The expander temperature of air separation equipment is lower than the liquefaction point, which is a very dangerous hazard during the operation of equipment and will cause great hazards to equipment safety, system stability and production benefits. Therefore, high vigilance and strict prevention and control are required.
When the expander temperature is lower than the liquefaction point, the gas will condense instantaneously to generate droplets. These droplets impact the impeller, blade and other core rotating parts with the high-speed airflow, which will cause blade wear, crack or even fracture, directly destroying the dynamic balance of the rotor and causing violent vibration of the unit. Such faults will cause the equipment to be shut down for maintenance, affect the production progress, and even cause the expander to be scrapped, resulting in huge economic losses.
At the same time, low temperature droplets will damage the bearing lubrication system, reduce the lubrication effect, increase the wear of seals, and then cause air leakage, resulting in a sudden drop in refrigeration efficiency, directly affecting the stable operation of the entire air separation system. In addition, low temperature droplets will cause low temperature embrittlement to equipment pipelines and valves, reduce component strength, and increase the probability of leakage, rupture and other safety accidents.
Therefore, during the operation of air separation equipment, the outlet temperature of expander must be strictly monitored, operation with liquid shall be avoided, and temperature control shall be well performed to ensure safe, stable and long-term operation of equipment and avoid various safety hazards and economic losses.
