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INST 262 (DCS and Fieldbus), section 2 Lab Automatically ...

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Question 10<br />

“Wet” natural gas is mostly methane (CH4) mixed with significant amounts of heavier hydrocarbon<br />

species such as ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), <strong>and</strong> pentane (C5H12). A process for<br />

separating these heavier hydrocarbons from the chief component (methane) using compression <strong>and</strong> cooling<br />

is shown here:<br />

"Wet" natural gas<br />

(78% CH4) Filter<br />

M<br />

Compressor<br />

Cryogenic coolant loop<br />

PSV<br />

"Dry" natural gas<br />

(93% CH4) PIC<br />

115<br />

PG<br />

PT<br />

115<br />

Flash<br />

vessel<br />

LG<br />

LT<br />

108<br />

FIR<br />

110<br />

LIC<br />

108<br />

Liquid hydrocarbons<br />

Chilled gases enter the flash vessel, where methane rises <strong>and</strong> escapes in gaseous form, while all the other<br />

(heavier) hydrocarbon molecules condense into liquid <strong>and</strong> exit out the bottom.<br />

Suppose PT-115 is mis-calibrated, such that it falsely indicates a pressure lower than what is actually<br />

inside the flash vessel. How will this mis-calibration affect the control of flash vessel pressure? Will the<br />

operator be able to know anything is wrong by observing the <strong>DCS</strong> monitor screens for this process?<br />

Suggestions for Socratic discussion<br />

• Explain the purpose of the heat exchangers in this P&ID, especially the two exchanging heat between<br />

the incoming (compressed) gas <strong>and</strong> the products coming off the top <strong>and</strong> bottom of the flash vessel.<br />

• Identify <strong>and</strong> explain the purpose of the “PSV” valve in this diagram.<br />

file i03084<br />

30<br />

FT<br />

110

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