Whether the pressure at the booster end of the expander in the air separation equipment is normal needs to be comprehensively judged based on the equipment design parameters, operating conditions, and process flow.
The normal pressure range is that the outlet pressure of the booster end is usually 1.2 to 1.5 times the inlet pressure of the expander (refer to the equipment manual for details). The pressure needs to meet the intake requirements of subsequent sections to ensure stable operation of the system.
The actual pressure should be close to the design value, with a deviation of no more than ± 5%. If the pressure is too high, it may be caused by valve failure at the boosting end, blockage of the cooler, or an increase in system back pressure. Low pressure may be caused by wear of the turbocharger impeller, blockage of the inlet filter screen, or seal leakage. If the pressure fluctuates frequently, it is necessary to check whether the control system is sensitive. The outlet temperature of the booster end should be consistent with the design value. If the temperature is abnormal, it may be accompanied by abnormal pressure, and the cooling system or gas composition needs to be checked. The flow rate at the booster end should match the flow rate at the expansion end to avoid pressure fluctuations caused by flow imbalance. It can be verified by monitoring the data of inlet and outlet flow meters. If abnormal pressure is accompanied by increased vibration or abnormal noise, it may be a mechanical failure and the machine needs to be stopped immediately for inspection.
The normal pressure at the booster end of the expander needs to meet the design value range, stability requirements, and be coordinated with parameters such as temperature and flow rate. If any abnormalities occur, a comprehensive analysis should be conducted based on equipment historical data, process conditions, and mechanical status to promptly troubleshoot and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the air separation equipment.
