Paul N. Sharratt, School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, Professor, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, Manchester, M60 1QD, United Kingdom, Aurora Hernández Enríquez, SCEAS. Centre for Process Integration., PhD Student, The University of Manchester, Sackville Street, Manchester, M60 1QD, United Kingdom, and Antonio Flores Tlacuahuac, Department of Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Lecturer, Universidad Iberoamericana . Prol. Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fe, Mexico DF, 01219, Mexico.
In this work, an integrated model is presented that identifies key areas in the operation of a cryogenic NGL-recovery unit. This methodology sets out to provide deep understanding of various interrelationships across multiple plant operating factors including reliability, which could be essential for substantial improvement of process performance. The integrated steady-state model has been developed to predict the economic and environmental impacts of a real cryogenic unit (600 MMCUF/D) during normal operation, and has been built in Aspen Plus TM. Further models are required to test the complete control and reliability systems. The model agrees satisfactorily with the measured performance of the unit. It is used to evaluate the benefits and losses from improvements made to the unit. Model-based simulation reveals considerable opportunities to improve efficiency and control of bypassing, which can be used to improve the existing maintenance programs.