PRODUCTION • PROCESSING • HANDLING
of gas drying is possible. Te process is usually carried out at low flow rates by means of diaphragm pumps – at large quantities by means of plunger pumps – that are installed with tanks, piping and instrumentation, all the way to integrated chemical injection packages, exemplified by Lewa. Among other advantages, this has the benefit of being able to take the interactions between individual components into account in the course of an overall optimisation effort. Whereas the process planning is the
responsibility of the specific engineering company, it is the manufacturer who needs to undertake the detailed engineering in accordance with the tenders. Te difficulty here is to bring the often highly complex, necessary standards – for example, in relation to environmental protection and operating safety – into accord with the directives and laws that are applicable at the location of use, as well as with customer specifications. In most cases, engineering solutions must be found that diverge from customary solutions. For this purpose, Lewa employs engineers from various disciplines such as hydraulic systems engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, who contribute to the evolution with their expertise, thus being able to react with flexibility to the most diverse regional conditions.
KEEPING NEGATIVE INFLUENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AT A MINIMUM Most importantly, the harsh sea environment makes special designs necessary. Te extremely salty atmosphere makes the use of corrosion-protected materials essential. Tis is why the company uses materials such as stainless steels for production, in special cases also using duplex or super duplex stainless steels. Owing to the limited space available on an offshore oil rig, it is mandatory that all components such as the pump and fittings are designed to be as compact as possible while simultaneously being conveniently operable. Furthermore, the system should
have as little of a negative influence on life and work quality, as well as on the environment, as possible. Tis can be achieved by the reduction of noise emissions, which in some circumstances are carried on through structure-borne sound, as well as the reduction of vibrations. One customer desired an especially quiet package. For this purpose, Lewa carried out a corresponding study and searched for possibilities relating to acoustic decoupling. Finally, vibration mats in combination with noise hoods were used. As such, sound emission was lowered from 93dB to 75dB.
In addition, for the minimisation of pressure pulsations, the system was submitted to an evaluation in accordance with API 674 Approach 2.
PREVENTION OF LEAKS Since MEG is toxic, the highest requirements are placed on process safety and the absence of faults when handling the substance. For this reason, diaphragm pumps are especially well suited. Tey are hermetically tight and do not tend toward leakage. Occasionally, however, plunger pumps may be required if, for various reasons, diaphragm pumps cannot be employed or in the event of large flow rates. Tese are only able to be dynamically sealed by means of packings, which is why special precautions need to be taken in such cases to prevent leaks. For example, in having built a system in accordance with the EU Pressure Equipment Directive (DGRL) for one customer in particular, the company deployed a special leak monitoring system alongside a leakage pan together with outlet drainage in a closed drain system: since commercially available flow meters reach their limits in quantities that are so relatively small, the manufacturer determined it was better to go with measurement using radar. A reduction in maintenance effort also contributes to an increase in process safety. Tis is why Lewa skids are fully automatic and mechanically redundant, designed for very long operational durations while featuring a fully monitored leakage system. Moreover, high-quality fittings and instruments provide support. Some of these have self-diagnostic systems available. Tus, work that is necessary is reduced to a minimum. Due to the wide variety of
requirements – both those stipulated by the client and those laid down by law – Lewa relies on detailed planning and administration by its project management department, which, for example, takes over administrative tasks such as the coordination of subcontractors, progress supervision as well as documentation for the oil and gas industry.
Lewa’s chemical injection package enables MEG injection for extraordinary requirements on vibrations and noise emissions
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www.engineerlive.com
Yves Marinoff is with Lewa.
www.lewa.com
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