Technical innovation of exhaust steam recovery technology for periodic blowdown flash tank of natural gas purification unit

Author of the article:HU Haiguang1, MA Yongbo2

Author's Workplace：1. School of Finance and Economics, Chongqing Business Vocational College, Chongqing, 401331, China; 2. SINOPEC Dazhou Natural Gas Purification Co., Ltd., Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, China

Key Words：Purification facilities; Periodic blowdown flash tank; Exhaust steam recovery; Energy saving and consumption reduction; Technical innovation

Abstract：The periodic blowdown flash tank is the key equipment to separate water and steam from the boiler. It is widely used in the natural gas purification plant. A natural gas purification plant enters the late stage of production development, some of the purification equipment has aged, resulting in frequent steam leakage during routine production, leading to equipment corrosion and perforation, high energy consumption, impact on routine production and other problems. In order to solve the above actual production problems, this paper analyzed and compared the operation data of the periodic blowdown flash tank in the 6 trains of processing facilities in this plant. After the existing problems were identified, this paper proposed several technical innovation measures for periodic blowdown flash tank process, including upgrading or replacing some associated equipment and process flow scheme. Suggestions on materials upgrading, process parameters adjustment, routine management and control, etc. are given based on the research. The results show that after modification based on the technical innovation, the exhaust steam can be recovered and reused, and the circulating water can be reduced by about 110 t/d. The upgrades and modifications show significant impact on energy saving, and has good economic and social effect. This research result can be applied in similar purification facilities in the industry.