Hydrogen-Rich Compressor Packages for Refinery Applications

Project Overview

Clauger-Technofrigo, formerly GEA Refrigeration Italy S.p.A, was selected by a Major Oil & Gas Licensor to supply and design tail gas packages. These units are part of their Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology of a refinery in the Caspian Sea Region. The PSA technology supplies high-quality hydrogen for the modernization of the Refinery. Pure hydrogen is essential to the refining process. It is used to decontaminate oil and facilitate catalytic processes that produce clean-burning fuels, including those that meet Euro V standards for vehicle emissions.

The PSA technology supports the growing domestic demand for transportation fuels (Euro V standards) in the Caspian Sea Region. Hydrogen technology is a key element of the modernization program of the refinery, ensuring it remains among the most advanced in the region. This project ensured environmentally conscience operations, protecting the quality of life in Azerbaijan.

The modernization enables the refinery to process 7.5 million metric tons per annum of crude oil blended from local sources. Hydrogen is key in the refining process. It is a byproduct of refining and intentionally produced from a steam methane reformer. PSA technology purifies the hydrogen so it can be recycled and reused in the refinery’s operations. PSA technology removes impurities and performs catalytic processes that transform crude oil into clean fuels and other products.

Tail Gas Treatment

The purpose of these tail gas compression units is to receive the tail gas from the PSA System and stabilize the discharged pressure. The received gas is compressed up to 6.7 bar (g) and then cooled down to 40°C in the after cooler before it is returned into the system.

These units are designed using an oil-flooded screw compressor. The oil is separated from the tail gas into two oil separators (main and final) to deliver the gas with less than 1 ppm of oil content.

Oil-flooded screw compressors are lubricated using an oil circuit. The oil circuit comprises two oil pumps (one in standby), a pressure control valve for constant oil pressure, and an electro-pneumatic three-way control valve to maintain the oil flow at a fixed temperature. The oil circuit also includes two oil coolers (one in standby) with a common inlet and outlet line for the water cooling system. The high temperature oil is discharged and then recovered by the oil separator. It is then cooled by using cooling water as a medium.

All vessels and heat exchangers are designed and manufactured according to ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and TEMA R (Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association). Clauger-Technofrigo also provided personnel protection with rock wool and aluminum and winterization of the entire oil circuit.

Technical Data

Compressor: Oil-flooded, single-stage screw

Model: GEA XHA-XH36A-28

Capacity: 11427,0 Sm3/h

Gas Handled: Tail gas

Suction Pressure: 0,31 bar(g)

Discharge Pressure: 6,7 bar(g)

EM installed: 1.370 kW

Read more about the project here.