I am involved in a Project in U.K for converting the existing R22 based Refrigeration system to R507 Refrigeration system for the Refrigerated LPG Plant.(RLPG).
EU regulation 2037/2000 on substances which deplete the ozone layer sets a timetable for the phase out of all hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) gases such that from 1st January 2010, only recycled or reclaimed HCFC gases may be used as make-up to maintain refrigerant levels in such system. Complete prohibition on use of all CFC gases comes into force from 2015. Therefore the project is driven by the need to make provision for future operations beyond 2015.
The brief process description is as below:
The R507 will be used in a closed loop refrigeration cycle to provide the required chilling duty to operate the RLPG facility in a similar way to current operations.
The refrigeration package consists of refrigerant compressors, chillers for removing heat from the process streams and air condensers for rejecting heat from the refrigerant to the environment.
Vaporised refrigerant from the butane and propane chillers is returned to the refrigeration package where it is compressed to 21 barg. The compression process is split into two sections, LP compression and MP compression. The vapour returns from the “low temperature” chillers will enter the LP compression section while the vapour returns from the “high temperature” chillers plus LP compression discharge will enter MP compression. At this stage, it is unknown whether the LP and HP compression stages can be incorporated into a single compressor casing or whether they require separate compressor casings.
The superheated compressed refrigerant vapour is condensed to a saturated liquid at 45 °C using a non-evaporative air cooler.
Questions:
- What would be the best option for the chillers say Shell and tube or Plate heat exchangers from the Energy efficiency point of view?
- Any experience with R 507 refrigeration for the Process industry?
Regards
Edited by Art Montemayor, 23 July 2012 - 01:49 PM.