1

Putting it all together: Operations

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Single Turboexpander Process Train

Low Pressure
Separator

Cold Separator
 3

Starting a Turboexpander
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Process Train Stable on J.T. Valve

X Low Pressure
X X X Separator

X
Blocked In
Cold Separator

To Re-compressor
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Expander ESDV and all manual

block valves verified closed...

X Low Pressure
X X X Separator

X
Blocked In
Cold Separator

To Re-compressor
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Confirm Surge Control Valve is

fully open…
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Use seal gas to

pressurize all housings
and piping out to the
respective block
valves...
 8

DO NOT EXCEED A RATE OF

50psi per minute!

Do not exceed
a differential
of 50 psid
across the
machine!
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This entire loop will be pressurized using

the seal gas inlet flow…
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Monitor all housings as pressure builds...

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When system pressure

equals expander
discharge, or
compressor suction
pressure, open those
block valves...
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Set Seal Gas Regulator

for AUTOMATIC
operation; confirm seal
gas ALARM is cleared.
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Start the Lube Oil

System...
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NOTE: Lube oil

pumps will not start
until seal gas ALARM
is cleared!
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The Lube Oil System...

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Open pressure regulator by-pass;

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Place Pump #1 in “Manual”

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Place Pump #2 in “Auto”

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Slowly close regulator by-pass; confirm

Low-L.O. Differential Alarm clears
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Close By-pass..
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Turn Pump “B” to Off, then back to

“Auto”/”Standby”
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Drain Housings...
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Open all manual block valves;
Expander ESDV remains closed...
To Re-compressor

O Low Pressure
XO O Separator

O
Cold Separator
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In coordination with
Control Room Personnel,
start Turboexpander by
pressing “START”...
Expander inlet ESDV opens; shaft 25

begins to rotate...
To Re-compressor

O Low Pressure
O O O Separator

O
Cold Separator
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Turboexpander/Compressor
Operation TRIP

Expander Quick Closing Valve

Expander Inlet Guide Vanes

• Split Range with J-T

valve
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As IGV’s open, J.T. Valve

will close. As control
signals cross - J.T.
Decreasing, IGV’s
increasing - switch IGV
controller to “Automatic”
 13,000 RPM 28

Speed increases…
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Exp. Discharge Temp decreases… -80° F

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Compressor discharge Pressure
increases…

550 psi
 13,000 RPM 31

550 psi

-80° F
Four-to-five hours to stabilize plant
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Monitor:
1. Seal Gas Pressure Diff.
2. Lube Oil Parameters
3. Vibration Levels
4. Bearing Temperatures
 33

Safety, Safety, Safety!

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