4, with continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, exemplary data derived from operating the expander-generator 100 using ammonia as the working fluid is shown. Specifically, Figure 4 illustrates an enthalpy versus entropy diagram that generally depicts the expansion process of the ammonia working fluid as it courses through the expander-generator 1 00 generally described herein. The data line 402 represents the expansion of the ammonia in the high pressure expansion section 1 02 (Figure 1 ), and the data line 404 represents the further expansion of the ammonia in the low pressure expansion section 104. It will be appreciated that the data reported and shown in Figure 4 is merely by way of example and should not be taken as universal data for all types of working fluids. [0030] A saturated liquid line 401 is also depicted in Figure 4 and corresponds to the saturated liquid states of the particular working fluid, in this case ammonia. Working fluid existing above the saturated liquid line 401 exists substantially as a gas, and working fluid existing below the saturated liquid line 401 exists substantially as a liquid. Embodiments contemplated herein include maintaining the working fluid above the saturated liquid line 401 throughout the expansion process of the working fluid. As will be appreciated, maintaining the working fluid in gaseous form may increase the efficiency of the expander- generator 1 00 and minimize corrosive or erosive effects that liquids may have on the rotating and stationary airfoils.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the ammonia working fluid may be introduced into the high pressure expansion section 1 02 via the high pressure inlet 21 0 (Figures 1 and 2) at a temperature of about 190°C or otherwise a temperature ranging from about 1 80°C to about 210°C, as shown at point 406. The ammonia may further be introduced at a pressure of about 202 bar or otherwise a pressure ranging from about 1 90 bar to about 210 bar, also represented at point 406. As the ammonia expands across the high pressure radial expander 202, its enthalpy decreases while its entropy remains constant, as shown at 408. A similar effect is assumed by the ammonia as it expands across each high pressure expander stage 204a, b, respectively represented at 410 and 412. The working fluid exits the high pressure expansion section 102, 402 having a pressure of about 99 bar, as shown at point 41 4.

[0032] The embodiment depicted in Figure 4 employs a heat exchanger 214, as generally described above with reference to Figure 2. The heat exchanger 21 4 reheats the working fluid to a temperature of about 190°C or a temperature ranging from about 1 80°C to about 210°C, thereby increasing both its enthalpy and entropy, as generally shown at point 416. The pressure of the ammonia remains relatively unchanged and may be about 98 bar, as also represented at point 41 6. As the ammonia expands across the low pressure radial expander 206, its enthalpy decreases while its entropy remains constant, as shown at 41 8. A similar effect is assumed by the ammonia as it expands across each high pressure expander stage 208a-d, respectively represented at 420, 422, 424, and 426. The working fluid exits the low pressure expansion section 1 04, 404 having a pressure of about 21 bar, as shown at point 428. [0033] As used herein, "about" refers to a degree of deviation based on experimental error typical for the particular property identified. The latitude provided the term "about" will depend on the specific context and particular property and can be readily discerned by those skilled in the art. The term "about" is not intended to either expand or limit the degree of equivalents which may otherwise be afforded a particular value. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term "about" shall expressly include "exactly," consistent with the discussion below regarding ranges and numerical data.

[0034] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.